SYNAXARION OF THE HOLY PROPHET EZEKIEL

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1 Web: SaintHaralambosGOC.org Fr. Constantine P. Botsis, Proistamenos Fr. George Lamberis, Synefemerios Deacon John G. Suhayda Nick Harisiadis, Protopsaltis SYNAXARION OF THE HOLY PROPHET EZEKIEL On July 23rd, we commemorate the Holy Prophet Ezekiel. He was the son of Buzi from the land of Anathoth which was inhabited by priests, and he prophesied for twenty years, which was around six hundred years before the coming of Christ. When the Hebrews were taken as captives to Babylon, he also went with them. And having prophesied many prophecies to the Jewish people, he also gave this strange sign: he told them to pay attention to the river of Babylon called Kebar, and when they saw it dried up, they should have hope, for there would come against Babylon the sickle of desolation, but when they saw it overflow, then they should hope to return to Jerusalem. One time many Hebrews gathered around him, for they were afraid that the Babylonians would rise up against them and kill them. Wherefore the Prophet made the waters of the river cease their flow, allowing the Hebrews to go to the opposite side, and they were rescued. The Babylonians, daring to chase after them, drowned in the river. Another time, through his prayers, he granted the hungry Hebrews rich nourishment through fish, and at other times, when they felt faint and near death, he gave them life and consolation. Once, when the Babylonians brought harm and destruction to the Israelite people, he went to the heads of the nation, and worked wonders before them, bringing them to fear, and thus they ceased bringing harm to Israel. Because the Israelites cried out that they had lost hope, thus having no hope of being liberated from bondage, the Prophet through the miracle of the dried bones, which he saw in a vision, encouraged them that there was hope for the liberation of Israel. He also saw a model of the Temple, which was also seen by Moses, and he said that it would once again be built, as was also said by Daniel. He pronounced judgment in Babylon on the tribe of Gad, because they dealt wickedly against the Lord, persecuting those who were keeping the law; and he wrought upon them this grievous wonder, that their children and all their cattle should be killed by serpents. He also foretold, that because of their sin, Israel would not return to Jerusalem but would remain in Media, until the end of their error and evildoing. One from the tribe of Gad, unable to hear such things, slew the blessed Prophet, for they opposed him all the days of his life, and he rebuked them for worshipping idols. The people of Israel buried him in the field of Maur, in the tomb of Arphaxad. His tomb is next to a cave, thus appearing doubled, as if it is two caves. In appearance this Prophet was long-headed, average in height, austere in his face and his beard was shaggy, long and pointed. From the Website of John Sanidopoulos Thank you to all volunteers, donors, & patrons for your support of our Big Greek Food Fest!

2 ANNOUNCEMENTS The Philoptochos of St. Haralambos invites you to today s Coffee Fellowship Hour after today s services. PROSPHORA We thank Mrs. Amalia Deligiannis and Mrs. Sophia Paschos who have offered today s prosphora. Next week, the prosphora will be offered by Presvytera Georgia (Wed, Jul 26 Saint Paraskevi), Mrs. Anastasia Maroutsos (Fri, Jul 28 Saint Irene Chrysovalantou), and by Mrs. Eleni Katris and the Tafreshing Family (Sun, July 30). MEMORIAL SERVICES Memorial services are offered for the eternal rest of persons who have fallen asleep in the Lord. There are some days when Memorials are not permitted please call the church office before planning. Memorials take place at 40 days, at 6 months, at 1 year and at 3 years. After three years have passed, the departed are more properly remembered on the Saturdays of the Souls. Please also remember that we have discontinued the custom of placing candles in the kolyva. SACRAMENTAL REGISTRY Congratulations to.. Mr. and Mrs. Artan Hoxhaj on the baptism of their daughter this afternoon at our church. HOW TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION Orthodox Christians in good standing are encouraged to receive Holy Communion frequently, provided they have prepared themselves spiritually, mentally and physically. They must be on time for the Divine Liturgy, and be in a Christ-like, calm state of mind. They should be in a confession relationship with their priest or spiritual father, and they should have selfexamined their conscience. On the day of receiving Holy Communion, it is not proper to eat or drink anything before coming to church. When you approach to receive Holy Communion, state your Christian (baptismal) name clearly, and hold the red communion cloth to your chin. After receiving, wipe your lips on the cloth, step back carefully, hand the cloth to the next person and make the sign of the Cross as you step away. Please take special care not to bump the Holy Chalice. A STEWARDSHIP REMINDER We are grateful to the 489 families who have committed $ 271, so far this year! How about you? Jesus told us YOU are the light of the World; let your light shine before others. Stewardship is discovering our light by using the talents and gifts God has given us. True stewardship means that our offering to God is a reflection of the Light in us, and of our appreciation for the blessings and benefits we derive from our Church! If you have not yet made your 2017 commitment, please do so. THANK YOU TO OUR ANONYMOUS DONOR! We are very happy to announce that our church received an anonymous donation of $25,000 two weeks ago! We are most grateful to our unnamed benefactor and pray that our Lord reward his/her generosity with abundant blessings! DONATION BOX We are grateful to all of you who have placed contributions in the donation box in the narthex. These contributions are used to help people who come to us and need financial help. You have helped many people! There continue to be many people in need; your continued support is greatly appreciated. WE WELCOME all our friends, parishioners and visitors who have come to St. Haralambos today. We are happy that you have come to worship with us, and hope that you have had a prayerful and uplifting experience. We invite you to join the St. Haralambos family for worship and other activities any time!

3 THE 2017 BIG GREEK FOOD FEST OF NILES T h a n k Yo u We are happy to announce that our 2017 Food Fest was one of our most successful of all! MANY THANKS for your support we appreciate all who donated, volunteered and attended! Congratulations to Toula Peters, the winner of this year s Grand Raffle! AREA FESTIVALS Plan to visit and support the Greek Festivals of our sister churches: TODAY: NEXT WEEKEND: Ss. Peter and Paul, Glenview St. Demetrios, Libertyville All Saints, Joliet Assumption, Homer Glen IT IS PROPER AND RIGHT... Please understand that chewing gum in church is considered to be very discourteous and even vulgar. Your attention to this is greatly appreciated. Be considerate! Please remove lipstick when reverencing the holy icons or receiving Holy Communion. Please teach your children that it is not proper to play video games, eat snacks, chew gum or cross their legs in church. Please be careful when you receive Holy Communion that you do not bump the Holy Chalice and cause it to spill! Please teach your children to dress modestly. Shoulders and midriffs should be covered, and discretion used concerning skirt lengths and excessive makeup and jewelry. Please turn off cell-phones and video games during Church services. Phone conversations are not allowed in church.

4 Ἀπόστολος καὶ Εὐαγγέλιον τῆς Ἡμέρας ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Ρωμ. ιε 1-7 Ἀδελφοί, ὀφείλομεν δὲ ἡμεῖς οἱ δυνατοὶ τὰ ἀσθενήματα τῶν ἀδυνάτων βαστάζειν καὶ μὴ ἑαυτοῖς ἀρέσκειν. Ἕκαστος ἡμῶν τῷ πλησίον ἀρεσκέτω εἰς τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς οἰκοδομήν καὶ γὰρ ὁ Χριστὸς οὐχ ἑαυτῷ ἤρεσεν ἀλλὰ καθὼς γέγραπται Οἱ ὀνειδισμοὶ τῶν ὀνειδιζόντων σε ἐπέπεσαν ἐπ ἐμέ. Ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν ἐγράφη ἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ διὰ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν γραφῶν τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν. Ὁ δὲ Θεὸς τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ τῆς παρακλήσεως δῴη ὑμῖν τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν ἀλλήλοις κατὰ Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν ἵνα ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἐν ἑνὶ στόματι δοξάζητε τὸν Θεὸν καὶ πατέρα τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Διὸ προσλαμβάνεσθε ἀλλήλους καθὼς καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς προσελάβετο ὑμᾶς εἰς δόξαν τοῦ Θεοῦ. ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ Ἐκ τοῦ κατὰ Ματθαῖον θ Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, παράγοντι ἐκεῖθεν τῷ Ιησοῦ, ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ δύο τυφλοὶ κράζοντες καὶ λέγοντες, Ελέησον ἡμᾶς, υἱὲ Δαυίδ. Ἐλθόντι δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ τυφλοί, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ιησοῦς, Πιστεύετε ὅτι δύναμαι τοῦτο ποιῆσαι; λέγουσιν αὐτῷ, Ναί, Kύριε. Τότε ἥψατο τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν λέγων, Κατὰ τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν γενηθήτω ὑμῖν. Καὶ ἠνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί. Καὶ ἐνεβριμήθη αὐτοῖς ὁ Ιησοῦς λέγων, Ορᾶτε μηδεὶς γινωσκέτω. Οἱ δὲ ἐξελθόντες διεφήμισαν αὐτὸν ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ γῇ ἐκείνῃ. Αὐτῶν δὲ ἐξερχομένων ἰδοὺ προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ ἄνθρωπον κωφὸν δαιμονιζόμενον καὶ ἐκβληθέντος τοῦ δαιμονίου ἐλάλησεν ὁ κωφός. Καὶ ἐθαύμασαν οἱ ὄχλοι λέγοντες, Οὐδέποτε ἐφάνη οὕτως ἐν τῷ Ισραήλ. Οἱ δὲ Φαρισαῖοι ἔλεγον, Εν τῷ ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια. Καὶ περιῆγεν ὁ Ιησοῦς τὰς πόλεις πάσας καὶ τὰς κώμας, διδάσκων ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς αὐτῶν καὶ κηρύσσων τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας καὶ θεραπεύων πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν ἐν τῷ λαῷ.

5 Today s Epistle Reading EPISTLE READING Romans 15: 1-7 BRETHREN, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of your Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. GOSPEL READING Matthew 9: At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district. As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of Demons." And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

6 Marriott O Hare

7 Ανακοινώσεις STEWARDSHIP 2017 Εαν δεν έχετε συμπληρώσει την κάρτα προσφοράς σας για το 2017, παρακαλούμε όπως επιληφθείτε το συντομότερο. Δεν έχουμε θέσει όρια, αλλά αληθινό stewardship σημαί -νει να δίνoυμε ανάλογα των εισοδημάτων μας. Το επίπεδο προσφοράς του stewardship θα πρέπει να είναι ένα ποσό που θα αντιπροσωπεύει την αυξανόμενη αγάπη μας προς τον Θεό και την εκτίμησή μας δια τις ευλογίες και όλα τα καλά που μας προσφέρει η εκκλησία μας! ΠΟΙΟΙ ΔΥΝΑΝΤΑΙ ΝΑ ΛΑΒΟΥΝ ΘΕΙΑΝ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑΝ - Όταν λαμβάνομεν Θείαν Κοινωνίαν η οποιοδήποτε από τα άλλα Μυστήρια εκφράζομεν την αποδοχήν μας εις τα δογματικά και ηθικά διδάγματα της Ορθοδόξου μας Εκκλησίας. Διά τούτο, μόνον Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί οι οποίοι είναι εντάξει απέναντι της Εκκλησίας δύνανται να λάβουν μέρος εις τα Μυστήρια, όπως Θεία Κοινωνία και Ευχέλαιο, και δεν πρέπει να λαμβάνουν μέρος σε Μυστήρια σε μη Ορθόδοξες εκκλησίες. Διά οποιεσδήποτε απορίες σας, παρακαλούμε να συζητήσετε με τον ιερέα σας. ΜΝΗΜΟΣΥΝΑ Επιμνημόσυνες δεήσεις γίνονται για την αιώνιον ανάπαυση των τεθνεώντων. Συνήθως, αυτές οι δεήσεις γίνονται κατά τις 40 ημέρες, τους 6 μήνες, τον 1 ον χρόνο και τον 3 ον χρόνο. Όταν έχουν περάσει τρία χρόνια, είναι πιο αρμόζον να μνημονεύουμε τους αποθανόντας κατά τα Ψυχοσάββατα. ΠΟΤΕ ΝΑ ΓΟΝΑΤΙΖΟΥΜΕ, ΝΑ ΣΤΕΚΟΜΑΣΤΕ ΚΑΙ ΝΑ ΚΑΘΟΜΑΣΤΕ Από τα πρώτα χρόνια, η Εκκλησία μας δίδαξε ότι η αρμόζουσα θέση για να προσευχόμεθα είναι να στεκόμεθα όρθιοι. (Μέχρι πρόσφατα, οι περισσότερες Ορθόδοξες εκκλησίες δεν είχαν καθόλου καθίσματα δια τους πιστούς! Tα καθίσματα υπήρχαν μόνον κατά μήκος των τοίχων δια τους ηλικιωμένους.) Ως έκφραση δέους και σεβασμού, υπάρχουν φορές που είθισται όμως να γονατίζουμε στην εκκλησία, ιδιαιτέρως κατά την ώρα της Επικλήσεως, όταν ο ιερός άρτος και οίνος μεταβάλλονται εις το τίμιο Σώμα και Αίμα του Χρηστού μας. Κατά την Επίκλησιν (Σε Υμνοῦμεν), στις καθημερινές λειτουργίες, αναμένεται να γονατίζουν όλοι οι πιστοί. Κάθε Κυριακή όμως, μερικοί διαλέγουν να γονατίζουν και άλλοι παραμένουν όρθιοι. Αυτοί που για διάφορες αιτίες δεν δύνανται να γονατίσουν, παρακαλούνται να παραμένουν όρθιοι εις ένδειξιν σεβασμού. Εκτός για λόγους υγείας, δεν είναι αρμόζον να κάθεται κανείς την ώρα της Επικλήσεως. SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND EVENTS THIS WEEK: Mon, July 24 Bessie s Table Outreach.. 4:00 pm Wed, July 26 Orthros and Divine Liturgy (St. Paraskevi) 8:30 am Fri, July 28 Orthros and Divine Liturgy (St. Irene Chrysovalantou)... 8:30 am Sat, July 29 Meals on Wheels Outreach.. 11:30 am 125 YEARS OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY IN CHICAGO 2017 has bee proclaimed as the Anniversary of Orthodox Christianity in Greater Chicago." The anniversary will be commemorated on Saturday, September 30, with an historic Pan-Orthodox Hierarchical Liturgy and Grand Banquet. The Anniversary Divine Liturgy will take place at Lane Tech Auditorium, 2501 West Addison at Western, Chicago, followed by an anniversary banquet at the Chicago Marriott O Hare, 8535 West Higgins Road, Chicago. SAVE THIS DATE! Σας παρακαλούμε όπως κρατάτε κλειστά τα κινητά σας τηλέφωνα.

8 TODAY S ECCLESIASTICAL CALENDAR Sunday, July 23, 2017 Seventh Sunday of Matthew Kυριακὴ Z Ματθαίου The Holy Hieromartyr Phocas. Ezekiel the Prophet. St Pelagia of Tinos. Tοῦ Ἁγίου Ἱερομάρτυρος Φωκᾶ. Tοῦ Ἁγίου Προφήτου, Ἰεζεκιήλ. Tῆς Ὁσίας Πελαγίας τῆς ἐν Τίνῳ ΑΠΟΛΥΤΙΚΙA ΤΗΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ DISMISSAL HYMNS OF THE DAY Apolytikion of the Second Plagal Tone Ἀγγελικαὶ δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾅδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. The Angelic powers stood around Your tomb, and the guards became as dead; and Mary stood in the Sepulcher, seeking Your immaculate Body. You despoiled Hades and were not corrupted by it; You did meet the Virgin, granting life. Risen from the dead, O Lord, glory to You. Apolytikion of Saint Phocas Καὶ τρόπων μέτοχος, καὶ θρόνων διάδοχος, τῶν Ἀποστόλων γενόμενος, τὴν πρᾶξιν εὗρες θεόπνευστε, εἰς θεωρίας ἐπίβασιν διὰ τοῦτο τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας ὀρθοτομῶν, καὶ τῇ πίστει ἐνήθλησας μέχρις αἵματος, Ἱερομάρτυς Φωκᾶ. Πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν. As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, you found discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, you did also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Phocas. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved. Apolytikion of the Holy Taxiarchs Supreme Commanders of the heavenly armies, we the unworthy beseech and implore you, that by your supplications you encircle us under the cover of the wings of your ineffable glory; guarding us who bow down with fervor crying: From dangers deliver us, as Leaders of the Powers above. Apolytikion of St. Haralambos Ὡς στῦλος ἀκλόνητος, τῆς Ἐκκλησίας Χριστοῦ, καὶ λύχνος ἀείφωτος τῆς οἰκουμένης σοφέ, ἐδείχθης Χαράλαμπες, ἔλαμψας ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, διὰ τοῦ μαρτυρίου, ἔλυσας τῶν εἰδώλων, τὴν σκοτόμαιναν μάκαρ, διὸ ἐν παῤῥησίᾳ Χριστῷ, πρέσβευε σωθῆναι ἡμᾶς. As a pillar unshakable of the Church of Christ, and an ever-radiant lamp to the universe, were you, O wise Haralambos; you illumined the world through martyrdom; you dispelled the moonless night of the idols, o blessed one. Therefore with boldness before Christ, intercede that we may be saved. ΚΟΝΤΑΚΙΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ KONTAKION OF THE DAY Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε, μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι. Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.