Assumption. Greek Orthodox Church. Agape news

Transcript

1 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Agape news April 2013

2 PARISH LIFE Sunday of Orthodoxy Procession of the Holy Icons Chris Avramopoulos, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Metropolis of Chicago, Presentation to our Youth on Fanari and Junior Olympics

3 PASTORAL MESSAGE Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption, Greetings in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We are now approaching the half way point of our journey of Great Lent and soon we will be commemorating together the passion of our Lord. It is easy for us to go through the motions and to not truly experience with Him the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The difference between just being present and truly being with Him is in how we understand our relationship with Christ. Is He an impersonal god whom we grew up being taught to glorify? Or is He our Father, or as we would say emphatically in Greek «Ο δικός μας Πατέρας» (our own Father)? If He is our own Father : How would we react to His hanging on the cross? Would we merely be solemn or would our eyes be full of tears? How would we celebrate His resurrection? Would we come get the light and leave (or not come at all) or would we receive of His Body and Blood and celebrate with our family in Christ? These questions are not a reflection of our faith, but more of our presence. Are we going through the motions or are we truly focused as though this is our first time experiencing Holy Week. For we not only commemorate these blessed events, we relive them with Him. Let this be the year that we all relive His Passion together with Him. Let this be the Year!!! Praying that you have a Blessed Holy Week, I remain, In Christ s Love, Rev. Father Jon Boukis PROISTAMENOS

4 SUNDAY SCHOOL All children with cumulative attendance of 80% or better have hit the mark and will be listed monthly in the Agape News. Congratulations to: Vasilia Boukis Daniel Dounoulis Evan Dounoulis Lydia Dounoulis Naina Ninan Naveen Ninan Junior Olympics Save the Dates!!! Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics May 24 th -26 th Fanari Summer Camp June 16 th -22 nd ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY Bible Study is an opportunity for us to apply the Scriptures to our everyday lives. The Bible is the Good News that enriches our faith and deepens our understanding of every issue that we face. This can only be done through obtaining the mind of the Holy Fathers. Let the scripture come alive in your life today!!! The Orthodox Bible Study will meet on Wednesday Evenings from 6:00pm-7:30pm (6:45pm during Lent) and on Thursday Mornings from 9:30am-11:00am. Make a commitment to learning His Word!

5 PHILOPTOCHOS RUMMAGE SALE It s never too early to donate to the rummage sale. We have made space in the garage to store your clean, gently used treasures until August. Please bring them in a closed box so they can be stacked in the garage. You may bring them on Sundays. Leave them in your car and you can unload them into the garage during coffee hour. Do You know of anyone in our parish graduating from High School or College? Please let us know so that we may properly recognize our graduates. Next Philoptochos Meeting is Sunday, April 14 th APRIL BIRTHDAYS 4 th Haroula Diakogeorgiou 7 th Matthaios Dounoulis 9 th Christos Andrianopoulos 9 th Georgia Andrianopoulos 9 th Sotiria Andrianopoulos 9 th Liz Gorman 12 th Steve Arvanitis 12 th Daniel Dounoulis 15 th Karisa Andrianopoulos 15 th Peter Gust 16 th Ann Polillo 16 th George Polios 19 th Molly Miller 19 th Shannon Thodos 20 th Tom Kouris 22 nd Konstantinos Dounoulis 24 th Jim Lamacki 29 th Terri Kandis 30 th George Coin 30 th Stephanie Thodos Just a few Saints (Namedays) commemorated in April th Lambros 23 rd George, Georgia 25 th Mark

6 PASCHA CELEBRATION Christ is Risen!!! Truly He is Risen!!! On the Great and Holy Day of Pascha, the entire Parish will come together in celebration of His victory over death!!! Following the Agape Vespers on Pascha, May 5 th, a Pascha Feast will be held with Lamb and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. Make your favorite side dish or dessert, come and celebrate! (There will be a sign up sheet at the Church) PALM SUNDAY PLAKI LUNCHEON On Sunday, April 28, 2013, the Philoptochos is preparing a Plaki Luncheon following the Divine Liturgy. Come and enjoy a Fellowship Luncheon as a great way to begin Holy Week. $15.00 for Plaki $5.00 for Pizza (Kids 8 and under are free)

7 JUNIOR OLYMPICS 32 nd Annual Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics May 24 th 26 th, 2013 Hosted by: Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church (Palos Hills, IL) The purpose of the Junior Olympics is to encourage athletic competition and fellowship on a Metropolis-wide scale. The program has the participation of over 35 Parishes on average with over 2,000 participants each year and consists of three days of sporting, social, and spiritual events. Events for the athletic participation are as follows: Track & Field: Boys and Girls, 8-18 years old. Swimming: Boys and Girls, 8-18 years old. 10-K Run: Boys and Girls and Adults, years old. Tennis: Boys and Girls, years old. Table Tennis: Boys and Girls, 8-18 years old. Chess: Boys and Girls, 8-18 years old. Checkers: Boys and Girls, 8-18 years old. Backgammon/Tavli: Boys and Girls, 8-18 years old. Bowling: Boys and Girls, years old. Wrestling: Boys and Girls, 9-18 years old. For more information please visit: If you are interested in being part of this event and representing our Parish, please contact Paris Fotos at or by e- mail at pgfotos@yahoo.com. You need to contact Paris by April 30 th, 2013 to register for one or more of the events above. We are hoping to have several participants for this exciting event and of course bring some medals back to The Assumption Parish of East Moline, Illinois.

8 GREEK CULTURAL FEST Sponsorship Program Friday, June 14 th and Saturday, June 15 th Please join the 2013 Presenting Sponsor In sponsoring this year s Greek Cultural Festival. Gold Event Sponsor Gift of $2500 Sponsor will receive: 20 Person VIP Tent 2 *New for 2013* $625 in Food Coupons Admission Tickets with your business logo ($1000 Value) 20 Wine Tasting Tickets ($400 Value) Name and Logo on Sponsor Banner Full Page in Festival Book Bronze Event Sponsor Gift of $500 Sponsor will receive: $125 in Food Coupons Admission Tickets ($200 Value) 4 Wine Tasting Tickets ($80 Value) Quarter Page in Festival Book Silver Event Sponsor Gift of $1000 Sponsor will receive: $250 in Food Coupons Admission Tickets with your business logo ($400 Value) 10 Wine Tasting Tickets ($200 Value) Name and Logo on Sponsor Banner Half Page in Festival Book Business Sponsor Gift of $250 Sponsor will receive: $50 in Food Coupons 1 75 Admission Tickets ($150 Value) 2 Wine Tasting Tickets ($40 Value) Name listed in Sponsor Book 1 Food Coupons are redeemable for 1 Food or Beverage Item up to $5 from the Outdoor Tent Area (excluding Pastries). 2 Each Gold Sponsor will have their own VIP Tent which will include limited beverages and hors d oeuvres for 2 hours each Day during primetime (7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) reserved with seating

9 GREEK CULTURAL FEST First Annual Greek Cultural Fest HERCULES HUSTLE Run/Walk Saturday - June 15, 2013 KID S ¼ MILE RUN 9:00 AM 5K RUN/WALK 9:30 AM Rain or Shine No Refunds COST: $25.00 ADULT/$15.00 CHILD COST INCLUDES FREE ADMISSION TO GREEKFEST JUNE 14 TH AND 15 th, T-SHIRT, AWARDS, AND POST RACE PARTY. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE GREEK CULTURAL FESTIVAL AWARDS AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS BY AGE GROUP, OVERALL AND BEST COSTUME! CONTACT INFORMATION: GREEKFESTRUN@ YAHOO.COM Registration Forms can be picked up at the Church, downloaded from the Assumption Home page at or you may register online at (additional fees apply). PACKET PICK UP IS FRIDAY, JUNE 14 TH 10:00 AM-8:00 PM ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 4900 KENNEDY DRIVE - EAST MOLINE, IL

10 HOLY FRIDAY EPITAPHIOS. HOLY FRIDAY LUMINARY BAGS Candlelit bags honoring our deceased loved ones will be lighting our courtyard as we make the procession around our blessed church with the Body of Christ (or on the Solea in case of inclement weather). On each bag will be listed the name(s) of your loved ones who have fallen asleep and from whom the luminary is offered. The names that are offered will be commemorated silently before the Epitafion during the Friday evening service. The cost is $5 per name (thus $10 for a couple). The deadline is Palm Sunday. I would like to donate the following luminary bags: Total number of names at $5 each = $ Donate by: Please write checks to: Assumption Church

11 . SERVICE LUMINARIES You may order luminaries for the Epitaphios Service by either returning the form on the previous page or by picking up an order form on Sunday, April 21 st, or Palm Sunday, April 28 th, at the candle stand. There will also be a table set up on Palm Sunday during the Plaki Luncheon to accept your reservations. The deadline is Palm Sunday, April 28 th.

12 SAINT MARK THE EVANGELIST Mark the Apostle and Evangelist Commemorated April 25 Mark was an idolater from Cyrene of Pentapolis, which is near Libya. Having come to the Faith of Christ through the Apostle Peter, he followed him to Rome. While there, at the prompting of Peter himself and at the request of the Christians living there, he wrote his Gospel in Greek, and it is second in order after Matthew's. Afterwards, travelling to Egypt, he preached the Gospel there and was the first to establish the Church in Alexandria. The idolaters, unable to bear his preaching, seized him, bound him with ropes, and dragged him through the streets until he, cut to pieces on rocks, gave up his soul. It is said that he completed his life in martyrdom about the year 68. He is depicted in holy icons with a lion next to him, one of the living creatures mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), and a symbol of Christ's royal office, as Saint Irenaeus of Lyons writes. If April 25 falls on or before Great and Holy Pascha, the Feast of St. Mark is translated to Bright Tuesday. Apolytikion O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins. Kontakion When thou hadst received the Spirit's grace from Heaven's heights, thou rentest apart the webs of the philosophers; and on catching all of the nations in thy net, O all-lauded Mark, thou didst offer them to thy Lord, by preaching the Gospel of divine renown.

13 SAINT JAMES, SON OF ZEBEDEE James the Apostle & brother of St. John the Theologian April 30 James was one of the Twelve, like his brother John (Sept. 26), whom the Lord called "Sons of Thunder," because they became great preachers and because of their profound theology. It was the Saint's boldness in preaching the Gospel that Herod Agrippa, the son of Aristobulus and grandson of Herod the Great, could not endure, and so he took him into custody during the days of the Passover, and slew him with the sword (Acts 12: 1-2); and thus he drank the cup of which the Saviour had spoken to him prophetically (Matt. 20:23). As for Herod, the following year he went down to Caesarea, and, as the Acts of the Apostles records: "Upon a set day, Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration" to the elders of Tyre and Sidon; and the flatterers that surrounded him "gave a shout, saying, 'it is the voice of a god, and not of a man.' And immediately an Angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory; and like his grandfather "he was eaten of worms and gave up the spirit" (Acts 12:21-23) Apolytikion O Holy Apostle James, intercede with the merciful God that He grant unto our souls forgiveness of offences. Kontakion The voice of thy God thou heardest when it called to thee, O glorious James; hence, casting off thy father's love, thou together with John thy brother didst run straightway to Christ the Lord, and with him was granted to see the Lord's most divine Transfiguration.

14 GREAT AND HOLY LENT The Liturgical services of the Church are filled with beautiful hymns whose imagery can truly move you. This is especially true during the services of Great and Holy Lent! Don t let another year pass by without experiencing the Great Compline on the Mondays of Lent; the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on the Wednesdays of Lent and the Salutations to the Theotokos on the Fridays of Great Lent. Make this the year that you attend all the services as you fast and pray in preparation for the Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Lord!!! Fasting without Prayer is like driving a car without gasoline Fasting allows each of us to create within us a controlled need for the Lord...it is preparing the ground for planting. We must sow into our fasting the seeds of prayer. During Great Lent, pray the Prayer of St. Ephrem...then reflect on its meaning. Allow this powerful prayer of the Lenten Season to reside in your heart, which fasting has softened! Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. Yea, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.

15 SERVICE SCHEDULE April 1 Monday Great Compline (7:00 p.m.) April 3 Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy (7:00 p.m.) April 5 Friday 3 rd Salutations to the Theotokos (7:00 p.m.) April 7 Sunday Sunday of the Holy Cross 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. All-English Divine Liturgy April 8 Monday Great Compline (7:00 p.m.) April 10 Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy (7:00 p.m.) April 12 Friday 4 th Salutations to the Theotokos (7:00 p.m.) April 14 Sunday Sunday of St. John Climacus 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy April 15 Monday Great Compline (7:00 p.m.) April 17 Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy (7:00 p.m.) April 19 Friday Akathist Hymn (7:00 p.m.) April 21 Sunday Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. All-English Divine Liturgy April 27 Saturday Saturday of Lazarus 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy April 28 Sunday Palm Sunday 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 7:00 p.m. Bridegroom Service April 29 Monday Holy Monday 7:00 p.m. Bridegroom Service April 30 Tuesday Holy Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Bridegroom Service

16 CHURCH. A Sunday Monday Tuesday 1 2 P R I L Sunday of the Holy Cross Orthros 9:00am Liturgy 10:00am Family Worship Coffee Hour All-English Sunday 7 14 Sunday of St. John Climacus Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Philoptochos Meeting 21 Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Spring General Assembly All-English Sunday Palm Sunday Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Family Worship Plaki Luncheon 7:00pm Bridegroom Service 28 Great Compline 7:00pm Great Compline 7:00pm Great Compline 7:00pm HOLY MONDAY 7:00pm Bridegroom Service 6:30pm - Parish Council Meeting 6:30pm - General Festival Meeting HOLY TUESDAY 7:00pm Bridegroom Service

17 . CALENDAR Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 3 6:00pm-6:45pm Orthodox Bible Study 4 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study 5 6 Presanctified Liturgy 7:00pm 3rd Salutations to the Theotokos 7:00pm 10 6:00pm-6:45pm Orthodox Bible Study 11 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study :00am - Evangelism Committee Meeting Presanctified Liturgy 7:00pm 4th Salutations to the Theotokos 7:00pm 17 6:00pm-6:45pm Orthodox Bible Study 18 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study Presanctified Liturgy 7:00pm No Bible Study 24 No Bible Study 25 Akathist Hymn 7:00pm Saturday of Lazarus Divine Liturgy 10:00am Church Decorating for Palm Sunday Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Fish Allowed Fast Free

18 Πρόγραμμα Ιερών Ακολουθίων 1 Απριλίου Δευτέρα Μέγα Απόδειπινο 7:00 μ.μ. 3 Απριλίου Τετάρτη Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 7:00 μ.μ. 5 Απριλίου Παρασκευή Γ Χαιρετισμοί 7:00 μ.μ. 7 Απριλίου Κυριακή Γ Κυριακή των Νηστειών 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 8 Απριλίου Δευτέρα Μέγα Απόδειπινο 7:00 μ.μ. 10 Απριλίου Τετάρτη Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 7:00 μ.μ. 12 Απριλίου Παρασκευή Δ Χαιρετισμοί 7:00 μ.μ. 14 Απριλίου Κυριακή Δ Κυριακή των Νηστειών 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 15 Απριλίου Δευτέρα Μέγα Απόδειπινο 7:00 μ.μ. 17 Απριλίου Τετάρτη Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 7:00 μ.μ. 19 Απριλίου Παρασκευή Ακάθιστος Ύμνος 7:00 μ.μ. 21 Απριλίου Κυριακή Ε Κυριακή των Νηστειών 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 27 Απριλίου Σάββατο Σάββατο του Λαζάρου 9:30 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 28 Απριλίου Κυριακή Κυριακή των Βαϊων 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 7:00 μ.μ. Όρθρος του Νυμφίου 29 Απριλίου Δευτέρα Μεγάλη Δευτέρα 7:00 μ.μ. Όρθρος του Νυμφίου 30 Απριλίου Τρίτη Μεγάλη Τρίτη 7:00 μ.μ. Όρθρος του Νυμφίου

19 DIAKONIA Prosforo Schedule April 7 Elaine Eleftheropoulos April 14 Kathy Panouses April 21 Toula Fotos April 28 Georgia Eleftheropoulos Coffee Hour April 7 Dounoulis Family April 14 Not Yet Reserved April 21 Not Yet Reserved April 28 Philoptochos Plaki Luncheon Sunday Gospel and Epistle Readings April 7 Gospel Mark 8:34-9:1 Epistle Hebrews 4:14-5:6 April 14 Gospel Mark 9:17-31 Epistle Hebrews 6:13-20 April 21 Gospel Mark 10:32-45 Epistle Hebrews 9:11-14 April 28 Gospel John 12:1-18 Epistle Philippians 4:4-9 Parish Council Ushering Schedule April 7 th - Denny Mekus 14 th - George Georgiadis 21 st - Kosta Dounoulis 28 th - John Stopoulos May 5 th - Cathy Diakogeorgiou 12 th - Matt Miller 19 th - Paris Fotos 26 st - Mike Haney June 2 nd - Denny Mekus 9 th - George Georgiadis 16 th - Kosta Dounoulis 23 rd - John Stopoulos 30 th - Cathy Diakogeorgiou For each Sunday, the council member listed is to be present at 9:00 a.m. The council member listed for the week following will be assigned to help during the Divine Liturgy beginning at 9:50 a.m. through the processing of the collection.

20 Άγιος Μάρκος Ο Άγιος ΜΑΡΚΟΣ ο Απόστολος και Ευαγγελιστής 25 Απριλίου Ήταν ανεψιός του Αποστόλου Βαρνάβα και η μητέρα του ονομαζόταν Μαρία. Η καταγωγή του ήταν μάλλον απο την Κύπρο, αργότερα όμως εγκαταστάθηκε στα Ιεροσόλυμα. Ο Μάρκος απο πολύ νωρίς μπήκε στην υπηρεσία της Εκκλησίας, συνοδεύοντας το θείο του Βαρνάβα και τον Απ. Παύλο στις διάφορες περιοδείες τους. Επίσης, εργάσθηκε για πολύ καιρό κοντά στον Απ. Πέτρο. Κατά την παράδοση, ο Μάρκος κήρυξε το Ευαγγέλιο στην Αίγυπτο, τη Λιβύη, τη Βαρβαρία, και είχε χρηματίσει πρώτος επίσκοπος Αλαξανδρείας. Για τον τρόπο του θανάτου του οι γνώμες διΐστανται. Η μία αναφέρει οτι πέθανε ειρηνικά στην Αλεξάνδρεια, ενώ η άλλη, οτι πέθανε δια πυρός απο τους ειδωλολάτρες. Το σπουδαίο είναι οτι ο Μάρκος έγραψε το δεύτερο κατά σειρά στην Καινή Διαθήκη Ευαγγέλιο. "Ζωγραφίζει" μέσα σ αυτό τη δύναμη του Χριστού, ιδιαίτερα δια των θαυμάτων. Γι αυτό και οι αγιογράφοι τοποθετούν δίπλα στον ευαγγελιστή Μάρκο ένα λιοντάρι, που είναι σύμβολο της δύναμης. Έτσι ο ευαγγελιστής Μάρκος στους αιώνες μας "ευαγγελίζεται την πίστην", δηλαδή, μας κηρύττει την πίστη, για τη δόξα του Θεού και τη σωτηρία των ψυχών. Απολυτίκιον Απόστολε Άγιε, καί Ευαγγελιστά Μάρκε, πρέσβευε τώ ελεήμονι Θεώ, ίνα πταισμάτων άφεσιν παράσχη ταίς ψυχαίς ημών. Κοντάκιον Εξ ύψους λαβών, τήν χάριν τήν τού Πνεύματος, ρητόρων πλοκάς, διέλυσας Απόστολε, καί τά έθνη άπαντα, σαγηνεύσας, Μάρκε αοίδιμε, τώ Δεσπότη προσήγαγες, τό θείον κηρύξας Ευαγγέλιον.

21 Άγιος Ιἀκωβος του Ζεβεδαίου Ο Άγιος ΙΑΚΩΒΟΣ ο Απόστολος αδελφός Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου 30 Απριλίου Ήταν γιός του Ζεβεδαίου και αδελφός του ευαγγελιστή Ιωάννη. Ο Χριστός τον βρήκε κοντά στη λίμνη της Τιβεριάδος, στο πλοίο του πατέρα του, να διορθώνει δίχτυα. Εκεί, τον κάλεσε μαζί με τον αδελφό του Ιωάννη, αφού προηγουμένως είχε καλέσει και τα άλλα αδέλφια, Ανδρέα και Πέτρο. Ο Ιάκωβος είχε ιδιαίτερη εκτίμηση απο τον Κύριο, που σε πολλές περιπτώσεις τον έπαιρνε κοντά Του. Μάλιστα, η μητέρα του Ιακώβου και του Ιωάννη, βλέποντας αυτή την εύνοια που έδειχνε ο Κύριος στους γιούς της, ζήτησε να καθήσουν τα παιδιά της δεξιά και αριστερά απο το θρόνο Του, την ημέρα της δόξας Του. Ο Κύριος μεταξύ άλλων απάντησε οτι θάρθει καιρός που θα πιούν το ποτήρι που θα πιεί Αυτός, εννοώντας, φυσικά, το μαρτύριό Του. Πράγματι, η προφητεία για τον Ιάκωβο εκπληρώθηκε μετά 49 χρόνια. Τότε ο Ιάκωβος ήταν στο Ιεροσόλυμα και κήρυττε στην εκεί Εκκλησία. Ο Ηρώδης Αγρίππας για να ικανοποιήσει το μίσος των Ιουδαίων, συνέλαβε μαζί με άλλους χριστιανούς τον Ιάκωβο και τον σκότωσε με μαχαίρι. Αξίζει να αναφέρουμε οτι ο Ιάκωβος και ο Ιωάννης ονομάστηκαν υιοί βροντής, για τη δύναμη του κηρύγματός τους. Απολυτίκιον Απόστολε Άγιε Ιάκωβε, πρέσβευε τώ ελεήμονι Θεώ, ίνα πταισμάτων άφεσιν παράσχη ταίς ψυχαίς ημών. Κοντάκιον Φωνής θεϊκής, ακούσας προσκαλούσης σε, αγάπην πατρός, παρείδες καί προσέδραμες, τώ Χριστώ Ιάκωβε, μετά καί τού συγγόνου σου ένδοξε, μεθ' ού καί ηξιώθης ιδείν, Κυρίου τήν θείαν Μεταμόρφωσιν.

22 SPRING GENERAL ASSEMBLY NOTICE OF PARISH ASSEMBLY TO BE HELD ON APRIL 21, 2013 An assembly of all the stewards* of the parish will occur on Sunday, April 21, following the DIVINE LITURGY. The agenda will be as follows: 1. Opening Prayer / Attendance 2. Determination of Quorum* requirement of parishioners** 3. Election of Assembly Chairperson 4. Minutes of Previous Assembly 5. Reports a. Parish Priest s Report b Parish Council President s Report on Audited Financials c. Treasurer s Report d. Stewardship e. Cultural Festival Update 6. Property Capital Improvements (HVAC, hall roof, etc.) 7. Unfinished Business 8. New Business affecting the life of the Parish 9. Adjournment / Closing Prayer *Quorum The presence of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the Parishioners in good standing shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. If a quorum cannot be achieved, no vote can be taken. Within twenty-one (21) days, a Parish Assembly shall be called a second time. At such time, decisions may be taken by the number of parishioners in good standing present, with the exception of matters pertaining to the purchase, sale or encumbering of Parish property which shall require a quorum. **Parishioners Any person, eighteen years of age or over, who was baptized according to the rites of the Church, or was received into the Church through Chrismation, who lives according to the Faith and canons of the Church, abides by the Uniform Parish Regulations and these appended by laws, and fulfills his or her financial obligation to the Parish, and cooperates in every way towards the well -being of the Parish is a member in good standing of the Parish. The definition of fulfilling one s financial obligation to the Parish is by necessity flexible. Generally, for purposes of participating in Parish Assemblies

23 SPRING GENERAL ASSEMBLY and elections, one is considered to have fulfilled his or her financial obligation to the Parish if he or she has pledged and paid an amount certain for the year prior to the current year and has no outstanding pledge balances for any year prior. However, in the event an individual neglects to pledge a specific amount for the prior year, but has committed spiritually, morally and financially (at a minimum of 50% of the parish s prior year average pledge) to the Greek Orthodox Faith and the parish and the records of the parish so reflect the financial commitment, he or she will be considered to have fulfilled his or her financial obligation and be eligible to vote. (Stewardship is recommended to be ten percent (10%) of one s annual income as stated in Holy Scripture to help meet the financial obligations of the Parish, the Metropolis and the Archdiocese.) For new members, as stated in the UPR (Article 25, Section 5): A new parishioner of the parish may vote in the election if he/she has become a member in good standing at least three (3) months prior thereto. In instances of financial hardship or of dependent students and/or parents, the Parish Priest may waive or modify the above requirements. HOSPITAL VISITATION Hospital Visitation is a ministry that we as Orthodox take very seriously, because it is at times when our fallen humanity is failing that we often times also experience spiritual weakness. Just a reminder, hospital visitations and visitation to our homebound parishioners are of utmost importance, but will only occur when the request comes from the family directly. Please respect this policy and also the Church and the Clergy. With pastoral love, Rev. Father Jon S. Boukis PROISTAMENOS Fr. Jon s Contact Numbers Church: (309) Home: (309)

24 2013 ANNUAL GOLF OUTING Greek Cultural Festival 7 th Annual Golf Tournament Monday, June 24, :00 a.m. Shotgun Start $100 per golfer includes Greens Fees, Practice Range, Cart, Locker Room and Shower Facilities, On Course Soft Drinks, Continental Breakfast, Casual Lunch, On Course Events Sponsorship Opportunities: Presenting Sponsor ($2,000) Lunch Sponsor ($1,000) Breakfast Sponsor ($500) Beverage Cart Sponsor ($500) Cart Sponsor ($300) Raffle Sponsor ($200) Hole/Green Sponsor ($200) See you at TPC Deere Run!!!

25 GOLF OUTING REGISTRATION Name: Company: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: I am organizing a Foursome, attached is a check(s) For foursome(s) x $400 = (with 2 or more Foursomes you receive a free Hole Sponsorship!) I am golfing as an individual; please place me in a foursome or with: I enjoy the Golf Outing and would like to be one of the sponsors: Company/Individual Name: Presenting Sponsor ($2,000) Lunch Sponsor ($1,000) Beverage Cart Sponsor ($500) Breakfast Sponsor ($500) Golf Hole/Green Sponsor ($200) Golf Cart Sponsor ($300) Shared Hole/Green Sponsor ($100) Raffle Sponsor ($200) I can t golf, but please accept my donation of $ Please return prior to May 30 th with payment to: GREEK CULTURAL FESTIVAL 4900 Kennedy Dr., East Moline, IL Additional Golfers for Foursome Reservations Golfer #2 Golfer #3 Golfer #4

26 PASCHA DONATIONS NEEDED Icon Wreaths ($50 each) 1st Salutations 2nd Salutations 3rd Salutations 4th Salutations Akathist Hymn Saturday of Lazarus Palm Sunday Palm Sunday Bridegroom Holy Monday Bridegroom Holy Tuesday Bridegroom Holy Wed. Last Supper (Donated) Wreath for Holy Cross (Donated) Holy Friday Apocathelosis Holy Friday Crucifixion Holy Saturday Resurrection Resurrection (Round) (Donated) Daffodils (Holy Cross Sunday) (Donated) Palms for Palm Sunday (Donated) Holy Unction Supplies ($25) Epitaphion Flowers (Donated) Gardenias for Epitaphion (Donated) Bay Leaves (Donated) Easter Lilies (30 x $10) Pascha Eggs (Donated) Ribbon and Tulle for Eggs (Donated) Pascha Resurrection Meal (Donated) Lamb for Lamb Roast (Donated) Resurrection Priest Candle (Donated) Candy and Plastic Eggs (Donated) Rose Petals for Flower Girls (Donated) Charcoal (2 x $25 each) Please call Fr. Jon and make an offering today! Donations will be offered in the following 2 formats: For the health of and In Memory of FINANCIAL POSITION 2013 Budgeted General Fund Expenses $202,600 Total General Fund Expenses through March 31 st $50, Total Stewardship through March 31 st $30, YTD 2012 Shortfall of Expenses to Stewardship $20, Other General Fund Income (Candles, Events, Etc.) $8, Year-To-Date 2013 Cashflow Shortfall $12, Unpaid Archdiocese Total Commitment $5, Year-To-Date 2013 Shortfall $18,014.78

27 2013 STEWARSHIP UPDATE Stewardship Pledges received as of March 28, 2013 Haline Akulow Orest Akulow John Arvanitis Michael and Nancy Avgenackis Bill Bagatelas Theodore and Karen Bagatelas Paula Baker Ludmilla Cherevko Victor and Judy Cherevko Abraham and Molly Chirackal Ashor Chirackal George and Nancy Coin Dennis and Pam Collier Dr. Costas and Yvonne Constantinou Angie Dokolas Lee Dokolas Dr. Konstantinos and Allison Dounoulis Anne Driscoll George and Georgia Eleftheropoulos Susan Fotiadis Gus and Toula Fotos Michael and Elizabeth Gorman Elizabeth Gregory Tom Gregory Pete and Arlene Gust Mike and Helen Haney Justin and Andromahi Harrison Jim Jannes Deno and Dr. Ann Kandis Francis Kandis Mike and Terri Kandis Georgiana and Patricia Kutrumanes Peter Lingris Thomas Lingris 68 Stewardship Pledges received for a total of: $90,200 Georgia and Roger Lovejoy Celia Lubbers Christ and Susan Mekus Demos Mekus Lambros and Lisa Mihalopoulos Matt Miller Bill and Linda Minas Michael and Roseann Monn Katherine Moraetes Don and Deana Olvera-Mundt Orion Naco Biju and Sholly Ninan Angela Olvera Daphne Olvera Saki Padazopoulos Bill Panouses Chris Panouses Helen Panouses Katherine Panouses Marena Panousis Spiros and Carol Pappaspiros Jimmy Pliakos Ann Polillo David L. Ray Colette Spurgetis Frank Spurgetis Soc Spurgetis Paraskevi Stamatoukos Anthony and Joan Stopoulos Jim and Kristel Stopoulos Bill and Tracey Theofilis Kostas Theofilis John and Tricia Thodos Frank Vretis That s an average of $1426 per Assumption Family!! Please take a moment and fill our you pledge card today.

28 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Parish Council Meeting Minutes February 12, 2013 Call to Order at 7:01pm. Fr. Jon led the opening prayer. Roll Call: Present: John Stopoulos, Cathy Diakageorgiou, Mike Haney, Paris Fotos, Kosta Dounoulis, Denny Mekus and George Georgiadis Excused: Orest Akulow and Matt Miller Treasurer s Report: Current Balance is $3, (January 30 th, 2013 balance was $2,131.23, which is $7 less than last year). Need $1, to pay upcoming bills and dues to the Archdiocese. Motion made by Denny to transfer/borrow $8, with intent to reimburse from the memorial fund. 2 nd by: Cathy. Priest s Report/New Business: Looking at possibly holding General Assembly in April, date will be decided next meeting. Debit Option for Stewardship. Cost would be $0.50 one-time authorization fee and $0.25 per transaction. Motion to have Fr. Jon check into setting up Debit Transfer Account made by Kosta. 2 nd by: Paris. Mardi Gras on March 9 th, Need to know by February 27 th, 2013 who will bring baskets to auction? March 15 th, 2013 thru March 18 th, 2013 Fr. Jon will be in Boston. We will have a substitute fill in for Church services on March 17 th, Still need member s pictures for photo directory. It s Greek to Me, will be held on the Tuesday before festival on June 11 th, Need person to coordinate event? Typically have 20 people visit the church for lunch and learn about the culture, take a tour of the church, etc. All keys to the church are accounted for. Thanks to Pam and Dennis Collier for painting the Men s Bathroom. Solea Lights. The seven large can lights above the altar need to be rewired. Quote is $1, from West Maintenance Inc. Wiring is not up to code and needs to be repaired/replaced. Motion to use West

29 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Maintenance Inc. to make required repairs by George. 2 nd by: Kosta. Golf Tournament date needs to be changed since it is currently scheduled the Monday before the festival. Denny and Paris will be part of the Golf committee and will also look for voulanteers to assist with making this event a success. Looking at possible dates of 6/24/2013 or 5/20/2013. Trivia Night Saturday February 23 rd, Currently have 7-8 tables. Need to try and add a few more teams. Patio Upgrades. Funding is available to do some upgrades to assist with the festival. Looking to make electrical upgrades to help benefit and save on costs for festival. Will get specifications and figures for next general assembly. Abraham has requested and it has been approved to use the facility on April 6 th, 2013 for 40 people. LED lights Proceeding with upgrading of lights that will bring significant savings annually. Motion made by Kosta, 2 nd by: Denny. Festival: Website for the festival should be up and running. Food menu and prices have been set. Have been contacting old and new sponsors for festival 1 st Annual Hercules Hustle Road Race is now set-up and people can register online. Corn Belt Running Club is assisting with the organization of the event and we will hold the packet pick-up the day before the event at the Church during Friday s festival. Parking across the street has been Ok d with the churches across the street. Kosta should have the Festival Board for the Church Hall up in 1-2 weeks. American band, Brother Trucker, has been secured for Saturday night and is being denoted by Pam and Dennis Collier and Denny and Molly Mekus. Will look to have Credit Card access during festival. Motion to adjourn by: Denny motioned, 2 nd by: Mike. Meeting adjourned at 9:05pm

30 Agape News SPONSORS The Agape News is made possible by the generous support of the following parishioners: Fr. Jon, Presbytera Doreece and Vasilia Boukis In Memory of Harry and Alfreda Arvanis Michael and Nancy Avgenackis In Memory of George Bagatelas Paul and Christine Bagatelas Family Theodore and Karen Bagatelas Paula Baker In Memory of Sadie (Elias) Bakeris In Memory of Jimmy Boukis Steve, Vaso and Lynn Boukis Kleo Caras Victor and Judy Cherevko Dennis and Pam Collier Miltos and Cathy Diakogeorgiou Dounoulis Family Litsa Gregory Tom P. Gregory Pete and Arlene Gust Mike and Helen Haney James Jannes Mike and Terri Kandis George and Helen Kontos Joyce Coughlin and JoAnn Kontos Anastasios and Dimitra Korovilas Ninan Family In Memory of Christ T. Panousis Fr. Basil and Christina Papanikolaou Spiro and Carol Pappaspiros Christ and Helen Petaros Ann Polillo Steve and Nancy Pyevich In Memory of Nickolaus, Halina, Andrei and Nickolaus Anthony and Joan Stopoulos Jim and Kristel Stopoulos Rick and Maria Krakos Thompson John and Mary Velon In Memory of George and Grace Vretis Sponsors offer $20 for the Ecclesiastical Year (beginning and ending Sept. 1 st ) Do you enjoy the Agape News? Then become a supporter!!! Here is my support of $20. Please list my sponsorship as follows:

31 The Windmill FAMILY RESTAURANT Reserve our banquet room today for your next celebration. Let us help create a special memory for you with our award-winning dishes. ADVERTISEMENTS Avenue of the Cities East Moline, IL (309) Miltos Diakogeorgiou, Parishioner Jose Zepeda, Chef Owners Owned by Chris & Kathy Panouses Presenting Sponsor of the 2012 Greek Cultural Festival Annual Golf Tournament 3629 Avenue of the Cities Moline, IL LCV Greek & Mediterranean Food Store Now selling a nice selection of Greek & Middle Eastern Products to the public Noon-5pm Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9am-Noon Saturday and by appointment th Ave. East Moline, IL Olympic Gyros Open 7 Days a Week 207 W. 53rd St. Davenport, IA Advantage Pest Control Servicing Assumption for 5 years Call Steve Today! 985 Ave. of the Cities Silvis, Illinois Owned by Parishioners John & MaryBeth Stopoulos Gulliver's Travel Southpark Mall Northpark Mall Duck Creek Plaza Todd Bagatelas, President

32 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 4900 Kennedy Drive East Moline, Illinois Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID E. Moline, IL. Permit No. 153