Catechism 101 APRIL VOLUME NO. 318

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1 APRIL VOLUME NO. 318 TABLE OF CONTENTS Father s Article Stewardship... 3 Great Lent... 4 Philoptochos... 5 P.T.A./Sunday School... 6 Sunday of Orthodoxy... 7 Archangels... 8 & 9 Greek Independence Day th Anniversary Community Events Parish News Κοινοτικά Νέα Liturgical Schedule Πρόγραμμα Ακολουθιών ST. SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH S. RIDGELAND AVE. PALOS HEIGHTS, IL WWW. SAINT- SPYRIDON.ORG Catechism 101 In last month s issue, we covered the passage of the Israelites through the Red Sea and into the desert. God protected them, guided them, and worked wonders for them. Let s imagine for a moment, however, that the Israelites had never left Egypt. Imagine if the Israelites, on the dawn following the Paschal meal, having been granted freedom by Pharaoh, decided not to leave. Imagine if they decided to stay home and remain slaves to their Egyptian masters, what would have been the history of the Israelites? What would have been our history? Thankfully, as the Book of Exodus narrates, the Jews joyfully left Egypt, ventured out into the desert, crossed the Red Sea, were fed by manna falling from the heavens, drank the water that came out of a rock, they were guided by a pillar of fire, and found themselves at the foot of Mt. Sinai in order to meet with their God and Deliverer. The chronology of this journey takes place over the course of fifty days. They arrived at Mt. Sinai on the 47 th day after Pascha, and after three days of preparation and cleansing, God revealed Himself and His Law to His people. Therefore, we can surmise that after four centuries of slavery in Egypt, the goal of Moses mission would not have made sense if the Israelites never left Egypt. Moses mission was not just to free them from their GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2017

2 The Voice - H ΦΩNH Official Monthly Community Publication of St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church S. Ridgeland Avenue Palos Heights, IL REV. FR. TILEMAHOS ALIKAKOS PROTOPRESBYTER Church Office Hours:... Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: , 2313 or 0787 Fax: office@saint-spyridon.org Web: Parish Council Officers James Korbakes... President Konstantine Labraκis... Vice-President George Papadopoulos... Vice President Frank Kopanis... Secretary James Xeros... Assistant Secretary Gus Kolyvas... Treasurer Nicholas Chibucos... Assistant Treasurer Auxiliary Officers Angelo Angelos... Chanter Olga Paxinos... Philoptochos Demetra Mikroulis... P.T.A. Kiki Kazazakis... Kentro Lambrini Stavrou... Plutarchos Greek School Jan Prible... Zoe Kopanis... Sunday School Director Nicky Glikis... Choir Director Kiki Davros... G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. Angie Koutsis... G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. Janine Riley... Cherubs Demetria Papadopoulos... HOPE Fr. Tilemahos... Byzantine Music Panagiotis Mihalopoulos... Iconography Fr. Tilemahos... Bible Study Tammy Stamus... Handmaidens Nick Chibucos & Labros Malfas... Altar Boys John Farsatis & Zachary Bousies... Athletics And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. helpless state of oppression, but to lead them into the desert, to meet God, to receive His Law, and proceed to the Promised Land. If they had stopped at any of these points, the journey would have been in vain. As Orthodox Christians we often look at Pascha as the goal of Great of Holy Lent, when in fact it is not. The yearly journey that begins on the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee does not end at Pascha, but rather at the feast of Pentecost. The ten weeks of preparation for Pascha remind us of the ten plagues that brought about the liberation of the Israelites. While the ten plagues against the Egyptians defeated a stubborn Pharaoh, the ten weeks of Triodion defeat the noetic Pharaoh within us. Through the virtues and efforts that we undertake during this period leading up to Pascha, we are called to join in the defeat our slave masters: our sins and imperfections. We are called to the battle of humility, repentance, fasting, forgiveness, purity of faith, prayer, the power of the cross, the ascent into heaven, asceticism, the Lord s Kingship and His victory over death. On the day of Pascha, just as the Israelites woke up to their freedom from their oppressors, we wake up to find the Empty Tomb, to rejoice over our liberation from the oppression of sin and death. Declaring that Christ is Risen is also a declaration of our freedom from anything that binds us to this fallen life and the corruption that lies within it. We are all called to participate in that joy. We are invited to partake of the Paschal Lamb, to receive the life-giving Body and Blood of Christ. As we come to the end of Holy Lent, a period of battle against the Pharaohs of this world and the Pharaohs within us, we are called to enjoy the victory of Pascha. We are also called to utilize this freedom in order to begin a new journey into the desert. There we will be fed by the heavenly manna, the word of God and His Body and Blood, we will drink the waters made sweet by our Lord, the quench our thirst with the living waters by the well of the Samaritan woman, we will gradually open our eyes, and as the man born blind, we will see the glory of the Lord on the day of Pentecost. It is on the fiftieth day, the day of Pentecost, that we come to meet God just as the Israelites met Him at Mt. Sinai. At Sinai, God descends in a cloud, smoke and lightning. The Law He revealed guided His people to a life in the Promised Land. Through the observance of the law, the Israelites would show forth faithful priests, prophets, and kings, and after many generations, the apostles and the Panagia. In Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit descends in tongues of fire, and forms the New Israel, living temples of God, a royal priesthood, sons and daughters of the Most High. God gave Moses the Law to be written on stone tablets and guide this holy nation to the Promised Land. The Holy Spirit descends to write the law in our hearts, to abide in us, to cleanse us, to sanctify us and to lead us to heaven. It is very clear, therefore, that even though Pascha marks the end of Great Lent, the goal of Great Lent is not Pascha but Pentecost. Freedom is given to us on Pascha, not in order to remain in place, but to continue 2 The Voice

3 the journey to pursue a life with God, to drown the old sinful man just as the Egyptians drowned in the Red Sea; to depend on Him as the Jews depended on Him in the desert; to meet with Him just as they Jews met Him at Sinai; to taste eternal life in the Kingdom just as the Jews who, after a long journey, entered the Promised Land. It is interesting that on the Sunday after Pentecost we celebrate the Sunday of All Saints. It is a feast in which we honor all the unknown saints, people from all walks of life who sinned and then reprented. Some of them sinned greatly, yet, in a quiet way, in a way only known to God, they found forgiveness. They asked for God s mercy with gratitude and humility. The fought the spiritual Pharaohs within them and within the world. They went unnoticed by everyone except our loving God. Our journey through Great Lent does not find purpose in the lamb we eat at Pascha or the red eggs that we crack, just as the Christian life is not fulfilled in the victory of an ethical life. Our life points beyond that, to the feast of Pentecost, the acquiring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of forgiveness, holiness, sanctification, gifts that give us a hope and the possibility of quietly joining the choir of the saints in the eternal Promised Land, the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen. In His love, Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos STEWARDSHIP 2017 The Stewardship Committee thanks our 194 Stewards who have fulfilled their pledge for the 2017 year. We wish to express our gratitude for your commitment to the Lord s work through our Church of Saint Spyridon. And to you who have not yet pledged, we ask of you to commit yourself and your family so that the Word of God may continue in His glorious name. ΓΙΝΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝΑ Ευχαριστούμε τις 194 οικογένεις που εκπλήρωσαν τις υποσχέσεις τους για το έτος Υπενθυμίζουμε σε όλους ότι έχουν ταχυδρομηθεί οι Καταστάσεις Υπόσχεσης του Καλού Οικονόμου για το τρέχον έτος. Σας παρακαλούμε να ανανεώσετε την συνδρομή σας το γρηγορώτερο δυνατόν. Η υποστήριξη όλων είναι αναγκαία για την συνέχιση του έργου της Εκκλησίας μας. STEWARDS 2017 FEBRUARY 25TH-MARCH 24TH Mr. & Mrs. Konst. Alexopoulos Mr. Peter Bollas Mr. & Mrs. Chris Christofer Mr. Petros Christos Mr. & Mrs. Spero Christos Ms. Elena Dalleck Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Gatsinos Ms. Irene Giardina Mr. & Mrs. Steve Kapsalis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Katsulis Mr. & Mrs. John Kattos Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Kekempanos Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kekempanos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Korellis Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Kladis Mr. & Mrs. Haralambos Kladis Mrs. Demetra Lambros Mrs. Betty Lillios Mr. & Mrs. Apostolos Malfas Mr. Labros Malfas Mr. & Mrs. Demetrius Marines Mr. Harry Marines Ms. Panagiota Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Alex Perros Mr. Athanasios Perros Ms. Andreana Petrakos Mr. & Mrs. James Petropoul Mrs. Despina Petropoulos Mrs. Panagiota Poziopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Tom Primbas Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Priovolos Mr. & Mrs. Paul Stathakis Mr. Constantinos Stratigakis Mr. & Mrs. Antonis Vassiliou Mr. & Mrs. George Vythoulkas Mr. & Mrs. Tomasz Zatora Mrs. Effie Zorbas St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 3

4 LENTEN & HOLY PASCHA EVENTS HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN IAKOVOS AT ST. SPYRIDON FRIDAY, APRIL 7TH, 6:30 P.M. His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos will officiate at the Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts. Following the service, the Philoptochos will be hosting the Lenten Meal. All faithful are invited to attend. Please make every effort to attend this special service. Myrofores Once again, the tradition of the Myrofores during Holy Week and Pascha continues with Eleni Alexakos as their leader. If you have any questions please call the Church Office. While a white robe is provided, the girls need to come dressed appropriately for church and with white shoes and white stockings. The Myrofores need to be at the church fifteen minutes before the start of the following services: Palm Sunday, April 9 th Service of the Bridegroom 7:00 p.m. Holy Monday, April 10 th - Service of the Bridegroom 7:00 p.m. Holy Tuesday, April 11 th - Service of the Bridegroom 7:00 p.m. Holy Friday, April 14 th The Epitaphios Service 7:30 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 15 th The Resurrection Service 11:00 p.m. PASCHA Sunday, April 16 th The Agape Service 12 noon FOREIGN LANGUAGE READERS We are looking for foreign language readers for the Agape Service on Sunday, May 1st at noon. If you can read any language other than Spanish, English and Greek, please contact Fr. Tilemahos. Epitaphion The Epitaphion of our Lord will be decorated during the All-Night Vigil on Holy Thursday Evening on April 13 th. All parishioners and friends are invited to this beautiful Orthodox Tradition in which everyone can participate. Red Pascha Eggs The dying and wrapping of the Red Pascha Eggs will be on Thursday, April 13 th, Holy Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. Everyone is invited. EASTER FLOWER DONATIONS & PASCHA OFFERINGS We wish to thank the following parishioners and friends for donating towards the church, the needy, the flowers and adornment of our St. Spyridon Church during the Great Lent and Pascha Season: Mr.& Mrs. Dimitrios Alexakos Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Ms. Eleni Bizoukas Mr. & Mrs. Zacharias Bousies Mr. Theodoros Bouzios Mr. & Mrs. Chris Catsogiannis Mr. & Mrs. Sam Charalambos Mrs. Martha Eliopulos Mr. & Mrs. Bill Georgiopoulos 4 The Voice Mr. & Mrs. Dim. Karamagianis Mrs. Koula Kintonis Mrs. Tasia Kladis Ms. Sofia Kleopa Mr. & Mrs. Pete Kolyvas Mr. Chris Koulogeorge Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Les Mrs. Betty Lillios Mrs. Maria Loubroukos Mr. & Mrs. Apostolos Malfas Ms. Penelope Marines Mr. & Mrs. George Markopoulos Mr. Angelo Meklis Mrs. Eleni Nicholaou Mr. Philip Papamakarios Mr. George A Pappas Mrs. Pat Poziopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Chris Proutsos Mrs. Anna Selimos Ms. Angeline Sieracki Mr. & Mrs. Christos Tsakiris

5 Dear Fellow Parishioners Καλό μήνα! April is upon us and we have much to report. PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS On March 7th we went to St. Luke s Church in Palos Hills at 6 a.m. and served a hot breakfast to the homeless women who slept there overnight. We also provided a bag lunch for all those present. It is an emotional yet heartwarming experience. We will participate again when we can and invite all to come also. The Philoptochos Retreat at St. Demetrios Church in Chicago on March 11, FAITH HOPE AND LOVE IN ACTION, had two clergy talking about transplants and what the Orthodox Church believes. Our Father Tilemahos spoke in Greek about how the church embraces the transplant both from the donor to the recipient. We had two of our parishioners speak on their personal experience. Kay Manolis late husband, Peter, had received a heart transplant many years ago. The transplant was successful for eight months and Peter was in good spirits. Unfortunately he then suffered from sepsis which compromised his life. Tessy Jones spoke about her mother, Dionisia Pallas, who died at the age of 56. Dionisia s two daughters were distraught, but very compassionate and thoughtful. They decided between them to donate all her organs for whom ever needed them. Because of their love for their mother, they helped many who otherwise would not have survived. Father David Eynon spoke in English and gave an account of his third child, who was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Her heart gave way when she was six and she needed a heart transplant. She waited for nine months and was placed on the Berlin heart. In November of 2014 she received a heart and is now a 9 year old active girl who enjoys dancing and playing the violin and piano. The retreats are a great method for obtaining information and inspiration. It is also a time for fellowship with our sister parishes. Our bus had 28 ladies from four parishes and we hope to get more next time. On March 18, we attended the Annual Quiltathon at Sts. Constantine and Helen in Palos Hills. Over 250 quilts were made and will be distributed to hospitals in the Metropolis. We support this project every year with our Philoptochos donation. Individual donations are also made. We have distributed some quilts to our own St. Spyridon family. We will be preparing for events coming up. We are making pastries at church but also need donations of sweets for the Palm Sunday Bake Sale. Please call me with your donations. Look in the bulletin for work days at church. Remember the Friday before Palm Sunday, April 7th, His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos will be with us in the evening with a reception to follow. We will have our traditional Palm Sunday Luncheon and Bake Sale. We recommend all to make your reservations early. Many sweets will be available for sale for your Paschalino Table. We will also be making baskets for our shut ins on Thursday April 6th.We will be dying eggs on Holy Thursday, April 13th. The Philoptochos sends all our love and best wishes and Καλή Ανάσταση to all our church family with all of your families. Olga Paxinos, Philoptochos President St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 5

6 P.T.A. NEWS March was a very busy month for Greek School and PTA. The whole month s events were dedicated to our Greek culture and the preservation of our Religious and Greek traditions. We are so grateful to our Greek School parents for lending a helping hand. On March 24th, in honor of our Greek Independence Day, Greek School and PTA hosted its Independence Day Program. Our kids did a fantastic job reciting poems, singing patriotic songs, and performing traditional Greek dances from various parts of Greece. As a parent, watching my children on stage and Greek dancing makes me so proud of our Greek School and our community. The tireless efforts of Father Tilemahos, Presvytera Georgia, our teachers, parents, and grandparents are what keep our Greek culture alive and thriving. There are many more things to come from now until the end of the School year. Registration and practices for Junior Olympics is well underway. If your child would like to participate in the Junior Olympics this year, please complete and return your registration form with the fee to your child s classroom teacher, the office, or a PTA member. Keep in mind that in order for your child to participate this year, we encourage them to attend Sunday School and to complete his/ her Oratorical project. Please see your child s Sunday School teacher to make sure these goals have been met. PTA is planning a Jr. Olympics barbeque on Bright Friday April 21st to kick off our events. Please plan on staying after Greek School for food and fun. Weather permitting we will be outside! PTA started selling Easter Candles for $20. We will be selling them every Sunday until Easter. Thank you to our talented and crafty moms made such beautiful candles. Coming up School Spring pictures. Date is to be announced tomorrow n April. Flyer will be sent home soon. Please send children with blue and white uniform. April 8th- Saturday of Lazarus, Divine Liturgy, followed by a Pancake Breakfast and making of the Palms Demetra Mikroulis, P.T.A. President SUNDAY SCHOOL The month of March was filled with exciting events for Sunday School. Many of you may have noticed the Oratorical Festival projects that are displayed in the gym. Our Lenten retreat was on Saturday, March 18 th. Many thanks to Dana Vasilakos who coordinated this effort and to Tessie Jones, Bessie Mihas, Maria Bousies and Irene Giardina for teaching the students. A special thanks to the 8 th grade girls who came out to help. The Saturday of Lazarus is quickly approaching on April 8 th. We are asking all students to join us to help make the palm crosses and decorate our church as we do every year after enjoying a pancake breakfast. Zoe Kopanis, Sunday School Director 6 The Voice

7 An overwhelming number of children participated in the litany of icons on Sunday of Orthodoxy. It was a beautiful sight to see as all our Sunday School students held up their icons and proclaimed the beauty and glory of our Orthodox faith. Many thanks to all our Sunday School staff and parents who organized all our young faithful and thanks to everyone who took the wonderful pictures. SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 7

8 ARCHANGELS ACADEMY The students made Greek Flags and mini-replicas of themselves dressed in Tsolia or Amalia costumes to celebrate Greek Independence Day, March 25th. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR SUMMER CAMP 2017 NATIVE AMERICAN ADVENTURES JUNE 5TH-9TH & JUNE 12TH-16TH Camp will run from June 5th through June 16th, Monday Friday 9 a.m. to 12 noon and is open to 4-7 year olds. Applications are now available at the Church Office. SCHOOL FIELD TRIP Scales & Tales Traveling Zoo visited on Wednesday, March 15th, with their menagerie of warm and cold blooded animals that entertained and delighted the students. Dates to remember April No School Pascha Break Tuesday, April 18 School Reconvenes Sunday, April 30 Greek Parade 8 The Voice

9 CHERUBS March has been a fun month with our little ones! We celebrated Great Lent by making hand kites and introducing Lady Lent to our kids. We colored rainbows for St. Patrick's Day and made Greek flags for Greek Independence Day. As usual we enjoyed each other's company and are looking forward to spring! We wish you all Kalo Pascha! Καλή ανάσταση! Janine Riley GOYA GOYA & Jr. GOYA Lock-in Friday, April 21st, :30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. Come and join a fun night at church with games, movies, and fellowship. We will also bake for our April 23rd Bake Sale. Bring your favorite games and a sleeping bag. GOYAns preparing and serving a Lenten Meal on March 15th. Please reserve by April 19th, St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 9

10 10 The Voice GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

11 GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11

12 ANNIVERSARY ALBUM: Our Anniversary Album committee continues to collect the family stories of our parishioners and is eagerly waiting for your family s entry into this beautiful tribute to our parish anniversary. Feel free to include memories at St. Spyridon - at the festivals, Greek School, basketball games, Bible Study, serving in the altar, iconography class, trips to the monastery - just to give you some ideas. Include names of your children, parents, grandparents, friends. How did you meet your spouse? How did you choose St. Spyridon as your parish? Perhaps you would like to tell us stories about how you or your family came from Greece. Or maybe you would like to dedicate your page to a loved one that has passed away - a memorial tribute page with photos. Please remember, our 100th Anniversary Book Committee is here to help. Please call or & we'll be happy to help you get started. This book will be a beautiful keepsake for your children and grandchildren for years to come. ANNIVERSARY GALA OCTOBER 15TH In the meantime, our Banquet Committee is hard at work planning the Anniversary Gala for October 15th, 2017 at Georgios Banquets. Reservations can be made be made by calling the church office. Reservations must be accompanied with payment. SPECIAL EVENTS The special events committee is planning the following events in honor of the centennial celebration: Saturday, May 6th Remembering the Bingo Days Dinner and fellowship Friday, June 7 p.m. Sunday School, Greek School, Goya, Athletics Reunion at X&O s, Palos Heights Thursday, June 15th Golf Outing Tuesday, July 12 noon Palos Heights Independence Day Parade July 8 & 9 Summer Festival October 15th 100th Anniversary Gala 12 The Voice 100TH ANNIVERSARY

13 April 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 2 Sunday School Philoptochos 100th Anniversary Photo History Panel ( ) 9 Sunday School Palm Sunday Luncheon 16 Holy Pascha 23 Sunday School GOYA Bake Sale 30 Sunday School Greek Parade 2:00 pm 3 Greek School-4:30 pm 10 HOLY MONDAY 17 Office Closed 24 Greek Bible am Greek School-4:30 pm May 1st Greek Bible am Greek School-4:30 pm 4 Jr. GOYA 7pm Volleyball Practice 8 p.m. 5 HOLY TUESDAY 18 Jr. GOYA 7pm Parish Council 7pm Volleyball Practice 8 p.m. 5 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 6:30 p.m. 6 HOLY WEDNESDAY 19 Christian Philoxenia at St. Nicholas Oak Lawn Cherubs 10:30 a.m HOLY THURSDAY 20 7 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Lenten Meal hosted by the Philoptochos 14 HOLY FRIDAY GREAT & HOLY WEEK Consult Calendar on pg. 15 for Schedule of Divine Services / Πρόγραμμα Ιερών Ακολουθιών στην σελ Jr. GOYA 7pm Volleyball Practice 8 p.m. May 2nd Jr. GOYA 7pm Volleyball Practice 8 p.m. 26 Bible Study 10 :30 a.m. Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Iconography 6:00 p.m. Bible Study 6:30 p.m. May 3rd Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Iconography 6:00 p.m. 27 May 4th 21 Greek School 4:30 p.m. P.T.A. BBQ 6 p.m. Bball Practice 6:30 p.m. GOYA & Jr. GOYA Lock-In 28 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Bball Practice 6:30 p.m. May 5th Greek School 4:30 p.m. Bball Practice 6:30 p.m. 1 Jr. Olympics Bball practice 11 a.m. 8 Saturday of Lazarus Communion Breakfast & Retreat and making of Palms 15 HOLY SATURDAY Altar Boys 10:30 a.m. Handmaidens 10:30 am HOPE 10:30 a.m. May 6th Altar Boys 10:30 a.m. Handmaidens 10:30 am HOPE 10:30 a.m. Remembering Bingo Night 5 p.m.

14 PARISH NEWS MEMORIALS Sunday, March 5th 40 days for Harry Marines Sunday, March 12th 40 days for Laureen Tsoukalas Sunday, March 19th 40 days for Sofia Katsinis 3 months for Gloria Arestis 2 years for Andrew Besbekos Sunday, March 26th 40 days for Effie Bouzios 40 days for Eftychia Banou 6 months for Dionisia Kladis + Stamata Vythoulkas May their memory be eternal! BAPTISM The son of Mr. & Mrs. Aristotelis Valavanidis was baptized on March 11th and was given the name Stefan. His sponsor was Mr. Chris Papakonstantinou. FUNERALS Alexandra Koulogeorge fell asleep in the Lord on March 11th. Her funeral took place on March 16th and she was interned at Evergreen Cemetery. May her memory be eternal. Antonios Kopanitsanos fell asleep in the Lord on March 13th. His funeral took place on March 15th and was interned at Bethania Cemetery. May his memory be eternal. THANK YOU To the Anonymous donors for donating food to our Food Pantry. To Lex Alexander for taking beautiful pictures of our church. To all the Parish Organizations for organizing the Lenten Dinners. To the P.T.A. and the volunteers and donors for hosting this year s Lenten Retreat To all the teachers and students for a wonderful Greek Independence Day Program. To all who donated in memory of Harry Marines, Antonios Kopanitsanos, Alexandra Koulogeorge and Effie Bouzios. All Sunday School & Greek School Students, Parents, and Parishioners are invited to the GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE SUNDAY, APRIL 30th IN GREEKTOWN FOOD PANTRY Please always remember the Food Pantry and our Donation for the Needy Box in the church narthex, so that we never have to turn anyone away. The Food Pantry wish list and donation drop-off is located at the east exit of our community center. The Easter Baskets will be given to our non-orthodox families in need on Monday, April 10th. We are looking for hams, canned goods, and fresh produce to fill these baskets. JR. OLYMPICS Τhe Annual Junior Olympics will take place on May 26th 28th, 2017 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Palos Hills. Our community will be represented by numerous athletes in individual sports and teams in softball, soccer, basketball and volleyball. VOLLEYBALL Our Saint Spyridon youth ages are invited to play volleyball on Tuesday nights at 8 pm. No volleyball experience necessary. Practices take place every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. The boys and girls teams will practice at the same time. The tentative schedule for practices is April 4, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, & 23. BASKETBALL All basketball players ages 7-13 are invited to basketball practice in preparation for the Junior Olympics on Saturday, April 1st at 11:00 a.m. Tentatively the practice schedule for basketball will be as follows: Saturday, April 1st - 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 21st, April 28th, May 5th, May 12th, & May 19th at 6:45 p.m. Practices for soccer and softball will be announced soon. There will be a try-out day for track during our Bright Friday BBQ on April 21st. Athletes from other Orthodox Churches may join a particular team as long as their church does not have that team for Jr. Olympics. Also, if you are interested in coaching please notify Fr. Tilemahos. 14 The Voice

15 ΚΟΙΝΟΤΙΚΑ ΝΕΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΠΛΟΥΤΑΡΧΟΣ Την Παρασκευή, 24 Μαρτίου, το σχολείο μας παρουσίασε εορταστικό πρόγραμμα για την ημέρα της Εθνικής Ανεξαρτησίας μας. Συγχαρητήρια σε όλους τους μαθητές και δασκάλους του σχολείου μας για το υπέροχο πρόγραμμα. Την Παρασκευή 7 Απριλίου, το Ελληνικό Σχολείο μας διακόπτει τα μαθήματά του για τις Εορτές της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας και του Αγίου Πάσχα. Θα λειτουργήσει πάλι κανονικά την Παρασκευή 21 Απριλίου, στις 4:30 μ.μ. Το Σάββατο 8 Απριλίου, Σάββατο του Λαζάρου οι μαθητές του Ελληνικού και Κατηχητικού Σχολείου θα εκκλησιασθούν, θα κοινωνήσουν και μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία θα έχουν πρωινό και στην συνέχεια θα ετοιμάσουν τα βάια και τα στραυρουλάκια για την Κυριάκη των Βαϊων. H Παρέλαση στην Ελληνική παροικία του Σικάγου έχει προγραμματιστεί για την Κυριακή 30 Απριλίου ΒΑΨΙΜΟ ΑΥΓΩΝ Όλοι μας είμαστε καλεσμένοι να βοηθήσουμε στο βάψιμο των κόκκινων αυγών που θα γίνει την Μεγάλη Πέμπτη, 13 Απριλίου, αρχίζοντας στις 10:00 π.μ. μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. ΕΟΡΤΗ ΤΗΣ ΜΗΤΕΡΑΣ Τήν Κυριακή 14 Μαΐου, ἑορταστικό γεῦμα θά δωθεῖ στήν Κοινοτική Αἲθουσα πρός τιμήν τῆς ἑορτῆς τῆς Μητέρας, μετά τήν Θεία Λειτουργία. Παρακαλοῦμε νά τηλεφωνήσετε στό Γραφεῖο γιά κλείσεις θέσεων. PHILOPTOCHOS SCHOLARSHIP The St. Spyridon Ladies Philoptochos Society invites all interested high school seniors and current college students to apply for the St. Spyridon Philoptochos Scholarship. The winning applicant will receive a $1000 scholarship from Philoptochos. Applications and information are available on St. Spyridon s website: The deadline for the completed application and supporting documents are due by June 15, The recipient will be notified by September 1, SAVE THE DATE!!! ST. SPYRIDON SUMMER FESTIVAL JULY 8th & 9th, 2017 St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 15

16 Saturday, April 1st Sunday, April 2nd Monday, April 3rd Wednesday, April 5th Friday, April 7th Saturday, April 8th Sunday, April 9th Monday, April 10th Tuesday, April 11th Schedule of Divine Services Confession 4:00 p.m. * Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. St. Mary of Egypt, Orthros & Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Solemn Vespers at St. Demetrios, Hammond 7:00 p.m. Great Compline 6:00 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Holy Confession 10:30 a.m. Presanctified Liturgy with His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos 6:30 p.m. Saturday of Lazarus, Orthros & Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Holy Confession 11:00 a.m. * Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Palm Sunday Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Service of the Nymphios 7:00 p.m. Holy & Great Monday, Presanctified Liturgy 8:30 a.m. Holy Confession 11:00 a.m. * Service of the Nymphios 7:00 p.m. Holy & Great Tuesday, Presanctified Liturgy 8:30 a.m. Holy Confession 11:00 a.m. * Service of the Nymphios 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 12th Holy & Great Wednesday, Presanctified Liturgy 8:30 a.m. Holy Unction 11:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. Orthros of Holy Thursday 7:00 p.m. (Holy Unction offered) Thursday, April 13th Holy & Great Thursday, Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil 8:30 a.m. Holy Confession 11:00 a.m. * Service of the Passion of Christ - 6:30 p.m. All-night Vigil and Decoration of Epitaphios Friday, April 14th Holy & Great Friday, Great & Royal Hours 8:30 a.m. Apokathelosis 4:00 p.m. * Service of the Lamentations 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15th Holy & Great Saturday, Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil 6:00 a.m. & 8:30 a.m. Holy Confession 11:00 a.m. * Resurrection Service 11:00 p.m. Sunday, April 16th HOLY PASCHA, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 12 midnight * Agape Vespers 12 noon Tuesday, April 18th Raphael, Nicholas & Irene, Orthros, Divine Liturgy & Artoklasia 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 19th Christian Philoxenia at St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn. Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Friday, April 21st Life-Giving Fountain, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22nd Vespers at St. George Church 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 23rd Sunday of Thomas, St. George the Trophybearer Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Monday, April 24th Paraklesis 10:30 a.m. Sunday, April 30th Sunday of the Myrrh-bearers, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Monday, May 1st Agiasmos 10:00 a.m. CHRISTIAN PHILOXENIA Wednesday, April 19th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:30 a.m. Followed by Luncheon hosted by Saint Nicholas Philoptochos Free of Charge Please call the church office St. Spyridon s P.T.A. invites the children and families of the parish to worship together at the Saturday of Lazarus Divine Liturgy followed by the Annual Communion Pancake Breakfast Saturday, April 8th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 am After Liturgy, please join us for the Lenten Communion Pancake Breakfast and preparation of the palms for Palm Sunday Worship. This is a wonderful Lenten opportunity to come together as a family to prepare the palms and enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 16

17 Σάββατο 1 Ἀπριλίου Κυριακή 2 Ἀπριλίου Δευτέρα 3 Ἀπριλίου Τετάρτη 5 Ἀπριλίου Παρασκευή 7 Ἀπριλίου Σάββατο 8η Ἀπριλίου Κυριακή 9η Ἀπριλίου Δευτέρα 10η Ἀπριλίου Τρίτη 11 Ἀπριλίου Τετάρτη 12η Ἀπριλίου Πέμπτη 13 Ἀπριλίου Παρασκευή 14 Ἀπριλίου Σάββατο 15 Ἀπριλίου Κυριακή 16 Ἀπριλίου Τρίτη 18 Απριλίου Τετάρτη 19 Ἀπριλίου Παρασκευή 21 Απριλίου Σάββατο 22 Απριλίου Κυριακή 23 Απριλίιου Δευτέρα 24 Απριλίου Κυριακή 30 Ἀπριλίου Δευτέρα 1 Μαΐου ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ Ἐξομολόγησις 4:00 μ.μ. * Ἐσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. 5η Κυριακή τῶν Νηστειῶν, Ὂρθρος καί Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Κατανυκτικός Ἐσπερινός, Ι.Ν. Ἁγίου Δημητρίου Hammond 7:00 μ.μ. Μέγα Ἀπόδειπνο 6:00 μ.μ. Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. * Ἱερά Ἐξομολόγηση -10:30 π.μ. Ἀρχιερατική Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 6:30 μ.μ. Σάββατο τοῦ Λαζάρου Ὂρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Ἱερά Ἐξομολόγηση 11:00 π.μ., Μέγας Ἐσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή τῶν Βαΐων Ὂρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Νυμφίου 7:00 μ.μ. Ἁγία καί Μεγάλη Δευτέρα Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία -8:30 π.μ. Ἱερά Ἐξομολόγηση -11:00 π.μ. * Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Νυμφίου - 7:00 μ.μ. Ἁγία καί Μεγάλη Τρίτη Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία -8:30 π.μ. Ἱερά Ἐξομολόγηση -11:00 π.μ. * Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Νυμφίου - 7:00 μ.μ. Ἁγία καί Μεγάλη Τετάρτη Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία -8:30 π.μ. Ἀκολουθία Ἁγίου Εὐχελαίου 11:00 π.μ. & 4:00 μ.μ. Ὂρθρος τῆς Μ. Πέμπτης - 7:00 μ.μ. (Διανομή Εὐχελαίου κατά τήν διάρκεια τοῦ Ὂρθρου) Ἁγία καί Μεγάλη Πέμπτη, Ἐσπερινός καί Λειτουργία τοῦ Μ. Βασιλείου -8:30 π.μ. Ἱερά Ἐξομολόγηση -11:00 π.μ. Ἀκολουθία τῶν Παθῶν -6:30 μ.μ. Ἀγρυπνία και στολισμός του Επιταφίου Ἁγία καί Μεγάλη Παρασκευή, Ἀκολουθία τῶν Βασιλικῶν Ὡρῶν -8:30 π.μ. Ἑσπερινός τῆς Ἀποκαθήλωσης -4:00 μ.μ. Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Ἐπιταφίου -7:30 μ.μ. Μεγάλο Σάββατο Ἐσπερινή Θεία Λειτουργία 6:00 π.μ. & 8:30 π.μ. Ἱερά Ἐξομολόγηση -11:00 π.μ. Μεσονυκτική Ἀκολουθία -11:00 μ.μ. ΑΓΙΟΝ ΠΑΣΧΑ, Ὂρθρος καί Θεία Λειτουργία -12:00 π.μ. Ἐσπερινός τῆς Ἀγάπης -12 μ.μ. Ἁγίων Ραφαήλ, Νικολάου καί Εἰρήνης, Ὂρθρος καί Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Χριστιανική Φιλοξενία στον Ι.Ν. Τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου, Oak Lawn Ὂρθρος καί Θεία Λειτουργία -8:30 π.μ. Ζωοδόχου Πηγῆς - Ὂρθρος καί Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός στις Ενορίες Αγίου Γεωργίου 7:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή του Θωμά Ἁγίου Γεωργίου τοῦ Τροπαιοφόρου Ὂρθρος καί Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Παράκληση 10:00 π.μ. Κυριακή τῶν Μυροφόρων Ὂρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ Αγιασμός 10:00 π.μ. PASCHA GREETINGS From our Priests Fr. Tilemahos & Fr. Athenagoras, the President of the Parish Council Mr. James Korbakes and the board members the President of the Philoptochos Mrs. Olga Paxinos and its members the President of the P.T.A. Demetra Mikroulis and its members the Teachers of, the Greek and Sunday Schools the Church Staff and all the Parish Organizations wish all parishioners a Blessed Lent and a Glorious Pascha! St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 17

18 Please join us on Sunday April 9th Orthros & Divine Liturgy beginning at 8 a.m. Immediately following the Divine Liturgy the Philoptochos Invites you to this year s Palm Sunday Luncheon Saint Spyridon invites all our youth, K-5th, to our Vacation Church School with the theme: Created by God, Built for a Purpose, on June 19th-23rd. Camp is limited to 50 students. Please register by June 9th, Registration forms available at the church office and at Adults $25.00 Children $10.00 Please make your reservations by April 5th By calling the Church St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church S. Ridgeland Avenue Palos Heights, IL Attend Church Regularly with Your Family!