You Belong Here! HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH THE LORD S DESCENT INTO THE UNDERWORLD

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1 You Belong Here! The MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Something strange is happening- - there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear. He has gone to search for our first parent, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow the captives Adam and Eve, he who is both God and the son of Eve. The Lord approached them bearing the cross, the weapon that had won him the victory. At the sight of him Adam, the first man he had created, struck his breast in terror and cried out to everyone: "My Lord be with you all." Christ answered him: "And with your spirit." He took him by the hand and raised him up, saying: "Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. Out of love for you and for your descendants I now by my own authority command all who are held in bondage to come forth, all who are in darkness to be enlightened, all who are sleeping to arise. I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be held a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead. Rise up, work of my hands, you who were created in my image. Rise, let us leave this place, for you are in me and I am in you; together we form only one person and we cannot be separated. For your sake I, your God, became your son; I, the Lord, took the form of a slave; I, whose home is above the heavens, Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18) THE LORD S DESCENT INTO THE UNDERWORLD descended to the earth and beneath the earth. For your sake, for the sake of man, I became like a man without help, free among the dead. For the sake of you, who left a garden, I was betrayed to the Jews in a garden, and I was crucified in a garden. See on my face the spittle I received in order to restore to you the life I once breathed into you. See there the marks of the blows I received in order to refashion your warped nature in my image. On my back see the marks of the scourging I endured to remove the burden of sin that weighs upon your back. See my hands, nailed firmly to a tree, for you who once wickedly stretched out your hand to a tree. I slept on the cross and a sword pierced my side for you who slept in paradise and brought forth Eve from your side. My side has healed the pain in yours. My sleep will rouse you from your sleep in hell. The sword that pierced me has sheathed the sword that was turned against you. Rise, let us leave this place. The enemy led you out of the earthly paradise. I will not restore you to that paradise, but I will enthrone you in heaven. I forbade you the tree that was only a symbol of life, but see, I who am life itself am now one with you. I appointed cherubim to guard you as slaves are guarded, but now I make them worship you as God. The throne formed by cherubim awaits you, its bearers swift and eager. The bridal chamber is adorned, the banquet is ready, the eternal dwelling places are prepared, the treasure houses of all good things lie open. The kingdom of heaven has been prepared for you from all eternity." From an ancient homily for Holy Saturday (P.G. 43, 439, 451, )

2 WORSHIP SCHEDULE April Schedule of Services Tuesday, March 31 PAN-ORTHODOX AKATHIST HYMN AT HOLY MOTHER OF GOD SERBIAN ORTHODOX MONASTERY IN GRAYSLAKE, IL Wednesday April 1 6:00 pm Presanctified Liturgy Saturday of Lazaros, April 4 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy with Commentary PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 5 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy HOLY WEEK SERVICES Palm Sunday, Apr 5 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service Holy Monday, Apr 6 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service Holy Tuesday, Apr 7 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service Holy Wednesday, April 8 2:00 pm Holy Unction 7:00 pm Orthros of the Mystical Supper Holy Thurs, April 9 6:00 am Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm The 12 Passion Gospels Holy Friday, April 10 9:00 am Royal Hours 2:00 pm The Descent from the Cross 7:00 pm The Epitaphios Lamentations Holy Saturday morning, April 11 8:30 am Liturgy of the First Resurrection Holy Saturday Evening 11:00 pm Orthros Midnight Resurrection, Liturgy of PASCHA PASCHA SUNDAY (April 12) 12:00 noon The AGAPI SERVICE Friday April 17 Life-Giving Fountain 8:30 am Orthros and Liturgy Sunday, April 19 Sunday of Thomas 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy Friday April 23 St. George 8:30 am Orthros and Liturgy Sunday, April 26 The Myrrh BearingWomen 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy SACRAMENTS AND BLESSINGS BLESSINGS OF INFANTS Forty days after birth, a child and its mother come to church to receive a 40 Day Blessing, imitating Christ who was presented in the Temple 40 days after He was born. Please call the church office to arrange this blessing. BAPTISMS Please call the church office to schedule Baptisms. Plan ahead! there are some days when Baptisms are not performed. Keep in mind that there should be only one Godparent and that a child is supposed to be given one name when he or she is baptized. WEDDINGS Please arrange an appointment with Fr. Dean at least eight months before the proposed wedding date to allow time for all necessary marriage preparation. CONFESSION Confessions are arranged by appointment. Please call the church office to schedule Confession. MINISTRY TO PERSONS WHO ARE SICK Orthodox Christians who would like to receive Holy Sacraments but are unable to attend church (hospitalized or at home) should contact the church office so Holy Sacraments can be administered to them. Please inform the church office if your loved one is hospitalized! Most hospitals no longer inform us when they receive patients from our parish. MEMORIAL SERVICES Memorial Services are offered for the eternal rest of persons who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Customarily, these services are offered at 40 days, at 6 months, at 1 year and at 3 years. When three years have passed, the departed are more properly remembered on the Saturdays of the Souls. DID YOU KNOW?... OUR CHURCH S TEACHING ABOUT CREMATION The New Testament teaches that the body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The body is further sanctified by the incarnation of Christ God becoming Man in the body. Consistent with this teaching, the body is an integral part of the whole person, and the Church teaches and expects the resurrection from the dead of the body and the soul, when God s Kingdom comes in its fullness. The Church considers cremation to be the deliberate desecration and destruction of what God has made, and insists that the body be buried for the natural process to take place. As the denial of the resurrection, in cases where there is intention for the body of a deceased person to be cremated, a church funeral is not allowed, either in the church, or the Funeral home or any other place. Additionally, memorial services with kolyva are not allowed, since the significance between the kernel of wheat and the body has been intentionally destroyed. from Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Yearbook STEWARDSHIP YOU BELONG HERE! 2015 STEWARDSHIP UPDATE As of March 18, 2015: 340 families have committed $ 194, How about you?

3 HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS PHONE: 847/ From Father Dean Dear Stewards and Friends, April 2015 ΚΑΛΟ ΚΑΙ ΑΓΙΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ! HAPPY AND BLESSED PASCHA! Pascha, the Feast of feasts, is nearly here! Great Lent has nearly ended. It is such a beautiful season in its simplicity and somberness; the prayers are so powerful as our Church tries to direct us by helping us remember who we are and where we are going. And the special weekday Lenten services of Compline (Απόδειπνον), the Presanctified Liturgy and the Salutations to the Theotokos help in a mystical and mysterious way; while helping us realize how far we have fallen away from God, at the same time they bring us comfort and guidance in restoring closeness to Him. I hope that Pascha will be especially meaningful for you this year. Those of us who have been following the Lenten discipline from the beginning, and those who came at the eleventh hour are all invited to enter the joy of the Kingdom! Let s try to see Pascha not only as a sumptuous meal, but as our accepting God s love and sacrifice in a substantial way! I found two articles (on the cover and on page 8) that may help! (But you can t read them if you re in a hurry.) The first article talks of Adam being terrorized in fear on seeing the Son of God after His crucifixion and Resurrection. Adam was created by Him and disobeyed Him; now He comes and confronts Adam. Wow! Think about it! The second article explains that the Resurrection of Christ defeats death and therefore condemns us to immortality. Our Orthodox faith is a treasure house of spiritual wisdom and experience. We are invited to take as much as we can! But before we get there, we have a busy week! Our ladies are hard at work, preparing for our annual Easter Bake Sale, that will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, April 1-2. You can shop for Easter bread, tsourekia, red eggs and other home-made goodies! Bring your friends, too! April 4 is the Saturday of Lazaros. This is a very important holiday that we have neglected. We celebrate the glorious miracle of Jesus raising Lazaros from the dead! There will be Liturgy that morning, followed by our annual Family Retreat crafts, lessons, lunch, and projects for moms, dads, children and grandparents together! Don t forget to make your reservations for our annual, delicious Palm Sunday Luncheon, too! We have all these occasions to celebrate! It is so fitting that we can celebrate our holidays both as spiritual and as physical realities. By doing so in sacrament, prayer, food and song, we understand the unity of our souls and bodies as we strive to grow closer to one another and to God! No one celebrates Pascha like the Orthodox! Dig in! HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH NILES, ILLINOIS Proistamenos...Fr. Constantine P. Botsis Synefimerios....Fr. George Lamberis Pastoral Assistant Deacon John G. Suhayda Chanter Nick Harisiadis Parish Council Officers President Perry Giannopoulos Vice President Nick Andrews Treasurer..... David Loomos Secretary Argy Koutsikos Phase III Chairman... Stewardship.. Budget Committee Chairman...Perry Giannopoulos Building & Grounds Chairman.. Michael Pontikes and Theodoros Karabatsos Decor Committee Chairman...Stephan Aliferakis Finance Committee Chairman... Outreach Committee....John Pierce Board Chairman......Olympia Bournias Audit Committee Chairman...Evan Houpis.. Philoptochos President......Maria Dimitriou PTA Co-Presidents (Afternoon ) Anna Sikoral and Kathy Ioannidis PTA President (Preschool)...Marianna Memmos PTA Co-Presidents (Saturday )......Angelo Mihalopoulos and Georgia Pipikios Greek Principal... Mrs. Anastasia Liapi Saturday Director...Mrs. Andrianna Panayiotou Preschool Director Mrs. Rita Petratos Sunday Director...Presvytera Georgia Botsis Athletic Director David Loomos Scoutmaster George Alpogianis Asst Scoutmaster Sam Parmakis Asst Cubmaster John Frake Little Angels....Mrs. Tasia Liapi YAL President......Christina Pappadis GOYA President... Vasiliki Karabatsos Jr. Goya Advisor.. Jolynn Ruggerio Bookstore Manager..... Jolynn Ruggerio Web Master George Houpis Office Staff..Barbara Skaouris and Alexandra Grivas Maintenance Staff.Juan Caro and Carolina Contreras IN THIS ISSUE: Letter from our Priest (pg 3) Phase 3 (pg 4) Holy Week Schedule (pg 5) Announcements/Ανακοινώσεις (pp 6-7) Condemned to Immortality (pg 8) Events (pg 9) Calendar (pg 10) Fr. Dean

4 Dear Fellow Stewards of St. Haralambos, PHASE 3 MOVING AHEAD! As you know we had a special General Assembly on March 5 th to share the progress and to offer an opportunity for stewards to share their thoughts. Our Committee presented plans for the Phase 3 Expansion of our facilities to include a gymnasium/hall, new kitchen, meeting space, classrooms, storage space and the renovation of our existing building and those present were pleased with the design and offered a few suggestions as well as had many questions answered. Their response was overwhelmingly positive! SELECTION OF ARCHITECT After a lengthy period of time during which the committee developed a Request for Proposal, four architectural firms responded. The committee met with and interviewed all of the architects as well as their support engineers, and after lengthy review, Axios Architects, a firm owned by Mr. Bill Kokalias, was chosen and contracted. Mr. Kokalias has been working on the design and construction drawings for the past several months including several meetings with the building committee. SELECTION OF BUILDING CONTRACTOR At this point, the building committee is preparing to send the plans out for preliminary bid to 5 or 6 contractors recommended by the building committee. The goal is still to break ground immediately following the 2015 Food Festival. The committee believes this is feasible provided the funding is in place. PERMITS AND ZONING During this time frame there are several other processes taking place. The Village has required that we have a plat of consolidation prepared so that all of our property will now be considered one single parcel. Additionally, as we are technically in an area which is zoned Residential, we will need a Special Use Permit from the Village. Both of these requirements are under way as we speak. The committee is excited about the progress that is being made and looks forward to further reporting to the parish on the status of this most important project in the life of our community! Everyone agrees that we are overcrowded and need space to expand our programs and activities. Everyone s support will be needed! Very soon, you will receive information about how you can help. We have been looking forward to this for many years. THE TIME HAS COME! The Phase III Committee ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! CHRIST IS RISEN!

5 GREAT AND HOLY WEEK 2015 Η ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ MΕΓΑΛΗ EΒΔΟΜΑΣ 2015 THE SATURDAY OF LAZAROS (April 4) 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy with Commentary PALM SUNDAY (April 5) 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy PALM SUNDAY EVENING 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom GREAT AND HOLY MONDAY (April 6) 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom GREAT AND HOLY TUESDAY (April 7) 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom; Hymn of Cassiani GREAT AND HOLY WEDNESDAY (April 8) 2:00 pm The Sacrament of Holy Unction 7:00 pm Orthros of the Last Supper, Holy Unction Anointing GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY (April 9) 6:00 am Divine Liturgy of the Mystical Last Supper (Holy Communion) 7:00 pm The Twelve Passion Gospels GREAT AND HOLY FRIDAY (April 10) 9:00 am The Royal Hours 2:00 pm The Descent from the Cross 7:00 pm Service of the Lamentations GREAT AND HOLY SATURDAY (April 11) 8:30 am Liturgy of the "First Resurrection" (Holy Communion) HOLY SATURDAY EVENING 11:00 pm Orthros 12:00 am THE RESURRECTION, LITURGY OF PASCHA PASCHA SUNDAY (April 12) 12:00 noon THE "AGAPI" EASTER VESPERS OF LOVE BRIGHT FRIDAY (April 17) THE LIFE-GIVING FOUNTAIN 8:30 am Orthros and Divine Liturgy HAPPY EASTER! ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΖΑΡΟΥ (4 Απριλίου) 8:00 πµ Όρθρος 9:00 πµ Θεία Λειτουργία ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ (5 Απριλίου) 8:15 πµ Όρθρος 9:30 πµ Κατηχητικό Σχολείο 9:45 πµ Θεία Λειτουργία ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ ΒΡΑ Υ 7:00 µµ Ακολουθία του Νυµφίου ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΕΥΤΕΡΑ (6 Απριλίου) 7:00 µµ Ακολουθία του Νυµφίου ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΡΙΤΗ (7 Απριλίου) 7:00 µµ Ακολουθία του Νυµφίου, Ύµνον της Κασσιανής ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗ (8 Απριλίου) 2:00 µµ Το Μυστήριον του Ευχελαίου 7:00 µµ Όρθρος του Μυστικού είπνου, Ευχέλαιον ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΕΜΠΤΗ (9 Απριλίου) 6:00 πµ Θεία Λειτουργία του Μυστικού είπνου (Θεία Κοινωνία) 7:00 µµ Τα Πάθη ( ώδεκα Ευαγγέλια) ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ (10 Απριλίου) 9:00 πµ Οι Βασιλικές Ωρες 2:00 µµ Εσπερινός της Αποκαθηλώσεως 7:00 µµ Ο Επιτάφιος Θρήνος ΑΓΙΟΝ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ (11 Απριλίου) 8:30 πµ Λειτουργία «Πρώτης Aναστάσεως» (Θεία Κοινωνία) ΜΕΓΑ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ ΒΡΑ Υ 11:00 µµ Όρθρος 12:00 πµ H ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΣ, ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ (12 Απριλίου) 12:00 µµ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΑΓΑΠΗΣ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ ΤΗΣ ΛΑΜΠΡΗΣ ΤΗΣ ΖΩΟ ΟΧΟΥ ΠΗΓΗΣ (17 Απριλίου) 8:30 πµ Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία ΕΥΛΟΓΗΜΕΝΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ!

6 YOU BELONG HERE WE BELONG TO GOD! Our church and our home give us the warmth and assurance of love and belonging. This church and our homes are the places where we experience love from God and His people. At the same time, we need your help to ensure that our church will be here to offer love and belonging to others: friends, visitors and future generations! The way we do this is through sincere and conscientious Stewardship. Stewardship means friendliness, welcoming visitors, pride and ownership of our church, and offering our time, talents and treasury. We urge you to make a bold and faith-filled commitment to your church for 2015! Please set a level of giving that is a reflection of your love for God and of your appreciation for the blessings and benefits you derive from your Church. There is no minimum, but true stewardship means proportional giving giving in proportion to our resources and income. You belong here! SHUT-INS Please inform the Church office about elderly or ill individuals who would like our priest to visit them and bring them Holy Communion during this holy season. SATURDAY OF LAZAROS FAMILY RETREAT BENJAMIN S BOX: A RESURRECTION STORY --Our Annual Sunday Saturday of Lazaros FAMILY RETREAT will take place on April 4 th, beginning at 9:00 am with a TEACH- ING LITURGY!!! Have you ever wondered about the real meaning behind what happens in the Divine Liturgy? Then come and experience the Teaching or Commentary Liturgy! The Retreat Program will include a Lenten Lunch, Lesson, making palm crosses and a Craft Project. Proper Church clothes are required. Join us also at our Holy Friday Retreat from noon to 2:00 pm! Registration for one or both retreats is only $20/family! Moms, dads, grandparents and kids are welcomed! You must register so there will be enough supplies! Registrations will be accepted until Thursday, April 2nd. ANNUAL EASTER BAKE SALE The St. Haralambos Ladies Philoptochos invite you to their Annual Easter Bake Sale, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, April 1-2 in our Community Center. A great opportunity to buy your Easter Tsourekia, red eggs and pastries! Lunch will be served both days, and the Coffee Shop will be open! Please tell your friends, and bring them with you to shop for all your Easter Pastries and breads! The Bake Sale will be from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. ANNUAL PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON April 5 is Palm Sunday! The St. Haralambos PTA invites you to its annual Palm Sunday Luncheon, after church services on Sunday, April 5. Because of space limitations, reservations will be required. The donation will be $17 for fish with skordalia, and $8 for spaghetti with marinara sauce; a number of "To Go" orders will also be available at $17. To make reservations, please call the Church office ( ) not later than April 2! COMMUNITY NEWS HOLY UNCTION ON HOLY WEDNESDAY We would like to remind everyone that, on Holy Wednesday, Holy Unction will only be given by anointing. If there is a need for the anointing of the sick or those who are unable to attend the service, the priest will visit and anoint those persons by arrangement at the proper time. Holy Unction will no longer be giving out. METROPOLIS JUNIOR OLYMPICS Youth 7 to 18 years of age are encouraged to participate in the 2015 Metropolis Junior Olympics. Save the dates May 22 to May 24. FANARI SUMMER CAMP We are excited to report that our Metropolis of Chicago Summer Camp Fanari will take place at our very own Saint Iakovos Retreat Center this summer! The program is being expanded and there will be FOUR one week sessions! Watch for more information! IOCC ANNUAL BANQUET will take place at 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 30 at the Café la Cave, 2777 Mannheim Road in Des Plaines. The donation is $125. IOCC provides desperately needed food and medical supplies worth millions of dollars to people in need and to disaster victims around the world in the name of our Orthodox Church. They truly deserve our support! Please call the St. Haralambos Church Office ( ) to make your reservations! VILLAGE PASCHAL FEAST! - The Saint Haralambos Community is hosting a Village Paschal Feast beginning at 6:30pm on Bright Friday, April 17 on the Church grounds. A delicious Dinner will be served, and there will be music and good parea or fellowship! Reservations are required so that enough food will be available please call the Church office (847) by April 15 for reservations! PRAY FOR Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Paul Yazigi and Syriac Orthodox Archbishop John Ibrahim, both of Aleppo, Syria, who were kidnapped April 22, Twenty-four months have passed, and their location and well-being remain unknown. There has been practically no media attention to their kidnapping. OUR BIG GREEK FOOD FEST OF NILES will take place July this summer, and planning has already begun. Of course, we will need much help, and we are always looking for new ideas and new people to get involved! Please talk to Perry Giannopoulos, George Anastasiadis, Eleni Kiriazopoulos, Father George or Father Dean if you would like to offer your help. ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! CHRIST IS RISEN!

7 ΕΝΟΡΙΑΚΕΣ ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΕΙΣ ΑΝΗΚΕΤΕ Ε Ω -- ΑΝΗΚΟΥΜΕ ΣΤΟΝ ΘΕΟ! Η εκκλησία µας και το σπίτι µας µας δίνουν θαλπωρή και επιβεβαίωση αγάπης και της αίσθησης του ανήκειν. Η εκκλησία αυτή και τα σπίτια µας είναι οι χώροι όπου αντιλαµβανόµεθα την αγάπη του Θεού και των ανθρώπων Του. Ταυτόχρονα, χρειαζόµεθα την βοήθειά σας δια να εξασφαλίσουµε ότι η εκκλησία µας θα είναι πάντα διαθέσιµη να προσφέρει την αγάπη και την αίσθηση του ανήκειν σε όλους: φίλους, επισκέπτες, και µελλοντικές γεννεές! Αυτό επιτυγχάνεται δια του ειλικρινούς και ευσυνειδήτου Stewardship. Το Stewardship σηµαίνει καλωσύνη, καλωσόρισµα επισκεπτών, υπερηφάνεια δια την εκκλησία µας, και προσφέροντας τον χρόνο µας, τα ταλέντα µας και χρηµατικές δωρεές. Σας παροτρύνουµε να συµπληρώσετε µία γενναιόδωρη και ευσυνείδητη κάρτα προσφοράς δια το 2015! Το αληθινό Stewardship σηµαίνει να δίνουµε ανάλογα µε τα εισοδήµατά µας. Ανήκετε εδώ! ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ Θα θέλαµε να υπενθυµίσουµε εις όλους ότι την Μεγάλη Τετάρτη, το Άγιον Ευχέλαιον θα δίδεται µόνον κατόπιν χρίσεως από τους ιερείς. Εαν υπάρχει ανάγκη να χρισθεί κάποιος άρρωστος ή κάποιος που δεν µπορεί να έλθει στην εκκλησία, ο ιερέας θα φροντίσει να επισκεφτεί τα άτοµα αυτά και να τα χρίσει στο σπίτι την καθορισµένη ώρα. To Άγιον Ευχέλαιον δεν θα δίδεται πλέον εκτός εκκλησίας. ΕΣΩΚΛΕΙΣΤΑ ΑΤΟΜΑ-Παρακαλούµε όπως πληροφορείτε το γραφείο της εκκλησίας δια τους ηλικιωµένους ή αρρώστους που θέλουν να λάβουν την Θείαν Κοινωνίαν και δεν δύνανται να έλθουν στην εκκλησία, ούτως ώστε ο ιερέας µας να προγραµµατίσει να τους προσφέρει την Θείαν Κοινωνίαν όπου διαµένουν. Η ΕΤΗΣIΑ ΜΑΣ ΠΩΛΗΣΗ ΓΛΥΚIΣΜΑΤΩΝ θα λάβη χώραv τηv Τετάρτη και Πέµπτη, 1-2 Απριλίου στην κοινοτική µας αίθουσα! Ελάτε vα πρoµηθευτείτε τα Πασχαλιvά σας γλυκίσµατα και ψωµιά! Ολα είvαι σπιτίσια και voστιµώτατα! Η Πώληση γλυκισµάτωv θα διαρκέσει από τις 9:00 π.µ. έως τις 6:00 µ.µ. ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑΚΗ ΣΥΝΑΞΗ ΤΟΥ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΖΑΡΟΥ «Ο ΚΙΒΩΤΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΒΕΝΙΑΜΙΝ» Η Ετήσια ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑΚΗ ΣΥΝΑΞΗ το Σάββατο του Λαζάρου θα λάβει χώραν την 4 η Απριλίου και θα αρχίσουµε στις 9:00 π.µ. µε ιδακτικήν Λειτουργία! Η Σύναξη περιλαµβάνει νηστήσιµο πρόγευµα, µάθηµα και χειροτεχνία. Εγγραφή είναι $20 η οικογένεια! Προσκαλούνται όλοι µητέρες, πατέρες, παπούδες, γιαγιάδες και παιδιά! Πρέπει να εγγραφείτε για να έχουµε αρκετές προµήθειες! Ηµεροµηνία λήξεως εγγραφών είναι η Πέµπτη, 2 Απριλίου. ΕΤΗΣΙΟ ΓΕΥΜΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗΣ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ-Το PTA του Αγ. Χαραλάµπους σας προσκαλεί στο ετήσιο Γεύµα της Κυριακής των Βαίων, 5 Απριλίου, µετά το τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας. Επειδή ο χώρος είναι περιορισµένος, χρειάζεται να κρατήσετε θέσεις. Η δωρεά είναι µόνον $17 δια το µπακαλάο µε σκορδαλιά, και $8 δια τα µακαρόνια. Επίσης δεχόµεθα παραγγελίες To Go µε $17. ια κρατήσεις θέσεων παρακαλούµε όπως τηλεφωνείτε εις το γραφείο της εκκλησίας (847/ ) πριν από τις 2 Απριλίου. ΠΕΡΙ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΤΙΚΩΝ ΕΥΧΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΜΥΣΤΗΡΙΩΝ ΕΥΧΕΣ ΝΕΟΓΕΝΝΗΤΩΝ ΤΕΚΝΩΝ--Κάθε µάνα και το παιδί της, σαράντα ηµέρες µετά την γέννησή του προσέρχονται στην εκκλησία για να λάβουν την Ευλογία των 40 Ηµερών, κατά µίµησην του Ιησού Χριστού ο οποίος παρουσιάσθηκε στον Ιερόν Ναόν σαράντα ηµέρες µετά την γέννησή του. Παρακαλούµε τηλεφωνείτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας για να κανονίσετε την ευλογία αυτή. ΒΑΠΤΙΣΕΙΣ Παρακαλούµε όπως τηλεφωνείτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας δια να προγραµµατίσετε Βαπτίσεις. Σχεδιάστε πολύ ενωρίτερα!-υπάρχουν µερικές µέρες που δεν γίνονται βαπτίσεις. ΓΑΜΟΙ-Παρακαλούµε όπως κανονίζετε συνάντηση µε τον π. Κωνσταντίνο τουλάχιστον οκτώ µήνες πριν την προτεινόµενη ηµεροµηνία του γάµου δια τις απαιτούµενες προετοιµασίες. ΕΞΟΜΟΛΟΓΗΣΗ Οι Εξοµολογήσεις κανονίζονται κατόπιν ραντεβού. ια να προγραµµατίσετε εξοµολογήσεις, παρακαλούµε τηλεφωνείτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας. ΜΕΡΙΜΝΑ ΑΡΡΩΣΤΩΝ Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί που θα ήθελαν να λάβουν τα Άγια Μυστήρια και δεν µπορούν να έλθουν στην εκκλησία (βρίσκονται εις νοσοκοµεία ή ανήµποροι εις τα σπίτια τους) παρακαλούνται να επικοινωνούν µε το γραφείο της εκκλησίας δια να µπορέσουν να τα λάβουν. Παρακαλούµε να επικοινωνείτε µε το γραφείο της εκκλησίας εαν κάποιος συγγενής σας είναι στο νοσοκοµείο! Τα νοσοκοµεία πλέον δεν µας πληροφορούν όταν έχουν αρρώστους από την ενορία µας. 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 ενθυµούµεθα τους αποθανόντας κατά τα Ψυχοσάββατα. ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ!

8 CONDEMNED TO IMMORTALITY: A MEDITATION ON THE RESURRECTION People condemned God to death; with His Resurrection He condemned them to immortality! For striking Him, God returned embraces; for insults, blessings; for death, immortality. Never did men show more hate towards God than when they crucified Him; and God never showed His love towards people more than when He was resurrected. Mankind wanted to make God dead, but God, with His Resurrection, made people alive; the crucified God resurrected on the third day and thereby killed death! There is no more death. Immortality is surrounding man and his entire world. With the Resurrection of the God-Man, the nature of man is irreversibly led toward the road of immortality and man's nature becomes destructive to death itself. For until the Resurrection of Christ, death was destructive for man; from the Resurrection of Christ, man's nature becomes destructive to death. If man lives in the faith of the Resurrected God-Man, he lives above death, he is unreachable for her; death is under man's feet. Death where is thy sting? Hell, where is thy victory? And when a man who believes in Christ dies, he only leaves his body as his clothes, in which he will be dressed again on the Day of Last Judgement. Before the Resurrection of the God-Man, death was the second nature of man; life was first and death was second. Man became accustomed to death as something natural. But after His Resurrection the Lord changed everything: as it was only natural until Christ's Resurrection that the people became mortal, so after Christ's Resurrection it was natural that the people became immortal. Through sin, man becomes mortal and temporal; with the Resurrection of the God-Man, he becomes immortal and eternal. In this lies the strength, in this lies the power, in this lies the might of Christ's Resurrection. Without the Resurrection there is no Christianity. Among the miracles, this is the greatest one; all other miracles begin and end with it. From it sprouted the faith and the love and the hope and the prayer and the love toward God. from "Philosophical Cliffs Archimandrite Justin Popovic IOCC ANNUAL BANQUET AND SILENT AUCTION TO PROVIDE FOOD AND MEDICINE TO PEOPLE IN NEED AROUND THE WORLD 6:00 pm Thursday evening, April 30, 2015 Café la Cave 2777 Mannheim Road, Des Plaines, IL Donation: $125 Please call St. Haralambos Church Office for reservations, by April

9 St. Haralambos Philoptochos presents Annual Spring Bake Sale Home made Pastries for Easter! Thursday Friday, April 1st & 2nd, :00 am to 6:00 pm St. Haralambos Bright Friday Celebration! 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2015 St. Haralambos Community Center 7373 Caldwell Avenue, Niles, IL MENU Lamb Roast, Pork Roast & Ro sserie Chicken Grecian Potatoes, Greek Salad, & Red Eggs KIDS MENU: *Hot Dogs & Fries* For reserva ons, please call the church office get ready for the JUNIOR OLYMPICS! Junior Olympics will take place the weekend of May Registration Forms will soon be available in the church office. 2 FAMILY RETREATS~ SATURDAY OF LAZAROS FAMILY RETREAT BENJAMIN S BOX: A RESURECTION STORY 9:00 am to 1:30 pm SATURDAY, April 4, 2015 Commentary Liturgy 9:00 am Proper church clothes required A day of Liturgy, Crafts, Lenten Lunch and Learning for the whole family! Come and help us make palm crosses and decorate the Church for Palm Sunday! AND our Holy Friday Family Retreat 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm Friday, April 10, 2015 Proper Church clothes required Make a craft, Wrap eggs for Anastasi, Snack 2:00 pm Apokathelosis Service $20 DONATION PER FAMILY FOR ONE OR BOTH RETREATS! THESE ARE FAMILY EVENTS! Moms, Dads, Grandparents are needed and welcomed! CAMP FANARI! FANARI SUMMER CAMP We are excited to report that our Metropolis of Chicago Summer Camp Fanari will take place at our very own Saint Iakovos Retreat Center this summer! The program is being expanded and there will be FOUR one week sessions! Watch for more information! LOOKING AHEAD. VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL will take place this summer during the week of June This is one of our very popular programs, and everyone has a great experience. Moms and Dads are needed to help! Please mark your calendar and reserve the dates!

10 APRIL 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 6:00pm- Presanctified Liturgy 2 3 SPRING BAKE SALE 4:30 pm Greek 4 SATURDAY OF LAZAROS Retreat Day! 8:00am -Orthros and Liturgy FAMILY RETREAT DAY 5 PALM SUNDAY 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Liturgy 7:00 pm- Bridegroom Service 6 HOLY MONDAY 7:00 pm-- Bridegroom Service 7 HOLY TUESDAY 4:30-Greek 7:00 pm-- Bridegroom Service 8 HOLY WEDNESDAY 2:00-Holy Unction 7:00 pm-orthros of the Mystical Supper 9 HOLY THURSDAY 6:00 AM Liturgy of the Mystical Supper 7:00 pm The 12 Passion Gospels 10 HOLY FRIDAY 9:00 am The Royal Hours 2:00 pm-descent from the Cross 7:00 pm The Lamentations 11 HOLY SATURDAY 8:30 am-liturgy of the First Resurrection 11:00 pm-holy Resurrection Η ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΣ 12 PASCHA! 12:00 PM The Vespers of Agapi :30- Little Angels 4:30 pm Greek 7:00- Board 7:30-Bible Study 15 7:30 pm Philoptochos mtg THE LIFE-GIVING FOUNTAIN 8:30am-Orthros and Liturgy 4:30 pm Greek PASCHAL FEAST Sunday of Thomas 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Liturgy :30- Little Angels 4:30 pm Greek 7:30-Bible Study ST. GEORGE 8:30am-Orthros and Liturgy 24 4:30 pm Greek 25 ST. MARK 9:00 am-saturday Greek 26 Sunday of the Myrrbearers 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Liturgy :30 -Little Angels 4:30 pm Greek 7:30-Bible Study 29 7:30 Parish Council 30 6:00 IOCC BANQUET

11 Providing Service From SMITH-CORCORAN FUNERAL HOMES 1104 Waukegan Road 6150 N. Cicero Avenue 185 E. Northwest Highway Glenview, IL Chicago, IL Palatine, IL (847) N. Milwaukee Ave. Suite 104 Niles, IL Fax (847) (773) W. OHIO CHICAGO, IL Balourdos & Mikuzis, LLP Attorneys at Law 535 N. Michigan Ave. #200 Chicago, Illinois (312) HRH Mechanical Inc. John Lemperts ELMWOOD CEMETERY AND MAUSOLEUM 2905 N. Thatcher Road River Grove, IL Serving the Greek Community For Over 100 Years LOUKAS PERGANTAS 5424 West Montrose, Chicago, IL Phone: /52 fax: JOHN S ROOFING, INC Roofing Gutters Siding Soffit Fascia Windows Insured Free Estimates Where Magnificent Meets Unforgettable LET US CATER YOUR NEXT PARTY 3727 West Dempster Skokie, IL (847) W. Dempster Skokie, IL Fresh Flowers Delivered Daily Funerals & Sympathy Gatherings Birthdays/Anniversaries/Just Because Event Planning/Floral Production Food At Its Best The Pittsfield Building 55 E. Washington Chicago, IL (312) Fax (312) Your Hosts: Bill, Bob & Chris FOREMOST LIQUOR CENTER GREAT WINE & LIQUOR SELECTION Beer From All Over the World For Your Entertainment Needs AT LOW PRICES 5301 N. Milwaukee & Central Ave. (773) The Best Greek Cuisine In Town SERVING THE N/W FOR OVER 27 YEARS 8660 GOLF ROAD NILES, IL (847) FAX (847) Dimitrios & Athena Merageas, Owners ANNE RESS-LAZARICIU HOME CARE AIDE SUPERVISOR MILAME ME ELLINIKA PHONE: EXT: 212 FAX: BESTINHOME.ANNE@GMAIL.COM 910 SKOKIE BLVD. STE. 103 NORTHBROOK, IL CINDY M. SWERDON, CEMETERY BROKER (708) PLEASE CONTACT CINDY DIRECTLY FOR DISCOUNT OR INQUIRIES CMAS Inc. ELMWOOD CEMETERY RIDGEWOOD CEMETERY *SAVE AS MUCH AS 50-70% OFF CURRENT CEMETERY PRICES FOR A LIST OF OUR INVENTORY, VISIT US AT Glenview Shell Complete Auto Repair Service Experts on Foreign & Domestic Cars Tune-Ups, Towing, Road Service 3255 Central/Greenwood, Glenview We accept all extended warranties Dean T. Velis M.D. F.A.C.P. Certified by The American Board of Phlebology Clinical Assistant Professor U.I.C. of Medicine F.A.A. Senior Aviation Medical Examiner Ultrasound Guided Endovenous Laser Ablation Ambulatory Microphlebectomy Vericose Veins Leg Ulcers Cosmetic Treatment of Spider Veins Endoluminal Chemical Ablation (sclerotherapy) Fax N Arlington Hts Rd. #105 Arlington Heights, IL Supporter of Peter / Koula Louras Serving Families For Three Generations 24 Hour Service (847) PH: FAX: W. Touhy Avenue Lincolnwood, IL Catering We Available Deliver 9645 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL (one block North of Golf Road) (847) / Fax: (847) WE LOVE ST. HARRY S Jon, Marianna, Eleni PAPA CHRIS PLACE WE ARE HABIT FORMING CATERING AVAILABLE THE SIDERIS FAMILY 6235 TOUHY AVE CHICAGO, IL (773) Fax: (773) Contact Alex Nicholas to place an ad today! ANicholas@4LPi.com or (800) x2538 Rand & Euclid Shell Express Gifts A Unique Gift Shop Featured on 190 North 630 Rand Rd., Mt. Prospect FOR AD INFO CALL ALEX NICHOLAS Holy Taxiarhai and St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, Niles, IL The Seven Brothers Restaurant OPEN 6AM-8PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK Full Service Restaurant & Bar BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER 9300 Waukegan Rd. Morton Grove, IL Since 1924 Daily Delivery Everywhere and Greenhouses, Inc. Flower Shop Garden Shop S. River Road, Des Plaines We Speak Greek call Fay Alvertos NORWOOD HEALTHMART DRUGS Higgins Chicago, IL Charles Markopoulos President (Parishioner) AKTON REALTY CORPORATION (773) West Devon Ave. Fax (773) Ste cmarkopoulos@aktonrealty.com Chicago, IL A 4C :34:35

12 SPRING BAKE SALE Wednesday-Thursday April 1-2, am to 6 pm Sponsored by St. Haralambos Philoptochos Society In the Community Center 7373 Caldwell Avenue, Niles Easter Tsoureki Bread and Koulourakia Easter Baskets, Lambathes and Red Eggs Baklava, Diples, Galaktoboureko, Kataifi, Kpourambiethes, and Melomakourouna Lenten Lunch served both days! Call ahead to place your order ( St. Haralambos PTA Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon Sunday, April 5, 2015 following church services Adults: $17 (Fish and skordalia) Children : $8 (Spaghetti dinner) $17 Orders to go Seating is limited! Please make reservations right away! Call our Church Office (847/ ) to make your reservations! HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE NILES, IL Address Service Requested