Assumption. Greek Orthodox Church. Agape news

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1 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Agape news December 2012

2 PARISH LIFE ST. DEMETRIOS DINNER Thank You to all who made the Greek Wine Tasting a Success: Dimitri and Kathy Papageorgiou of Dimitri Wine and Spirits, who sponsored the event and have once again shown their tremendous generosity!!! Bill & Tracey Theofilis and John & MaryBeth Stopoulos, by whose offering of time and talents created a spectacular evening in every way! All of you who aided the church in selling tickets - it was by your efforts that almost 150 people were in attendance! The Philoptochos is Baking!!! Put your preorder in today!!!

3 PASTORAL MESSAGE Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption, Greetings in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! In the Month of December there is much happening: the St. Nicholas Gifting, the Philoptochos Bake Sale, the Parish Christmas Party, the Sunday School Christmas Program, the Metropolis Christmas Open- House, a visit from Santa and countless other Christmas events. Let us not forget that the root of all that happens in December is Christmas - the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we celebrate this season through the giving of gifts and through Christian Fellowship, let us also take time - if necessary make time - to thank the Lord for His gift to us, His Only Begotten Son, through whom we can achieve salvation. Make sure that time is given to the Church Services not only each and every Sunday, but also for the Christmas Day Divine Liturgy. It is especially difficult to leave our homes on Christmas Day, but this small sacrifice makes a huge statement to our families and all in the community that Christmas first and foremost is a Feastday of the Faithful. I pray that as we celebrate the Birth of our Lord together that each of us grows in our faith. Wishing you a Blessed Nativity, I remain, In His Service, Rev. Father Jon Boukis PROISTAMENOS

4 SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CAROLING On Sunday, December 23 rd, our kids will offer Christmas Cheer to local nursing homes and restaurants. Due to the limited time availability of our few children, homes will be visited on request only. Students with cumulative attendance of 80% or better have hit the mark and will be listed here monthly. Congratulations to: Vasilia Boukis Daniel Dounoulis Evan Dounoulis Lydia Dounoulis ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY 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!!! Naina Ninan Naveen Ninan Peter Stopoulos The Orthodox Bible Study will meet on Wednesday Evenings from 6:00pm-7:00pm and on Thursday Mornings from 9:30am-11:00am. Make a commitment to learning His Word!

5 DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 st Tony Argeros 2 nd Demos Mekus 5 th Judy Cherevko 7 th Kathy Panouses 8 th Roger Lovejoy 9 th Jim Jannes 10 th Susan Mekus 15 th Lydia Dounoulis 16 th Nicolas Bagatelas 16 th Dimitrios Dokolas 16 th Maria Fotos 16 th Tom Lingris 19 th Billy Mihalopoulos 20 th Pauline Bagatelas 20 th Denny Mekus 21 st Paul Bagatelas 22 nd Miltos Diakogeorgiou 22 nd Christa Kaldis 25 th Frank Kaldis 26 th Bill Kotrogiannis 27 th Ilias Nikolopoulos 29 th Angie Dokolas Just a few Saints (Namedays) commemorated in December... 4 th Barbara 17 th Daniel 6 th Nicholas, Nicoletta 25 th Christmas (Christos, Christina) 15 th Eleftherios, Eleftheria 27 th Stephen, Stephanie PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CARD Wish a Blessed Christmas to the entire Parish of the Assumption by filling out the form below and giving it to a Parish Council member at the Coffee Hour after the Divine Liturgy. Your investment is only $20 to send your greetings to the entire Parish!!! Deadline is December 9 th. ASSUMPTION CHURCH CHRISTMAS CARD APPLICATION Please include my name (family) on the Christmas Card as follows: (Please Print) Twenty Dollars ($20) must accompany this form.

6 Mitten Tree Please bring mittens, gloves, hats, socks and scarves to hang on our Mitten Tree in the hallway of the Church. Offerings should be for Children ages 12 and under and for women. generosity! CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS God Bless your St. Nicholas Gifting On Sunday, December 9 th, please bring a gift (cost $5-$10) for a child of your same sex and age. The gift should be wrapped and labeled accordingly. Following HOLY COMMUNION, the children will place their special gift on the Solea. The gifts will be distributed to children in need. CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Sunday, December 23 rd following the Divine Liturgy Come and celebrate in anticipation of His birth as our kids lead us in carols!!! Visit from Santa Please come and meet Santa on December 23 rd and just maybe he ll have a surprise for you. God Bless you all!!! Metropolis Open House On December 16 th, Fr. Jon will be going to the Metropolis for the Annual Christmas Open House to visit with His Eminence Metropolitan IAKOVOS. All are invited to come along so that we may show our love to our Spiritual Father by accepting his invitation and wishing him a Blessed Nativity.

7 PHILOPTOCHOS BAKE SALE

8 BEER TASTING Beer Tasting Saturday, January 12 th 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Featuring Over 25 Exotic Beers and MicroBrews with Greek and American Appetizers $25 Per Person in Advance $30 at the Door Only 200 Tickets Available Call (309) for Advance Tickets! Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 4900 Kennedy Drive East Moline

9 HOSPITAL VISITATION Hospital Visitation is a ministry that we as Orthodox take very seriously, because it is at times when our fallen humanity is failing that we often times also experience spiritual weakness. Just a reminder, hospital visitations and visitation to our homebound parishioners are of utmost importance, but will only occur when the request comes from the family directly. Please respect this policy and also the Church and the Clergy. With pastoral love, Rev. Father Jon S. Boukis PROISTAMENOS Fr. Jon s Contact Numbers Church: (309) Home: (309) FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY The Assumption can now benefit from YOU shopping at Up to 5% of your monthly spending will be automatically transferred to the Church. Worried about the cost of gas - Schnucks is at the Locust St. exit (2nd exit off I-74 in Iowa) - less than 4 miles away!!! Iowa has no tax on food - it s a wash!!! Call Fr. Jon and get signed up for an escrip card and begin shopping at Schnucks today!

10 SAINT NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER Commemorated December 6 th This Saint lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, and reposed in 330, As a young man, he desired to espouse the solitary life. He made a pilgrimage to the holy city Jerusalem, where he found a place to withdraw to devote himself to prayer. It was made known to him, however, that this was not the will of God for him, but that he should return to his homeland to be a cause of salvation for many. He returned to Myra, and was ordained bishop. He became known for his abundant mercy, providing for the poor and needy, and delivering those who had been unjustly accused. No less was he known for his zeal for the truth. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council of the 318 Fathers at Nicaea in 325; upon hearing the blasphemies that Arius brazenly uttered against the Son of God, Saint Nicholas struck him on the face. Since the canons of the Church forbid the clergy to strike any man at all, his fellow bishops were in perplexity what disciplinary action was to be taken against this hierarch whom all revered. In the night our Lord Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos appeared to certain of the bishops, informing them that no action was to be taken against him, since he had acted not out of passion, but extreme love and piety. The Dismissal Hymn for holy hierarchs, The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock... was written originally for Saint Nicholas. He is the patron of all travelers, and of sea-farers in particular; he is one of the best known and best loved Saints of all time.

11 SAINT SPYRIDON THE WONDERWORKER Commemorated December 12 Saint Spyridon, the God-bearing Father of the Church, the great defender of Corfu and the boast of all the Orthodox, had Cyprus as his homeland. He was simple in manner and humble of heart, and was a shepherd of sheep. When he was joined to a wife, he begat of her a daughter whom they named Irene. After his wife's departure from this life, he was appointed Bishop of Trimythus, and thus he became also a shepherd of rational sheep. When the First Ecumenical Council was assembled in Nicaea, he also was present, and by means of his most simple words stopped the mouths of the Arians who were wise in their own conceit. By the divine grace which dwelt in him, he wrought such great wonders that he received the surname 'Wonderworker." So it is that, having tended his flock piously and in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord about the year 350, leaving to his country his sacred relics as a consolation and source of healing for the faithful. About the middle of the seventh century, because of the incursions made by the barbarians at that time, his sacred relics were taken to Constantinople, where they remained, being honoured by the emperors themselves. But before the fall of Constantinople, which took place on May 29, 1453, a certain priest named George Kalokhairetes, the parish priest of the church where the Saint's sacred relics, as well as those of Saint Theodora the Empress, were kept, took them away on account of the impending peril. Travelling by way of Serbia, he came as far as Arta in Epirus, a region in Western Greece opposite to the isle of Corfu. From there, while the misfortunes of the Christian people were increasing with every day, he passed over to Corfu about the year The relics of Saint Theodora were given to the people of Corfu; but those of Saint Spyridon remain to this day, according to the rights of inheritance, the most precious treasure of the priest's own descendants, and they continue to be a staff for the faithful in Orthodoxy, and a supernatural wonder for those that behold him; for even after the passage of 1,500 years, they have remained incorrupt, and even the flexibility of his flesh has been preserved.

12 SAINT STEPHEN THE FIRST MARTYR Commemorated December 27 th Saint Stephen was a Jew, by race, and, as some say, a disciple of Gamaliel, the teacher of the Law mentioned in Acts 5:34 and 22:3. He was the first of the seven deacons whom the Apostles established in Jerusalem to care for the poor, and to distribute alms to them. Being a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, he performed great signs and wonders among the people. While disputing with the Jews concerning Jesus, and wisely refuting their every contradiction, so that no one was able to withstand the wisdom and the spirit whereby he spake, he was slandered as a blasphemer and was dragged off to the Sanhedrin of the elders. There with boldness he proved from the divine Scriptures the coming of the Just One (Jesus), of Whom they had become the betrayers and murderers, and he reproved their faithless and hardheartedness. And finally, gazing into Heaven and beholding the divine glory, he said: "Lo, I see the Heavens opened and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God." But when they heard this, they stopped up their ears, and with anger cast him out of the city and stoned him, while he was calling out and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then, imitating the long-suffering of the Master, he bent his knees and prayed in a loud voice for them that were stoning him, and he said, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge," And saying this, he fell asleep (Acts 6, 7), thus becoming the first among the Martyrs of the Church of Christ.

13 SERVICE SCHEDULE December 2 Sunday 14 th Sunday of Luke (at St. George) 8:30 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy (at St. George) Ordination of Paul Speed to the Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos December 6 Thursday Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 9 Sunday 10 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 12 Wednesday Feast of St. Spyridon the Wonderworker 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 16 Sunday 11 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 23 Sunday Sunday Before the Nativity of the Lord 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 25 Tuesday The Nativity of the Lord 9:30 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 27 Thursday Feast of St. Stephen the First Martyr 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 31 Monday Eve of the Feast of St. Basil the Great 6:00 p.m. Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil

14 CHURCH. D E C E M B E R Sunday Monday Tuesday At St. George 2 14th Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Ordination of Paul Speed to the Diaconate by the Hand of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos at St. George Reception 10th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am St. Nicholas Gift Giving Parish Council Elections Philoptochos Meeting Coffee Hour Parish Christmas Party 11th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Christmas Pageant Practice Coffee Hour 9 16 All English Divine Liturgy 23 Sunday Before the Nativity Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Christmas Pageant Visit from Santa Christmas Caroling Sunday after the Nativity Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Family Worship Coffee Hour :00am Melomacarona Dipping Feast of St. Basil the Great Vesperal Divine Liturgy 6:00pm New Year s Eve Dinner 25 The Great Feast of the Holy Nativity of the Lord Orthros 9:30am Divine Liturgy 10:00am

15 . CALENDAR Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9:00am Bake Sale Packaging 5 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 6 Feast of St. Nicholas Divine Liturgy 10:00am 6:00pm Bake Sale Order Assembly No Bible Study 7 1 Philoptochos Bake Sale 8 12 Feast of St. Spyridon Divine Liturgy 10:00am 13 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study No Bible Study :30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study :00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 26 6:30pm - Parish Council Meeting 27 Feast of St. Stephen the First Martyr Divine Liturgy 10:00am No Bible Study No Bible Study Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Fish Allowed Fast Free

16 Πρόγραμμα Ιερών Ακολουθίων 2 Δεκεμβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή ΙΔ του Λουκά (στο Αγ. Γεώργιο) 8:30 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία Χειροτονία του Paul Speed 6 Δεκεμβρίου Πέμπτη Άγιος Νικόλαος ο Θαυματουργός 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 9 Δεκεμβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Ι του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 12 Δεκεμβρίου Τετάρτη Άγιος Σπυρίδον ο Θαυματουργός 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 16 Δεκεμβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή ΙΑ του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 23 Δεκεμβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Προ της Γεννήσεως Χριστού 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 25 Δεκεμβρίου Τρίτη Γέννησις του Ιησού Χριστού 9:30 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 27 Δεκεμβρίου Πέμπτη Άγιος Στέφανος ο Πρωτομάρτυς 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 31 Δεκεμβρίου Δευτέρα Προεορτή του Μεγάς Βασίλειος 6:00 μ.μ. Εσπερηνό Θεία Λειτουργία

17 DIAKONIA Prosforo Schedule December 2 Divine Liturgy at St. George December 9 Georgia Kouris December 16 Litsa Gregory December 23 Elaine Eleftheropoulos December 30 Kathy Panouses Coffee Hour December 2 Divine Liturgy at St. George December 9 Bill Bagatelas December 16 M. Kotrogiannis & A. Dokolas December 23 Not Yet Reserved December 30 Kathy Panouses Sunday Gospel and Epistle Readings December 2 Gospel Luke 18:35-43 Epistle Ephesians 9:6-11 December 9 Gospel Luke 13:10-17 Epistle Galatians 3:8-15 December 16 Gospel Luke 14:16-24 Mt. 22:14 Epistle Colossians 1:11-19 December 23 Gospel Matthew 1:1-25 Epistle Hebrews 2:16-20 December 30 Gospel Matthew 2:13-23 Epistle Galatians 2:16-20 Parish Council Ushering Schedule December 2 nd - Church at St. George 9 th - Denny Mekus 16 th - Kosta Dounoulis 23 rd - John Stopoulos 30 th - Orest Akulow January 6 th - Cathy Diakogeorgiou 13 th - Matt Miller 20 th - Paris Fotos 27 th - Mike Haney February 3 rd - Denny Mekus 10 th - George Georgiadis 17 rd - Kosta Dounoulis 24 th - John Stopoulos For each Sunday, the council member listed is to be present at 9:00 a.m. The council member listed for the week following will be assigned to help during the Divine Liturgy beginning at 9:50 a.m. through the processing of the collection.

18 Άγιος Νικόλαος Άγιος Νικόλαος 6 Δεκεμβρίου Ο Κύριος, στην επί του Όρους ομιλία του, είπε: "Γίνεσθε οικτίρμονες, καθώς και ο πατήρ υμών οικτίρμων εστί". Να γίνεσθε, δηλαδή, σπλαγχνικοί προς τον πλησίον και συμπονετικοί στις δυστυχίες του και τις ανάγκες του, καθώς και ο ουράνιος Πατέρας σας είναι ευσπλαγχνικός προς όλους. Μιά τέτοια προσωποποίηση της χριστιανικής ευσπλαγνίας υπήρξε και ο Άγιος Νικόλαος. Γεννήθηκε τον 3ο αιώνα μ.χ. στα Πάταρα της Λυκίας, από γονείς ευσεβείς και πλουσίους. Όμως, σε νεαρή ηλικία έμεινε ορφανός και κληρονόμος μιάς μεγάλης περιουσίας. Αλλά ο Νικόλαος, εμπνευόμενος από φιλάνθρωπα συναισθήματα, διέθετε την περιουσία του για να ανακουφίζει άπορα ορφανά, φτωχούς, χήρες, στενοχωρημένους οικογενειάρχες. Ένας, μάλιστα, θα διέφθειρε τις τρείς κόρες του, προκειμένου να εξασφαλίσει χρήματα. Όταν το έμαθε αυτό ο Νικόλαος, μυστικά σε τρείς νύκτες εξασφάλισε την προίκα τριών κοριτσιών, αφήνοντας 100 χρυσά φλουριά στην κάθε μία. Έτσι, οι τρείς κόρες αποκατατσάθηκαν και γλύτωσαν από βέβαιη διαφθορά. Έπειτα ο Νικόλαος, μετά από ένα ταξίδι του στην Ιερουσαλήμ, χειροτονήθηκε ιερέας στα Πάταρα. Και όταν απεβίωσε ο τότε Αρχιεπέσκοπος Μύρων της Λυκίας, οι επίσκοποι, δια θεϊκής αποκαλύψεως, έκαναν Αρχιεπίσκοπο το Νικόλαο. Από τη νέα του θέση ο Νικόλαος επεξέτεινε τους αγώνες του για την προστασία τών φτωχών και τών απόρων. Έκανε πολλά θαύματα και ήταν σημαντική η συμμετοχή του στην Α Οικουμενική Σύνοδο. Πέθανε ειρηνικά το έτος 330 μ.χ.

19 Άγιος Σπυρίδων Άγιος Σπυρίδων 12 Δεκεμβρίου Γεννήθηκε από οικογένεια βοσκών, που ήταν κάπως εύπορη, το 270 μ.χ. Άν και μορφώθηκε αρκετά στην πατρίδα του Κύπρο, όμως δεν άλλαξε επάγγελμα. Συνέχισε και αυτός να είναι βοσκός. Ήταν χαρακτήρας απλός, αγαθός, γεμάτος αγάπη για τον πλησίον του. Τις Κυριακές και τις γιορτές, συχνά έπαιρνε τους βοσκούς και τους οδηγούσε στους ιερούς ναούς, και κατόπιν τους εξηγούσε την ευαγγελική ή την αποστολική περικοπή. Ο Θεός τον ευλόγησε να γίνεται συχνά προστάτης χηρών και ορφανών. Νυμφεύθηκε σύζυγο και απέκτησε παιδιά. Γρήγορα, όμως, η σύζυγός του πέθανε. Για να επουλώσει το τραύμα του ο Σπυρίδων αφοσιώθηκε ακόμα περισσότερο στη διδαχή του θείου λόγου. Μετά από πολλές πιέσεις, χειροτονήθηκε ιερέας. Και πράγματι, υπήρξε αληθινός ιερέας του Ευαγγελίου, έτσι όπως τον θέλει ο θείος Παύλος: "Ανεπίληπτον, νηφάλιον, σώφρονα, κόσμιον, φιλόξενον, διδακτικόν, τέκνα έχοντα εν υποταγή μετά πάσης σεμνότητος". Δηλαδή ακατηγόρητο, προσεκτικό, εγκρατή, σεμνό, φιλόξενο, διδακτικό, και να έχει παιδιά που να υποτάσσονται με κάθε σεμνότητα. Έτσι και ο Σπυρίδων, τόσο σωστός υπήρξε σαν ιερέας, ώστε όταν χήρεψε η επισκοπή Τριμυθούντος στην Κύπρο, δια βοής λαός και κλήρος τον εξέλεξαν επίσκοπο. Από τη θέση αυτή ο Σπυρίδων προχώρησε τόσο πολύ στην αρετή, ώστε τον αξίωσε ο Θεός να κάνει πολλά θαύματα. Στις 12 Δεκεμβρίου το 350 μ.χ. απεβίωσε. Το λείψανό του πήγε στην Κωνσταντινούπολη και μετά στην Κέρκυρα όπου βρίσκεται μέχρι σήμερα.

20 PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS Parish Council Elections will take place on Sunday, December 9, 2012, following the Divine Liturgy and will remain open for 30 minutes. As defined by the UPR and the Parish Bylaws, the Parish Council consists of the Priest, as the head of the Parish, and 8 elected lay members. Each year 4 members will be elected to serve a two year term. Nominated for the term at the Parish General Assembly held on November 4, 2012, were the following candidates: Cathy Diakogeorgiou George Georgiadis Michael Haney Matt Miller STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY Recently a young couple came to their Priest s office to make a stewardship donation to the parish which was many times the average of the parish. They were not wealthy and didn t display significant means. Letting his curiosity get the best of him, the Priest asked the young couple how they determined the amount they were offering. They responded, Our parents sacrificed and worked for years to build and preserve our parish. We want to follow their good example. Notice the Priest viewed the parish as the parish, but the couple said our parish. How do you view the Assumption? How hard did your parents work for the Church? Don t let your pledge be routine. Ask yourself if your offering to His Church displays your gratitude and if you ve followed the good example of those who have gone before us? Stewardship Sunday is December 9, 2012

21 POINSETTIA DONATIONS Please call Fr. Jon if you would like to donate a Poinsettia ($20), which will adorn our Church for Christmas. Donations for Poinsettias should be offered in one of the following formats: Offered for the Health of Offered in Memory of MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!! HOME BLESSINGS Following Epiphany Fr. Jon will be blessing the homes and businesses of the Parishioners who so request. If you would like your home or business blessed, please call the church prior to January 1, 2013, and be put on the list. A schedule will be created after all requests have been received.

22 PARISH CHRISTMAS PARTY Sponsored by the Philoptochos Where: Windmill Family Restaurant When: Sunday, Dec. 9 th, 2012 Time: Appetizers (Cash Bar) 6:00 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m. Appetizers Compliments of the Philoptochos Crabmeat Stuffed Mushroom Caps Sautéed Calamari Mediterranean Dip with Crackers Entrées All Entrées served with Crisp Greek Salad, Rolls with Butter and Chocolate Raspberry Mouse Cake for Dessert and a choice of Coffee or Iced Tea $18 Vegetarian Lasagna $23 Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Butter Sauce, Rice and Grilled Asparagus $23 Broiled Salmon with Sweet Red Pepper Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Broccoli Alternative Kid's Meal for $7.50: Mozzarella sticks appetizer, choice of cheese pizza, grilled cheese or fried shrimp; served with French fries and soup or salad; milk or soda, and ice cream. Prepayment Required: No money will be collected at the party. RSVP by Sunday, Dec. 2 nd to Yvonne Constantinou (563)

23 NEW YEAR S EVE Assumption - St. George New Year s Eve Celebration 2013 is Almost Here!!! Come and celebrate the changing of the year in a safe environment with plenty of good food, fun and fellowship - or just come and have a great meal, celebrate the Asuncion* New Year and be home by 10:00 p.m. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 6:00 p.m. Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 7:30 p.m. Dinner Buffet is Open!!! 9:00 p.m. - Happy New Year at the Asuncion* 12:00 Midnight - Happy New Year TICKETS: Adults: $20 before December 26 th or $25 at the door Kids 10 and under $10 Please R.S.V.P to the Church Office by Dec. 26 th so that we may plan accordingly. * Asuncion - of Latin origin meaning Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is also the capital of Paraguay, which is 3 hours ahead of us. A great option to celebrate early at the Asuncion and still be rested for New Year s Day!!!

24 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Parish Council Meeting Minutes October 18, 2012 Call to Order at 6:45PM with an opening prayer from Fr. Jon. Roll Call: Present: Orest Akulow, John Stopoulos, Tom Kouris, Cathy Diakogeorgiou, Deno Kandis, Paris Fotos, Denny Mekus Excused: Mike Haney, Liz Gorman, Kostas Dounoulis Bid Presentation Jim Massa went over his bid for the patio area. Patio uncovered portion will be four inch of reinforced concrete. The pavilion area will have a 12 inch perimeter with the remainder being 4 inches. Estimated area 2,500 sq ft for the pavilion and 2,600 sq ft.. Lighting will be furnished by light packs on the hall. Electricity, water, and gas will be brought to the cooking counter from the bar area in the hall. Budget Bid for all work is $45,000. Discussion followed on how we would pay for this. Consensus that we should pay for this without taking out a loan if at all possible. Fr. Jon felt that with a combination of memorial funding, contributions, and up to $8,000 from festival sponsorship directed to the patio cost no loan will be required. Motion to go to the parish assembly requesting approval to install the patio and have permission to get a loan for up to $10,000 if contributions, are not adequate to cover the $45,000 patio estimate. Motion carried. Presidents Report None Priest Report: Building Committee two requests for the church hall Daphne Olvera Saturday 8 December Abraham Chirackal Saturday 22 December Cathy D. will be POC for hall rental. Motion made to accept rentals made by Cathy D. and seconded by Paris F. and carried. 18 November there will be no service at the Assumption so that we can attend the ordination of Paul Speed to the diaconate at St. George. Agape News advertisement page is now filled.

25 Gibbies Snow plowing same cost as last year. Motion to accept bid by Cathy D. and seconded by Denny M. and carried. Directory set up for 2013 will add photos of pictures. Church Christmas card to be done by the church instead of the GOYA Aramark linen service G&K being asked for bid for service. Ask for rug replacement as required to save funds. Iakovos Nameday dinner The Philoptohos will pay $500 for a half table. Tom Gregory, Litsa Gregory, John Stopoulos, Cathy Diakogeorgiou, and Fr. Jon will attend. Basketball Tournament at Omaha are planning a men s team. Church assessment for 2013 is the same as last year. John S. will look at form to contest and lower our assessment because of our financial problems. Treasurer s Report: balance was at a negative $2, until we transferred the last of the festival account funds, $5, giving us a balance of about $2, Budget council reviewed the budget with projected income of $161,500 and projected expenses of $202,808 with a projected shortfall of $40,808. Motion to approve budget as presented by Tom K. and seconded by Denny M. and carried. Old Business: St. Demetrios Dinner Orest A. and Kostas D. will help in cooking the meal. Will bring someone to bus tables for several hours for $10.00 an hour. Will look into running and advertisement for the event. Flyers say kids activities will be available will look into having someone do face painting for the dinner. Wine Tasting 14 November - Have tickets for council members to sell. Will give tickets to old cooperate sponsors and perspective new sponsors. New Business: None. PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Motion to adjourn by Tom K., seconded by Paris F. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 with a closing prayer.

26 Agape News SPONSORS The Agape News is made possible by the generous support of the following parishioners: Fr. Jon, Presbytera Doreece and Vasilia Boukis In Memory of Harry and Alfreda Arvanis Michael and Nancy Avgenackis In Memory of George Bagatelas Paul and Christine Bagatelas Family Theodore and Karen Bagatelas Paula Baker In Memory of Sadie (Elias) Bakeris Kleo Caras Victor and Judy Cherevko Dennis and Pam Collier Miltos and Cathy Diakogeorgiou Dounoulis Family Litsa Gregory Tom P. Gregory Pete and Arlene Gust Mike and Helen Haney James Jannes Mike and Terri Kandis George and Helen Kontos Joyce Coughlin and JoAnn Kontos Anastasios and Dimitra Korovilas Ninan Family In Memory of Christ T. Panousis Fr. Basil and Christina Papanikolaou Spiro and Carol Pappaspiros Christ and Helen Petaros Ann Polillo Steve and Nancy Pyevich In Memory of Nickolaus, Halina, Andrei and Nickolaus Anthony and Joan Stopoulos Jim and Kristel Stopoulos Rick and Maria Krakos Thompson John and Mary Velon In Memory of George and Grace Vretis Sponsors offer $20 for the Ecclesiastical Year (beginning and ending Sept. 1 st ) Do you enjoy the Agape News? Then become a supporter!!! Here is my support of $20. Please list my sponsorship as follows:

27 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) Miltos Diakogeorgiou, Parishioner Jose Zepeda, Chef Owners Owned by Chris & Kathy Panouses Presenting Sponsor of the 2012 Greek Cultural Festival Annual Golf Tournament 3629 Avenue of the Cities Moline, IL LCV Greek & Mediterranean Food Store Now selling a nice selection of Greek & Middle Eastern Products to the public Noon-5pm Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9am-Noon Saturday and by appointment th Ave. East Moline, IL Olympic Gyros Open 7 Days a Week 207 W. 53rd St. Davenport, IA Advantage Pest Control Servicing Assumption for 5 years Call Steve Today! 985 Ave. of the Cities Silvis, Illinois Owned by Parishioners John & MaryBeth Stopoulos Gulliver's Travel Southpark Mall Northpark Mall Duck Creek Plaza Todd Bagatelas, President

28 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