Assumption. Greek Orthodox Church. Agape news

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1 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Agape news November 2013

2 PARISH LIFE METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO CLERGY LAITY ASSEMBLY THURSDAY MORNING ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY IT S GREEK TO ME DANCING YOUTH APPLE PICKING METROPOLITAN IAKOVOS NAMEDAY DINNER ST. DEMETRIOS DINNER

3 PASTORAL MESSAGE Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption, For most of us, the month of November is defined by the holiday of Thanksgiving - it is a day that we think about all that the Lord has given us. Before Thanksgiving, we have our routines of work and school, but after Thanksgiving, our attention turns to preparations for Christmas. This year, as we enter this blessed season, let us not only thank God for all that He has given us as individuals, but also for what He has given us as His people. The obvious is His greatest gift - His Son. We look forward to Christmas, let us also look forward to the Nativity of the Lord. This may appear to be only a difference of words, but is it truly a difference of orientation - Christmas is most often looked at as a season, whereas the Nativity of the Lord is an event. In one case we prepare with decorations, presents and feasts - the other takes preparation of prayer, presence (at the Divine Services) and fasting. It is truly possible to do both, but for most, the event gets lost in the season. Some have even told me that they don t attend Church around Christmas because they are too busy preparing for Christmas - is this not completely backwards? To this end, the Clergy are attempting to lead by example. Beginning on November 15 th, our Parish and the Parish of St. George will celebrate the Σαρανταλείτουργο - 40 days of Divine Liturgies leading into the Nativity of the Lord. We will alternate between parish with each priest celebrating at his assigned parish and chanting at the other. Praying for the health of our parish, I invite you to attend as much as possible. Thanking the Lord for His Blessings on us, I remain in His Service, Rev. Father Jon Boukis PROISTAMENOS

4 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 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 Peter Stopoulos Save the Dates 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. December 8 th - St. Nicholas Gift Giving December 15 th - Christmas Pageant Dress Rehearsal December 21 st - Christmas Caroling December 22 nd - Christmas Pageant ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY This can only be done through obtaining the mind of the Holy Fathers. Let the scripture come alive in your life today!!! This year we will study the shorter Epistles of Paul: Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Please start the new ecclesiastical year with a renewed desire of learning the blessed scriptures and tradition of the Church. The Orthodox Bible Study will meet on Wednesday Evenings from 6:00pm-7:30pm and on Thursday Mornings from 9:30am-11:00am. Make a commitment to learning His Word!

5 Sesame Cookies November 4 th & 5 th Spanakopitakia November 8 th & 10 th Koulourakia November 11 th & 12 th Tiropitakia November 15 th & 16 th Paximathia November 18 th & 19 th PHILOPTOCHOS Philoptochos Christmas Bake Sale Saturday, December 14 th, 2013 Baking Schedule Kourambiethes December 2 nd & 3 rd Homemade Greek Bread December 12 th Baklava, Melomakarona & Chocolate Dipped Paximathia Done!!! Packaging December 11 th NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 st Lupe Olvera 1 st Dave Ray 1 st Bill Theofilis 2 nd Deno Kandis 5 th Penny Constantinou 6 th Arthur Scudder 8 th Kristel Stopoulos 8 th Christ Theofilis 9 th Stan Coin 19 th Deno Kouris 19 th Maria Krakos Thompson 20 th Roger Lubbers 1 st Cosmas & Damian 8 th Michael 9 th Nektarios 11 th Victor 14 th Philip 16 th Matthew 20 th Alex Papanikolaou 21 st Alex Lamacki 22 nd Peter Stopoulos 24 th Eleni Gorman 26 th Chris Mihalopoulos 27 th Emilie Bagatelas 27 th Nancy Coin 29 th Frank Spurgetis 29 th Kayla Theofilis 29 th Fr. Jon Boukis 30 th Daphne Olvera Just a few Saints (Namedays) commemorated in November th Catherine 26 rd Stylianos 30 th Andrew

6 GREEK WINE TASTING PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CARD Wish a Blessed Christmas to the entire Parish of the Assumption by filling out the form below and giving it to a Parish Council member at the Coffee Hour after the Divine Liturgy. Your investment is only $20 to send your greetings to the entire Parish!!! Deadline is December 9 th. ASSUMPTION CHURCH CHRISTMAS CARD APPLICATION Please include my name (family) on the Christmas Card as follows: (Please Print) Twenty Dollars ($20) must accompany this form.

7 Mitten Tree Please bring mittens, gloves, hats, socks and scarves to hang on our Mitten Tree in the hallway of the Church. Offerings should be for Children ages 12 and under and for women. generosity! CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS God Bless your St. Nicholas Gifting On Sunday, December 8 th, please bring a gift (cost $5-$10) for a child of your same sex and age. The gift should be wrapped and labeled accordingly. Following HOLY COMMUNION, the children will place their special gift on the Solea. The gifts will be distributed to children in need. CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Sunday, December 22 nd following the Divine Liturgy Come and celebrate in anticipation of His birth as our kids lead us in carols!!! Visit from Santa Please come and meet Santa on December 22 nd and just maybe he ll have a surprise for you. God Bless you all!!! Metropolis Open House On December 15 th, Fr. Jon will be going to the Metropolis for the Annual Christmas Open House to visit with His Eminence Metropolitan IAKOVOS. All are invited to come along so that we may show our love to our Spiritual Father by accepting his invitation and wishing him a Blessed Nativity.

8 SAINT CATHERINE Commemorated November 25 th The Holy Great Martyr Catherine was the daughter of Constus, the governor of Alexandrian Egypt during the reign of the emperor Maximian ( ). Living in the capital, the center of Hellenistic knowledge, and possessed of a rare beauty and intellect, Catherine received an excellent education, studying the works of the greatest philosophers and teachers of antiquity. Young men from the most worthy families of the empire sought her hand, but she was not interested in any of them. She told her parents that she would marry only someone who surpassed her in nobility, wealth, comeliness and wisdom. Catherine's mother, a secret Christian, sent her to her own spiritual Father, a saintly Elder living in a cave outside the city, for advice. After listening to Catherine, the Elder said that he knew of a Youth who surpassed her in everything. "His countenance is more radiant than the shining of the sun, and all of creation is governed by His wisdom. His riches are given to all the nations of the world, yet they never diminish. His compassion is unequaled." This description of the Heavenly Bridegroom produced in the soul of the holy maiden an ardent desire to see Him. "If you do as I tell you," said the monk, "you will gaze upon the countenance of this illustrious man." In parting, the Elder handed Catherine an icon of the Theotokos with the divine Child Jesus on Her arm and told her to pray with faith to the Queen of Heaven, the Mother of the Heavenly Bridegroom, and She would hear Catherine and grant her heart's desire. Catherine prayed all night and was permitted to see the Most Holy Virgin, Who said Her Divine Son, "Behold Thy handmaiden Catherine, how fair and virtuous she is." But the Child turned His face away from her saying, "No, she is ugly and unbelieving. She is a foolish pauper, and I cannot bear to look at her until she forsakes her impiety." Catherine returned again to the Elder deeply saddened, and told him what she had seen in the dream. He lovingly received her, instructed her in the faith of Christ, admonished her to preserve her purity and integrity and to pray unceasingly. She then received the Mystery of holy Baptism from him. Again St Catherine had a vision of the Most Holy Theotokos with Her Child. Now the Lord looked tenderly at her and gave her a beautiful ring, showing her betrothal to the Heavenly Bridegroom (This ring is still on her hand).

9 THE GREAT MARTYR At that time the emperor Maximian was in Alexandria for a pagan festival. The cries of the sacrificial animals, the smoke and the smell of the sacrifices, the endless blazing of fires, and the bustling crowds at the arenas defiled the city of Alexandria. Human victims were brought, the confessors of Christ, who would not deny Him under torture, were condemned to death in the fire. The saint's love for the Christian martyrs and her desire to ease their sufferings compelled Catherine to speak to the pagan priest and the emperor Maximian. Introducing herself, the saint confessed her faith in the One True God and with wisdom exposed the errors of the pagans. The beauty of the maiden captivated the emperor. In order to convince her and to show the superiority of pagan wisdom, the emperor ordered fifty of the most learned philosophers and rhetoricians of the Empire to dispute with her, but the saint got the better of the wise men, so that they came to believe in Christ themselves. St Catherine made the Sign of the Cross over the martyrs, and they bravely accepted death for Christ and were burned alive by order of the emperor. Maximian, no longer hoping to convince the saint, tried to entice her with the promise of riches and fame. Receiving an angry refusal, the emperor gave orders to subject the saint to terrible tortures and then throw her in prison. The Empress Augusta, who had heard much about the saint, wanted to see her. She prevailed upon the military commander Porphyrius to accompany her to the prison with a detachment of soldiers. The empress was impressed by the strong spirit of St Catherine, whose face was radiant with divine grace. Catherine explained the Christian teaching to them, and they were converted. On the following day they again brought the martyr to the judgment court where, under the threat of being broken on the wheel, they urged that she renounce the Christian Faith and offer sacrifice to the gods. The saint steadfastly confessed Christ and she herself approached the wheels; but an angel smashed the instruments of execution, which shattered into pieces. Having beheld this wonder, the Empress Augusta and the imperial courtier Porphyrius with 200 soldiers confessed their faith in Christ in front of everyone, and they were beheaded. St Catherine firmly confessed her fidelity to the heavenly Bridegroom Christ, and with a prayer to Him she herself lay her head on the block beneath the executioner's sword. The relics of St Catherine were taken by the angels to Mount Sinai. In the sixth century, the venerable head and left hand of the holy martyr were found through a revelation and transferred with honor to a newly-constructed church of the Sinai monastery, built by the holy Emperor Justinian (November 14). St Catherine is called upon for relief of difficult childbirth. At her monastery on Mt Sinai, pilgrims are given souvenir rings as a remembrance of their visit.

10 PHILOPTOCHOS BAKE SALE

11 SERVICE SCHEDULE November 3 Sunday 5 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 8 Friday Synaxis of the Archangels 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 9 Saturday Feast of St. Nektarios the Wonderworker 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 10 Sunday 8 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 15 Friday 40 Divine Liturgies 9:00 a.m (Assumption, EM) November 16 Saturday Feast of St. Matthew 9:00 a.m (Assumption, EM) November 17 Sunday 9 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 18 Monday 40 Divine Liturgies 9:00 a.m (St. George, RI) November 19 Tuesday 40 Divine Liturgies 9:00 a.m (Assumption, EM) November 20 Wednesday 40 Divine Liturgies 9:00 a.m (Assumption, EM) November 21 Thursday Great Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos 8:00 a.m. Orthros (St. George, RI) 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy (St. George, RI) November 22 Friday 40 Divine Liturgies 9:00 a.m (Assumption, EM) November 23 Saturday 40 Divine Liturgies 9:00 a.m (St. George, RI) November 24 Sunday 13 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 25 Monday Feast of St. Catherine the Great Martyr 8:00 a.m. Orthros (Assumption, EM) 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy (Assumption, EM) November 26 Tuesday Feast of St. Stylianos 9:00 a.m (St. George, RI) November 27 Wednesday 40 Divine Liturgies 9:00 a.m (Assumption, EM) November 28 Thursday 40 Divine Liturgies 9:00 a.m (St. George, RI) November 29 Friday 40 Divine Liturgies 9:00 a.m (St. George, RI) November 30 Saturday Feast of St. Andrew the First Called 8:00 a.m. Orthros (St. George, RI) 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy (St. George, RI)

12 CHURCH. N O V E M B E R Sunday Monday Tuesday Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Fish Allowed Fast Free 5th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour All-English Sunday 8th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Philoptochos Meeting Sunday School Coffee Hour Tiropitakia Baking (1:00pm) 9th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour 13th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Family Worship Coffee Hour Beginning on November 15 th, we are called to Lord s Nativity (Dec. 25 th ). Fasting, though, is Likewise, we will observe the ancient tradition Liturgies) beginning November 15 th. The Pari observe this expression of love in alternating f "In the Divine Liturgy is celebrated essence is contagious. (From the Sesame Cookie Baking 9:00am Koulourakia Baking 9:00am (St. George) Paximathia Baking 10:00am 25 Feast of St. Catherine the Great Martyr Orthros 8:00am (Assumption) Sesame Cookie Baking 9:00am Koulourakia Baking 9:00am (Assumption) Paximathia Baking 10:00am 6:30pm - Parish Council Meeting 26 Feast of St. Stylianos (St. George)

13 . CALENDAR Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday fast in anticipation and preparation of the needless without prayer. of the Σαρανταλείτουργο (40 Daily Divine shes of the Assumption and St. George will ashion, praying for our community. the mystery of love. And love in its Book, St. John of Kronstadt ) Fr. Jon at Archdiocesan Presbyters Retreat 1 2 St. John Chrysostom, Jelly Belly Warehouse & St. Iakovos Reterat Center Bus Trip Departing 7:00am 6 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 13 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 20 (Assumption) 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 27 (Assumption) 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 7 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study It s Greek to Me 1:00pm 14 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study 21 Entrance of the Theotokos Orthros 8:00am (St. George) No Bible Study 28 (St. George) THANKSGIVING DAY Church Office Closed 8 Synaxis of Archangel Michael Divine Liturgy 10:00am Tiropitakia Baking 11:00am 15 (Assumption) Spanakopitakia Baking 10:00am 22 (Assumption) 29 (St. George) 9 Feast of St. Nektarios the Wonderworker Divine Liturgy 10:00am GCF Wine Tasting 6:00pm - 8:00pm 16 Feast of St. Matthew the Evangelist (Assumption) Spanakopitakia Baking 10:00am 23 (St. George) 30 Feast of St. Andrew the First Called Orthros 8:00am (St. George)

14 Πρόγραμμα Ιερών Ακολουθίων 3 Νοεβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Ε του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 8 Νοεβρίου Παρασκευή Σύναξις Ταξιαρχών Μιχαήλ και Γαβριήλ 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 9 Νοεβρίου Σάββατο Άγιος Νεκτάριος ο Θαυματουργός 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10 Νοεβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Η του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 15 Νοεβρίου Παρασκευή Σαρανταλείτουργο 9:00 π.μ. (Assumption, EM) 16 Νοεβρίου Σάββατο Απόστολος Ματθαίος 9:00 π.μ. (Assumption, EM) 17 Νοεβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Θ του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 18 Νοεβρίου Δευτέρα Σαρανταλείτουργο 9:00 π.μ. (St. George, RI) 19 Νοεβρίου Τρίτη Σαρανταλείτουργο 9:00 π.μ. (Assumption, EM) 20 Νοεβρίου Τετάρτη Σαρανταλείτουργο 9:00 π.μ. (Assumption, EM) 21 Νοεβρίου Πέμπτη Είσοδος της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου 8:00 π.μ. Όρθρος (St. George, RI) 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία (St. George, RI) 22 Νοεβρίου Παρασκευή Σαρανταλείτουργο 9:00 π.μ. (Assumption, EM) 23 Νοεβρίου Σάββατο Σαρανταλείτουργο 9:00 π.μ. (St. George, RI) 24 Νοεβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή ΙΓ του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 25 Νοεβρίου Δευτέρα Αγία Αικατερίνη Μεγαλομάρτυς 8:00 π.μ. Όρθρος (Assumption, EM) 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία (Assumption, EM) 26 Νοεβρίου Τρίτη Άγιος Στυλιανός 9:00 π.μ. (St. George, RI) 27 Νοεβρίου Τετάρτη Σαρανταλείτουργο 9:00 π.μ. (Assumption, EM) 28 Νοεβρίου Πέμπτη Σαρανταλείτουργο 9:00 π.μ. (St. George, RI) 29 Νοεβρίου Παρασκευή Σαρανταλείτουργο 9:00 π.μ. (St. George, RI) 30 Νοεβρίου Σάββατο Άγιος Ανδρέας ο Πρωτόκλητος 8:00 π.μ. Όρθρος (St. George, RI) 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία (St. George, RI)

15 DIAKONIA Prosforo Schedule November 3 Kathy Panouses November 10 Toula Fotos November 17 Georgia Eleftheropoulos November 24 Maria Georgiadis Coffee Hour November 3 Not Yet Reserved November 10 Ludmilla Cherevko November 17 St. Thomas Indian Congregation November 24 Not Yet Reserved Sunday Gospel and Epistle Readings November 3 Gospel Luke 16:19-31 Epistle II Corinthians 11:31-12:9 November 10 Gospel Luke 10:25-37 Epistle Galatians 1:11-19 November 17 Gospel Luke 12:16-21 Epistle Galatians 2:16-21 November 24 Gospel Luke 18:18-27 Epistle Galatians 6:11-18 Parish Council Ushering Schedule November December January 3 rd - John Stopoulos 10 th - Cathy Diakogeorgiou 17 th - Orest Akulow 24 th - Matt Miller 1 st - Paris Fotos 8 th - Mike Haney 15 th - Denny Mekus 22 nd - George Georgiadis 29 th - Kosta Dounoulis 3 rd - John Stopoulos 10 th - Cathy Diakogeorgiou 17 th - Orest Akulow 24 th - Matt Miller 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.

16 Σύναξη Αρχάγγελων Σύναξη Αρχάγγελων ΜΙΧΑΗΛ και ΓΑΒΡΙΗΛ και τών λοιπών Ασωμάτων και ουρανίων ταγμάτων 8 Νοεμβρίου Κατά την Αγία Γραφή οι άγγελοι στέλνονται από το Θεό με μορφή ορατή (οι άγγελοι είναι αόρατα αγαθά πνεύματα κοντά στο Θεό) σε σπουδαίες ιστορικές περιστάσεις, που πρόκειται να εκδηλωθεί ή να εκτελεσθεί κάποια μεγάλη θεία θέληση. Τη σχέση, τώρα, που έχουν οι άγγελοι με το Θεό και τους ανθρώπους, καθώς και την αποστολή τους, βλέπουμε επίσης μέσα στην Αγία Γραφή. Και ιδιαίτερα, αγαπητέ αναγνώστη, άν διαβάσεις τους Ψαλμούς 33, στίχ. 8 και 90, στίχ , στη δε Καινή Διαθήκη, Ματθ. ιη στίχ. 10, καθώς επίσης και στην προς Εβραίους επιστολή, κεγ. α στίχ. 14, όπου ο συγγραφέας αναφωνεί: "ουχί πάντες εισί λειτουργικά πνεύματα εις διακονίαν αποστελόμενα δια τους μέλλοντας κληρονομείν σωτηρίαν;". Δηλαδή, δεν είναι όλοι οι άγγελοι πνεύματα υπηρετικά, τα οποία ενεργούν όχι από δική τους πρωτοβουλία, αλλ αποστέλλονται απο το Θεό για να υπηρετήσουν εκείνους που μέλλουν να κληρονομήσουν την αιώνια ζωή; Επικεφαλής δε τών αγγελικών δυνάμεων είναι οι αρχάγγελοι Μιχαήλ και Γαβριήλ. Τον Μιχαήλ συναντάμε στην Παλαιά Διαθήκη. Π.χ. όταν ο Αβραάμ μέλλει να θυσιάσει τον Ισαάκ, στον Ιησού του Ναυή, στον Ηλία και αλλού. Τον Γαβριήλ συναντάμε στην Καινή Διαθήκη, όπως στον Ευαγγελισμό της Θεοτόκου και αλλού. Στη μνήμη, λοιπόν, τών αποστολών και του έργου που επιτελούν οι άγγελοι, η Εκκλησία μας όρισε τη γιορτή της 8ης Νοεμβρίου.

17 Άγιος Ανδρέας Ο Απόστολος ΑΝΔΡΕΑΣ ο Πρωτόκλητος 30 Νοεμβρίου Ο Ανδρέας, ψαράς στο επάγγελμα και αδελφός του Αποστόλου Πέτρου, ήταν από τη Βηθσαϊδά της Γαλιλαίας. Επειδή κλήθηκε απο τον Κύριο πρώτος στην ομάδα των μαθητών, ονομάστηκε πρωτόκλητος. Η ιστορία της ζωής του Ανδρέα μέχρι τη Σταύρωση, την Ανάσταση και την Ανάληψη του Κυρίου, υπήρξε σχεδόν ίδια με εκείνη των άλλων μαθητών. Μετά το σχηματισμό της πρώτης Εκκλησίας, ο Ανδρέας κήρυξε στη Βιθυνία, Εύξεινο Πόντο, Θράκη, Μακεδονία και Ήπειρο. Τελικά, κατέληξε στην Αχαϊα. Εκεί η διδασκαλία του καρποφόρησε και με τις προσευχές του θεράπευσε θαυματουργικά πολλούς ασθενείς. Έτσι, η χριστιανική αλήθεια είχε μεγάλες κατακτήσεις στο λαό της Πάτρας. Ακόμα και η Μαξιμίλλα, σύζυγος του ανθυπάτου Αχαϊας Αιγεάτου, αφού τη θεράπευσε ο Απόστολος απο τη βαρειά αρρώστια που είχε, πίστεψε στο Χριστό. Το γεγονός εκνεύρισε τον ανθύπατο, και με την παρότρυνση των ειδωλολατρών ιερών συνέλαβε τον Ανδρέα και τον σταύρωσε σε σχήμα Χ. Έτσι, ο Απόστολος Ανδρέας παρέστησε τον εαυτό του στο Θεό "δόκιμον εργάτην". Δηλαδή δοκιμασμένο και τέλειο εργάτη του Ευαγγελίου. Το λείψανό του έθαψε με ευλάβεια ο πρώτος επίσκοπος Πατρών Στρατοκλής.

18 GENERAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES Fall Parish General Assembly Meeting Minutes October 13 th, 2013 Call to Order at 12:10pm. Fr. Jon led the opening prayer. Attendance: 41 voting members (quorum of 33 reached); council members all present except George Georgiadis, Matt Miller and Denny Mekus. Chairman Selection: Celia Lubbers nominated Tom Kouris for Chairperson; 2 nd by Cathy Diakageorgiou Prior Meeting Minutes: (Tom read the previous minutes, per request) Dennis C. made motion to approve; 2 nd by Deno K. Presidents Report: Reminder of upcoming fundraisers such as St. Demetrios Dinner on 10/26/13 and Wine Tasting on 11/9/13. Festival date is June 27 th 29 th, Treasurer s Report: Income/Expense Comparison by category sheet handed out. Mike H. noted that of the first 9 months of 2013 we have transferred $24, more funds than last year at this time. We also had a festival this past year, which allowed for more transferring of funds to help with expenses. Mistake on the Comparison sheet was pointed out of the $75.00 of Memorial Net Donations that should not have been listed. Also, people want to be made more clear on what money is available and where money is taken from to pay expenses. Fr. Jon pointed out that all council meetings and financial reports are posted and have always been made available to all members. Celia L. mentioned that the council should present a change in dues owed to the Diocese being a percentage of our account rather than a set amount? Council informed members that they have been in contact with the Diocese on this topic. Festival Report: The Festival had a net profit of $29, $30, in Facilities Report: Nothing to report at this time. Proposal of 2014 Parish Budget: Discussion took place in regards to balancing a budget, to stop us from depleting other accounts that should not be used to transfer funds from to pay expenses. Motion made to amend 2014 Budget by lowering insurance and payroll and go to a part time clergy in order to balance the budget made by Celia L.; 2 nd by Roger L. A secret ballot vote was cast with 32 members voting Yes for the motion above, 5 voted No, while 4 members did not cast a vote. With 32 Yes votes, the motion carries. John S. informed members that the council has been speaking to the Diocese about this topic previous to today and have talked about ways to cut these expenses. Members want the Diocese to understand where we are coming from and what we can do to Balance the Budget. Motion was made to set up a delegation to speak to his Grace about this topic made by Litsa G.; 2 nd by Cathy D. Volunteers that will go to

19 GENERAL ASSEMBLY MINUTES see his Grace to present the motion for a Balance Budget will be John S., Cathy D., Roger L., John A. and Celia L. Georgia E. also spoke about getting the people back involved in the church and getting attendance back to where it should be! We need to have more people involved in events at the church. Breaking the Foundation: Not enough members present to have a discussion about the need to Break the Foundation due to our financial position. Need 80 members present to reach a quorum to discuss. Nomination of Candidates for Parish Council: John S. gave list of the five current council members up for re-nomination. Abraham re-nominated all those currently on the board. Georgia L. also nominated Dennis C. and he accepted. The parish will vote on the four open spots at a later date. Nomination for Election Committee: Bill Minas, Deno Kandis and Roger Lovejoy Nomination of Auditing Committee: Liz Gorman, Celia Lubbers and George Eleftheropoulos Unfinished Business: Need people to help with the St. Demetrios Dinner on October 26 th, John A. will be in charge of the kitchen. Roger L, Georgia L, Pam C., etc. will assist with the Bar, door, etc. It s Greek to Me event will be on October 17 th, 2013 at 11:30am. Please show up around 10:30am to help. (There is also another It s Greek to Me scheduled in November). Wine Tasting on November 9 th, Please help by selling tickets to this event to help raise money for the church. Roof issue was discussed. We have had people look at the roof and why it s leaking. It was determined that the new roof is not the cause of the leaks; it is where it joins at the dome, furnace area, etc. The work will be completed in the near future to repair the leaks. Motion to adjourn Dennis motioned, 2 nd by: Georgia L..Meeting adjourned at 1:25pm FINANCIAL POSITION 2013 Budgeted General Fund Expenses $202,600 Total General Fund Expenses through October 17 th $160, Total Stewardship through October 17 th $84, YTD 2013 Shortfall of Expenses to Stewardship $76, Other General Fund Income (Candles, Events, Etc.) $26, Year-To-Date 2013 Cashflow Shortfall $50, Owed to Archdiocese for National Commitment $1, Year-To-Date 2013 Shortfall $52,117.51

20 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Parish Council Meeting Minutes September 10, 2013 Call to Order at 6:45pm. Fr. Jon led the opening prayer. Roll Call: Present: John Stopoulos, Cathy Diakageorgiou, Paris Fotos, George Georgiadis, Orest Akulow, Kosta Dounoulis and Denny Mekus. Excused: Mike Haney and Matt Miller Approval of August Minutes: Motion made by Denny; 2 nd by: Cathy. Treasurer s Report: Current expenses show us at minus $4, in need by next week. The profit made from the Golf Outing was $3, Currently have $7, in festival fund, $23, in Memorial fund and $17, in Consecration Fund. Motion was made by Cathy to transfer $5, from the festival fund to cover current expenses. 2 nd b: Denny. President s Report: Sue Miller has booked 3 It s Greek to Me events. The first one is October 17 th, 2013 at 11:30am and the other two are set for the beginning of Looking at setting up It s Greek to Me events once a month with groups through retirement organizations, etc. Trivia Night September 28 th, A team of 8, cost is $10 per person/$80 per team. If another non-for-profit organization submits a team the church will donate $50 back to their organization. Please get your teams in ASAP. Wine Tasting event on November 9 th, Greek Taverna Night (East Moline Church Re-Union) December 28 th, 2013!!! With the Greek Taverna Night/Re-Union we will have a potluck after Vespers for New Year s Eve Celebration on December 31 st, Priest Report: The donations that were raised to go towards those in Kenya have been sent. The total amount was $ Light Bulbs in alter keep burning out. The current bulb replacements run $13.00 each. To upgrade to LED costs $35.00 each, but we get a $25.00 rebate putting the cost for LED bulbs at $ Choir also needs to convert to LED bulbs to reduce heat, reduce energy use and keep old bulbs in stock to replace those in the hall when they go out.

21 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Motion made to do Altar now and hold off on Choir. Motion made by Orest. 2 nd by: Cathy. Motion also made to make recommendation to have Choir LED s replaced by anyone willing to donate them by Kosta. 2 nd by: Denny GOYA Basketball Tournament has not been assigned to anyone yet. Will bring this topic up at the General Assembly to see if our Parish is interested in hosting the event. Souvlaki, look to send out to sell the left over souvlaki from the festival. Motion was also made by Cathy to have Fr. Jon abstain from voting for the increase in Parish assessments. 2 nd by: George. New/Old Business: GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING OCTOBER 13 TH, At General Assembly - Look to discuss that we may need to take money from a CD to help cover expenses? Need to re-stock kitchen for coffee hour items. Orest has volunteered to pick up items that are needed. Next year we will look to make a charitable donation from the festival, if our goals are met and/or exceeded at next year s festival. The 2014 goal is to make a profit of $50, If this goal is reached our parish will donate 2% of its profit to a charitable organization. For every mark over $50, the parish will donate 5% of those profits. Example; If the Church makes $55, in profit, it will donate $1, (2% of $50, equals $1, plus 5% of $5, equals $250 to make $1,250.00). Motion made by Kosta. 2 nd by; Paris. Motion made by Denny to be able to communicate via to transfer funds if needed before next council meeting. 2 nd by: Paris. Cathy will call about carpet cleaning for selected areas in the hallway/ Church. Received a bid for landscaping around the Church for $ The costs to landscape around the Church will be donated. Motion made by George to form a committee after landscape work is completed to keep up on the maintenance of the landscaping outside. 2 nd by: Paris. Motion to adjourn by Paris motioned, 2 nd by: Cathy. Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm

22 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 Bill Bagatelas In Memory of George Bagatelas Paul and Christine Bagatelas Ted and Karen Bagatelas Paula Baker Kleo Caras Victor and Judy Cherevko Dennis and Pam Collier Nicholas Fotiadis Litsa Gregory Pete and Arlene Gust Darlene M. Lingris Nick and Charlotte Maroudas Katherine Moraetes and Family Spiro and Carol Pappaspiros Christ and Helen Petaros Steve and Nancy Pyevich In Memory of Nickolaus, Halina, Andrei and Nickolaus Jim and Kristel Stopoulos Tony and Joan Stopoulos 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:

23 Advantage Pest Control Servicing Assumption for 6 years Call Steve Today! LCV Greek & Mediterranean Food Store Now selling a nice selection of Greek & Middle Eastern Products to the public Noon-5pm Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9am-1pm Saturday and by appointment th Ave. East Moline, IL ADVERTISEMENTS The Windmill FAMILY RESTAURANT Avenue of the Cities East Moline, IL (309) Miltos & Cathy Diakogeorgiou Parishioners and Owners Olympic Gyros 207 West 53 rd St. Davenport, IA GULLIVER'S TRAVEL Southpark Mall Northpark Mall Duck Creek Plaza Todd Bagatelas, President FULL COLOR ADVERTISEMENTS Last Space Available! See Your Ad Here! 1.25 x 1.5 $125 Ecclesiastical Year Sept. 1 to Aug. 31 J D Steakhouse 320 South 2 nd St. Clinton, IA Owned by Taso Korovilas & Ilias Nikolopoulos 985 Ave. of the Cities Silvis, Illinois Owned by Parishioners John & MaryBeth Stopoulos 3629 Avenue of the Cities Moline, IL (309) th St. East Moline, IL

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