Assumption. Greek Orthodox Church. Agape news

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1 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Agape news November 2011

2 PARISH LIFE Fimi of His Eminence, Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago Ἰακώβου τοῦ Σεβασμιωτάτου καὶ Θεοπροβλήτου Μητροπολίτου τῆς Ἁγιωτάτης Μητροπόλεως Σικάγου, ἡμῶν δὲ Πατρὸς καὶ Ποιμενάρχου, πολλὰ τὰ ἒτη. The evening of Thursday, October 27 th, His Eminence was honored for his nameday at a Banquet by the parishes of the Metropolis and hosted by the Chicago Clergy Syndesmos. The proceeds of the banquet will be donated throughout the year to the ministries of the Metropolis. To IAKOVOS, the Most Reverend, Most Worthy and God-Protected Metropolitan of the Most Holy Metropolitanate of Chicago, our Father and Archpastor, many years. Είς Πολλά Έτη Δέσποτα!!!

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 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 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? Our Father in Heaven, showed us His commitment to us by giving His Son for our salvation; for this, we show thanksgiving. Let us also make a change in each of our lives by showing our commitment to Him, through heightened participation and our complete obedience. Thanking the Lord for His Blessings on us, I remain in His Service, Rev. Father Jon Boukis PROISTAMENOS

4 SUNDAY SCHOOL Cereal Club Each month our Sunday School children of the level 2 class will each bring in a box of cereal to aid in the fight against hunger in the Quad Cities. The cereal will be delivered to different food pantries and charities throughout the year. 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 Elianna Lovejoy Connor Miller Molly Miller Naina Ninan Naveen Ninan Stephanie Theofilis ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY The Orthodox Bible Study will meet on Monday Evenings from 6:00pm- 7:30pm and on Thursday Mornings from 9:30am-11:00am to study the Book of Acts. We will also study the lives of the Apostles. 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!!!

5 YOUTH FELLOWSHIP Here we Come!!! On Saturday, November 12 th at 11:00 a.m. The youth of the Parish of the Assumption and of the Parish of St. George will get together for an afternoon of pizza and fun. Incredible Pizza has offered us a deal of $14 per child for an all-you-can eat buffet and a $20 game card (parents are $7 without games). We will have a room reserved so that we may have to opportunity to get to know the children from the other parish. We need a firm count for the event, so... Please RSVP to the Church by November 9 th. NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 st Dave Ray 1 st Bill Theofilis 2 nd Deno Kandis 5 th Penny Constantinou 6 th Michael Monn 6 th Arthur Scudder 8 th Kristel Stopoulos 8 th Christ Theofilis 9 th Stan Coin 19 th Deno Kouris 20 th Roger Lubbers 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 Just a few Saints (Namedays) commemorated in November... 1 st Cosmas & Damian 8 th Michael 9 th Nektarios 11 th Victor 14 th Philip 16 th Matthew 25 th Catherine 26 rd Stylianos 30 th Andrew

6 PHILOPTOCHOS BAKE SALE

7 PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CARD With the change of the color of the trees and the drop in temperature, there is no doubt that Christmas is on its way. Save time, energy and postage while supporting our GOYA Kids. Wish a Blessed Christmas to the entire Parish of the Assumption by filling out the form below and giving it to a GOYA member at the Coffee Hour after the Divine Liturgy. Your investment is only $20 to send your greetings to the entire Parish!!! The Deadline is December 4 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. Please make Checks payable to: Assumption GOYA Send to: 4900 Kennedy Drive, East Moline, Illinois 61244

8 SAINT CATHERINE Commemorated November 25 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 HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW ME? VICTOR CHEREVKO Born: August 27 th in Victoria, Australia Nameday: November 11 th The things I most enjoy doing are: Getting away from the city to a peaceful lake and fishing, going for walks and taking scenic motorcycle rides all with my wife, Judy. The persons who have influenced me most are: My parents. A few things people may not know about me are: I love cats, I play guitar and I love to listen to Jazz! CHRIS PANOUSES Born: January 29 th in Moline, Illinois Nameday: Christmas Day The things I most enjoy doing are: Taking scenic drives in my Corvette on the weekends and off-roading on my ATV (4 wheel all terrain vehicle). The persons who have influenced me most are: My father whom I deeply miss and my mother whom I deeply love. One thing people may not know about me is: I was involved in many theater productions and musicals in High School, College and Community Theater. JIM STOPOULOS Born: January 24 th in Moline, Illinois Nameday: October 26 th The thing I most enjoy doing is: Spending time with my family when we all get together for gatherings. The person who has influenced me most is: My mother, who was a tremendous influence on me especially with her emphasis on the Golden Rule. One thing people may not know about me is: I am a student of the arts and used to do quite a bit of sketching. I also enjoy making models airplanes.

11 SERVICE SCHEDULE November 6 Sunday 7 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 8 Tuesday Synaxis of the Archangels 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 9 Wednesday Feast of St. Nektarios the Wonderworker 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 13 Sunday 8 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 20 Sunday 9 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 21 Monday Great Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 25 Friday Feast of St. Katherine the Great Martyr 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 27 Sunday 13 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy November 30 Wednesday Feast of St. Andrew the First Called 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Πρόγραμμα Ιερών Ακολουθίων 6 Νοεβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Ζ του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 8 Νοεβρίου Τρίτη Σύναξις Ταξιαρχών Μιχαήλ και Γαβριήλ 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 9 Νοεβρίου Τετάρτη Άγιος Νεκτάριος ο Θαυματουργός 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 13 Νοεβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Η του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 20 Νοεβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Θ του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 21 Νοεβρίου Δευτέρα Είσοδος της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 25 Νοεβρίου Παρασκευή Αγία Αικατερίνη Μεγαλομάρτυς 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 27 Νοεβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή ΙΓ του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 30 Νοεβρίου Τετάρτη Άγιος Ανδρέας ο Πρωτόκλητος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία

12 CHURCH. N O V E M B E R Sunday Monday Tuesday 6 7th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Parish Council Budget Meeting Philoptochos Meeting Coffee Hour 8th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Fall General Assembly 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 :00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 14 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 21 Entrance of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy 10:00am No Bible Study No Bible Study Synaxis of Archangel Michael Divine Liturgy 10:00am

13 . CALENDAR Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 No Bible Study Fr. Jon at National Presbyters Retreat in Scottsdale, AZ 9 Feast of St. Nektarios the Wonderworker Divine Liturgy 10:00am 10 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study 11 VETERANS DAY 12 Assumption Youth and St. George Youth at Incredible Pizza in Davenport 11:00am :30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study 6:30pm - Parish Council Meeting 18 Assumption Garden Club Fall Clean-up 10:00am THANKSGIVING DAY Church Office Closed 25 Feast of St. Katherine the Great Martyr Divine Liturgy 10:00am Feast of St. Andrew the First Called Divine Liturgy 10:00am Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Fish Allowed Fast Free

14 A SHORT POEM... I was shocked, confused, bewildered As I entered Heaven's door, Not by the beauty of it all, Nor the lights or its decor. But it was the folks in Heaven Who made me sputter and gasp-- The thieves, the liars, the sinners, The alcoholics and the trash. There stood the kid from seventh grade Who swiped my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbor Who never said anything nice. One guy who I always thought Was rotting away in hell, Was sitting pretty on cloud nine, Looking incredibly well. I nudged St. Peter, 'What's the deal? I would love to hear your take. How'd all these sinners get up here? God must've made some mistakes. 'And why is everyone so quiet, So somber - give me a clue.' 'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in shock. No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

15 DIAKONIA Prosforo Schedule November 6 Cathy Diakogeorgiou November 13 Kulla Anggeloplos November 20 Katherine Moraetes November 27 Ludmilla Cherevko Coffee Hour November 6 Scott & Georgia Photiades Family November 13 Ludmilla Cherevko November 20 Chirackal & Ninan Families November 27 Constantinou & Haney Families Sunday Gospel and Epistle Readings November 6 Gospel Luke 8:41-56 Epistle Galatians 2:16-20 November 13 Gospel Luke 10:25-37 Epistle Hebrews 7:26-28; 8:1-2 November 20 Gospel Luke 12:16-21 Epistle Ephesians 2:4-10 November 27 Gospel Luke 18:18-27 Epistle Ephesians 2:14-22 Parish Council Ushering Teams & Schedule St. Matthew St. Mark St. Luke St. John 9:00 Celia Lubbers Cathy Diakogeorgiou Biju Ninan Deno Kandis 9:25 Nick Passini Michael Haney John Thodos Lambros Mihalopoulos 9:50 Diane Lamacki Abraham Chirackal Elizabeth Gorman Roger Lovejoy November 6 St. Matthew November 13 St. Mark November 20 St. Luke November 27 St. John

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 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Parish Council Meeting Minutes September 15, 2011 Minutes Not Yet Approved by P.C. Call to Order John Thodos called the meeting to order at 6:45 P.M. and Fr. Jon led the group in prayer. Roll Call Present: John Thodos, Deno Kandis, Celia Lubbers, Roger Lovejoy, Diane Lamacki, Lambros Mihalopoulos, Nick Passini, and Mike Haney Excused: Liz Gorman, Biju Ninan, Cathy Diakogeorgiou, and Abraham Chirackal Festival Report: No report this month. John Stopoulos could not attend due to a death in the family. Priest s Report: Churches United sent a thank you for the donation of $2,000 to Winnie s Place. Ceiling - work to start on Monday. Need to get bulbs for change out. Will take up to two weeks to complete. One Sunday we will have Divine Liturgy in the fellowship hall. HVAC Need to pay the rest of the bill. We owe $2,600. Motion to pay the bill made by Nick P., seconded by Roger L. and carried. Snow Removal - Steve Gibson gave a verbal bid that was the same as last year. Motion to accept this bid once we get bid in writing made by Nick P. and seconded by Roger L.. Motion carried. Golf Outing - 59 people participated. Transferred $4,664 to the churches checking account. If we had 100 golfers and a fuller silent auction, we would have made $10,000 Metropolis of Chicago Clergy Laity Fr. Jon and John Stopoulos will attend. Monastery Trip to Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 10 October. Planning a bus for 56 (25 from the Assumption and 25 from St. George) Fr. Jon asked for up to $200 dollars if we do not get the needed 25 participants. Motion to have up to $200 available made by Nick P. and 2 nd by Deno K. Motion carried. Next Trivia Night is set for 1 Oct. Nick P. will send out . 1st Army Fr Jon met with the Rock Island Chaplain would like to welcome the command to the area with an invite to a meal at the church. Budget is set at $600. Motion to accept this plan was made by Nick P. and 2 nd by Mike Haney. Motion carried.

19 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Treasurer s Report Do not have enough in checking to meet current due bills. May need to transfer up to $3,000 from the festival account to pay bills. Motion to allow for the transfer made by Celia L. and 2 nd by Roger L.. Motion Carried. Old Business Freezer - need to get rid of the broken freezer in the kitchen. Roger Lovejoy and John Stopoulos will look into best way to dispose. Insurance Celia presented the bid from Ruhl and Ruhl which was for $5,600. Was less than the bid from Church Mutual ($7,400) Discussed talking with Church Mutual to see if they would lower their bid but the council decided that because of the difficultly in contacting and talking to anyone from the company motion was made by Nick P. to approve the low bid by Ruhl and Ruhl. Motion was 2 nd by Roger L. and carried. New Keys Need to get bids for installing a key fob system for the kitchen door. Motion made by Nick P. and 2 nd by Lambros M. Motion carried. HVAC Service contract have two bids for the twice a year servicing (A&A and Bill s Air Conditioning) Bids will be reviewed and recommendation presented at the next council meeting New Business Hall rental 22 Oct Chris Theofilis; 12 Nov Daphne Olvera Motion to accept Nick P. and 2 nd by Roger L. Motion carried. FINANCIAL REPORT 2011 Budgeted General Fund Expenses $198,000 General Fund Expenses Year-to-date (as of Oct. 15, 2011) $151, Stewardship Year-to-date (as of Oct. 15, 2011) $93, Year-to-date shortfall $58, Month-to-date October General Fund Expenses $7, Month-to-date October Stewardship $3, August Shortfall $4,223.88

20 GENERAL ASSEMBLY NOTICE OF PARISH ASSEMBLY TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 13, 2011 An assembly of all the stewards* of the parish will occur on Sunday, November 13, 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 (President s Report, Treasurer s Report, Stewardship, Foundation, 2011 Cultural Festival) 6. Proposal of 2012 Parish Budget 7. Parish Bylaws 8. Nomination of Candidates for Parish Council, Election / Auditing Committees 9. Property Renovations (HVAC, Masonry, roof, etc.) 10. Unfinished and New Business affecting the life of the Parish 11. 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. The Parishioners at a regular or special Parish Assembly meeting at which a quorum was present when initially convened may continue until adjournment to validly and properly transact all appropriate business and take any proper actions notwithstanding the fact that such attendance at such meeting may subsequently drop below twentyfive percent (25%) of the Parishioners in good standing; provided that for any action which requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote at a first called meeting there must be at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the Parishioners in good standing present to approve such action. If a quorum cannot be achieved, no vote can be taken. Within twentyone (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.

21 GENERAL ASSEMBLY The definition of fulfilling one s financial obligation to the Parish is by necessity a flexible one. Generally, for purposes of participating in Parish Assemblies and elections, one must offer his or her primary stewardship to the parish and is considered to have fulfilled his or her stewardship and financial obligations 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 refuses or neglects to pledge a specific amount for the prior year, but he or she has committed himself 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.) In instances of financial hardship for a parishioner, the Parish Priest or Parish Council President may waive or modify provisions of this paragraph. Qualifications to serve on the Parish Council A parishioner must be a member in good standing in terms of sacramental life, canonical standing, and stewardship obligations. 1. Sacramental Life must attend church services regularly and participate in the sacraments; uphold the teachings and traditions of the Orthodox Church. 2. Canonical Standing if married, marriage must be blessed by the Church; if divorced, must have an ecclesiastical divorce; may not be living together outside of marriage or in any other relationship contrary to the teachings of the faith. 3. Stewardship must be a steward of the Assumption Parish for at least one year prior to the date of election Self-Nomination I wish to place my name in nomination for election to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Parish Council. As required by the Uniform Parish Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, I hereby declare that I have read and understand the qualifications expected of a member of the Parish Council listed above. Name (please print) Signature (Please return to the church office no later than Sunday, November 20 th.)

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 Michael and Nancy Avgenackis George Bagatelas Paul and Christine Bagatelas Family Theodore and Karen Bagatelas In Memory of Jimmy Boukis Steve, Vaso and Lynn Boukis Kleo Caras Victor and Judy Cherevko Miltos and Cathy Diakogeorgiou The Fotiadis George and Maria Georgiadis The Gorman Family Litsa Gregory Mike and Helen Haney James Jannes Deno and Dr. Ann Kandis Family Frances Kandis Mike and Terri Kandis In Memory of Sophia Kollias George and Helen Kontos Sherry, George, Lexi and Nick Kontos Joyce Coughlin and JoAnn Kontos Tom Lingris and Judy Larson Bob and Bessie Lemen Peter and Sue Lingris Roger, Georgia and Elianna Lovejoy Roger, Celia, Alex and Kristin Nick and Charlotte Maroudas Michael and Roseanne Monn Ninan Family Spiro and Carol Pappaspiros Christ and Helen Petaros Ann Polillo Steve and Nancy Pyevich In Memory of Nickolaus, Halina, Andrei and Nickolaus Tony and Joan Stopoulos Rick and Maria Krakos Thompson In Memory of George and Grace Vretis Sponsors offer $20 for the Ecclesiastical Year (beginning and ending Sept. 1 st ) Do you enjoy the new format of the Agape News? Then become a supporter!!! Here is my support of $25 $20. Please list my sponsorship as follows:

23 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) COME SEE US AT OUR NEW LOCATION Miltos Diakogeorgiou, Parishioner Jose Zepeda, Chef Owners Owned by Parishioners Chris and Kathy Panouses 3629 Avenue of the Cities Moline, IL Gulliver's Travel Southpark Mall Northpark Mall Duck Creek Plaza Todd Bagatelas, President Olympic Gyros Open 7 Days a Week 207 W. 53rd St. Davenport, IA Advantage Pest Control Servicing Assumption for 4 years Call Steve Today! LCV Company Now selling retail to the public For wonderful Greek Foods including Feta, Olives, Extra Virgin Olive Oil & much more Lambros Mihalopoulos See Your Ad Here FULL COLOR ADVERTISEMENTS 2.5 x 3 $400 $ x 1.5 $250 $ x 1.5 $150 $100 Ecclesiastical Year Sept. 1 to Aug. 31 Orthodox Study Bible! 1st & 2nd Shipments SOLD OUT List w/shipping $60 Your Price $40!!!

24 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