The MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE

The MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS 60714 PHONE (847) 647-8880 Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18) ΑΞΙΟΣ!

April Schedule of Services Wednesday, April 2 6:00 pm The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete Friday, April 4 7:00 pm The Akathist Hymn Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 6 St. Mary of Egypt 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy EVENING OF APRIL 6 7:00 PM SOLEMN VESPERS Monday, April 7 6:00 pm Great Compline Tuesday, April 8 PAN-ORTHODOX AKATHIST HYMN AT HOLY MOTHER OF GOD SERBIAN ORTHODOX MONASTERY IN GRAYSLAKE, IL Wednesday April 11 6:00 pm Presanctified Liturgy Saturday of Lazaros, April 12 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy with Commentary PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 13 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy HOLY WEEK SERVICES Palm Sunday, Apr 13 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service Holy Monday, Apr 14 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service Holy Tuesday, Apr 15 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service Holy Wednesday, April 16 2:30 pm Holy Unction 7:00 pm Orthros of the Mystical Supper Holy Thurs, April 17 6:00 am Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm The 12 Passion Gospels Holy Friday, April 18 9:00 am Royal Hours 2:00 pm The Descent from the Cross 7:00 pm The Epitaphios Lamentations Holy Saturday morning, April 19 8:30 am Liturgy of the First Resurrection Holy Saturday Evening 11:00 pm Orthros Midnight Resurrection, Liturgy of PASCHA PASCHA SUNDAY (April 20) 12:00 noon The AGAPI SERVICE 2014 STEWARDSHIP As of March 18, 2014 323 families have committed $178,438.00 Have you become a 2014 Steward yet? WELCOME! We would like to welcome Father George Lamberis and Presvytera Diana to our community! Father George was born in Downers Grove, IL and grew up at the parish of the Holy Apostles in Westchester, IL. His love for youth ministry began there as he was involved in several leadership roles. In 2004, He graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor s of Science Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics. He graduated from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox of Theology in 2009. On February 2, 2010, he began working as the pastoral assistant of the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Elmhurst and was ordained four years later to the date to the Holy Diaconate. He has also assisted with the camping programs, having been a counselor and on staff at the Chicago Metropolis Fanari Camp, Metropolis of Boston Camp, Ionian Village and the Orthodox Metropolis Summer Camp in South Korea. He and his wife, Diana were married at Saint Demetrios on March 3, 2013. Diana was born and raised in St. Paul, MN and moved to Chicago in 2002. She volunteered as the co-coordinator for the Metropolis of Chicago Young Adult Ministry for several years, and currently she is employed as a high school guidance counselor. Fr. George was assigned to St. Haralambos on February 17, and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at St. Haralambos. Fr. George and Presvytera Diana are both very excited to join us and meet our youth and families, and we are excited that they are joining our parish family! ΑΞΙΟΣ! OUR 2014 BIG GREEK FOOD FEST......will take place July 18-20 this summer. Mark your calendar! Please consider planning your vacation before or after our Fest; we need everyone's help! 2

HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS 60714 PHONE: 847/647-8880 From our Priest Dear Stewards and Friends, Great Lent 2014 The life of our community has been filled with much activity and joy. In addition to the Lenten Services and the celebration of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, we witnessed the ordination of Father George Lamberis to the Holy Priesthood on March 23. It was a joyful and emotional occasion for all of us! (There will be some ordination photographs in the next issue of Visions!) We also rejoiced in watching the children from our three Greek programs as they celebrated the 25th of March, and told us of the sacrifices made by so many men and women that we may have freedom. We were reminded that there are many kinds of slavery, and we are also called to make sacrifices for our beliefs and freedoms. A new and dynamic ministry has sprung from our Outreach Committee! This is a clear response to the Gospel message I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. So many people are showing desire to help others in need and the Outreach Committee is examining many ways and opportunities that we have to serve. New people are welcomed to the committee! (There is more description of their activity on page 8.) On Sunday evening, April 6, we are having a special Solemn Lenten Vespers Service (Κατανυχτικός Εσπερινός) at the request of the Metropolis of Chicago. We are expecting visitors from other faiths, to introduce them to the Orthodox Lenten spirit in preparation for Holy Pascha. We need members of our parish to be present as ambassadors of our church and to show hospitality. Please plan to join us! As Holy Pascha draws near, let us intensify our prayer life, to be able to shout out Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Καλή Ανάστασι! Fr. Dean 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 Strategic Planning... Perry Giannopoulos Stewardship.. Budget Committee Chairman...Perry Giannopoulos Building & Grounds Chairman.... Michael Pontikes and Theodoros Karabatsos Decor Committee Chairman...Stephan Aliferakis Finance Committee Chairman...George Kotsionis Phase III Chairman... Board Chairman......Tom Zavos Audit Committee Chairman...Evan Houpis.. Philoptochos President......Maria Dimitriou PTA Co-Presidents (Afternoon ).......Anna Sikoral and Kathy Ioannidis PTA President (Preschool)......Marianna Memmos and Natasha Palmisano 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 Liapis YAL President......Christina Pappadis GOYA Co-Presidents......Yannis Karatasios and Kriztina Dagrizikos Jr. Goya Advisor.. Jolynn Ruggerio Bookstore Manager..... Jolynn Ruggerio Web Master............. George Houpis Office Staff......Barbara Skaouris and Alexandra Grivas St. Haralambos PTAs Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon Sunday, April 13 Please call the church office (848-647-8880) to make your reservations! IN THIS ISSUE: Letter from our Priest (pg 3) Αnnouncements (pg 4) About Confession (pg 5) Pan-Orthodox Akathist (pg 6) Holy Week Schedule 2014 (pg 7) Community Life (pg 8) Calendar (pg 10) 3

ANNOUNCEMENTS STEWARDSHIP 2014 LIKE THE THREE WISE MEN, WE OFFER OUR GIFTS We need bold and faith-filled commitments from our stewards if we want our church to be strong! Did you know that we need every steward to increase their giving every year (even if it is only a few dollars), in order for Stewardship to be successful? Just as our home expenses increase every year, our church s expenses also increase! 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. So far in 2014, we have fallen behind last year s level of giving. We need your support! Have you become a 2014 Steward yet? IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 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. 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. HOLY CONFESSION--Great Lent has begun, and it is customary to receive the Sacrament of Holy Confession during Lent. This can be done by appointment with Fr. Dean. We urge you: schedule your confession as early as possible and please do not wait until Holy Week! SATURDAY OF LAZAROS FAMILY RETREAT How Did They Know Jesus? --Our Annual Sunday Saturday of Lazaros FAMILY RETREAT will take place on April 12 th, beginning at 9:00 am with a TEACHING LITUR- GY!!! 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, and a Craft Project. Proper Church clothes are required, and Pre-Registration 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 10th. ANNUAL EASTER BAKE SALE The St. Haralambos Ladies Philoptochos invite you to their Annual Easter Bake Sale, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, April 9-10 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 13 is Palm Sunday! The St. Haralambos PTA invites you to its annual Palm Sunday Luncheon, after church services on Sunday, April 13. Because of space limitations, reservations will be required. The donation will be $15 for fish with skordalia, and $8 for spaghetti with marinara sauce; a number of "To Go" orders will also be available at $15. To make reservations, please call the Church office (847-647-8880). 4 ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΕΙΣ ΟΠΩΣ ΟΙ ΤΡΕΙΣ ΜΑΓΟΙ, ΠΡΟΣΦΕΡΟΥΜΕ ΚΙ ΜΕΙΣ ΤΟ ΩΡΑ ΜΑΣ ΣΤΟΝ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΝ Η Εκκλησια µας χρειάζεται να προσφέρουµε κάθε χρόνο όχι τυπικά, αλλά µε θάρρος και τόλµα, ως αληθινή ένδειξη της αγάπης µας για τον Θεόν, και της ευγνωµοσύνης µας για τις ευλογίες που µας χαρίζει ο Θεός δια µέσου της εκκλησίας µας! ια να επιτύχει το Stewardship, χρειάζεται κάθε µέλος να αυξήσει την προσφορά του κάθε χρόνο, έστω και λίγα δολλάρια! Εχουµε πέσει πίσο από το επίπεδο της προσφοράς του 2013. Εχετε γραφτεί Stewardsδια το 2014 ακόµη; 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. ΤΟ ΜΥΣΤΗΡIΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΞΟΜΟΛΟΓΗΣΕΩΣ-Η Μεγάλη Σαρακοστή άρχισε και συvηθίζεται vα γίvονται εξoµoλογήσεις κατά τηv διάρκειαv της Νηστείας. ια να γίνει αυτό πρέπει να κανονίσετε συνάντηση µε τον π. Κωνσταντίνο. Σας παροτρύνουµε να κανονίσετε ηµεροµηνία εξοµολογήσεως το συντοµότερον δυνατόν--µηv περιµέvετε vα εξoµoλoγηθείτε την Μεγάλη Εβδοµάδα! ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑΚΗ ΣΥΝΑΞΗ ΤΟΥ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΖΑΡΟΥ «Πως Εγνώριζαν τον Χριστόν;» Η Ετήσια ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑΚΗ ΣΥΝΑΞΗ το Σάββατο του Λαζάρου θα λάβει χώραν την 12 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, 14 Απριλίου. Η ΕΤΗΣIΑ ΜΑΣ ΠΩΛΗΣΗ ΓΛΥΚIΣΜΑΤΩΝ θα λάβη χώραv τηv Tετάρτη και Πέµπη, 9-10 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. ΕΤΗΣΙΟ ΓΕΥΜΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗΣ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ-Το PTA του Αγ. Χαραλάµπους σας προσκαλεί στο ετήσιο Γεύµα της Κυριακής των Βαίων, 13 Απριλίου, µετά το τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας. Επειδή ο χώρος είναι περιορισµένος, χρειάζεται να κρατήσετε θέσεις. Η δωρεά είναι µόνον $15 δια το µπακαλάο µε σκορδαλιά, και $8 δια τα µακαρόνια. Επίσης δεχόµεθα παραγγελίες To Go µε $15. ια κρατήσεις θέσεων παρακαλούµε όπως τηλεφωνείτε εις το γραφείο της εκκλησίας (847/647-8880).

HOLY CONFESSION: A SPIRITUAL OIL CHANGE I ask how often do we change the oil in our cars? Most mechanics will tell you after 3,000 miles or every three months if you want your vehicle to function properly. The soul of the human being functions in a similar way and also needs regular maintenance. This is accomplished through the participation of the sacrament known as Holy Confession. Of all the sacraments, however, Confession typically receives the most resistance. Why do I need to confess my sins? or Why do I need to confess to a priest? I can ask God to forgive me in front of my icons at home. Let s first look at what exactly sin is so we can answer these questions. What is sin? When we neglect our car and finally go to the mechanic to change our oil after many months, we notice, when drained, that the oil is dirty and black. Similarly, our soul also experiences a spiritual blackness when we commit sin. Sin is the gunk which disrupts God s purpose for us to be in perfect union and love with Him and one another. This can be anything from an immoral act, hurting someone, ignoring someone, lying, speaking behind one s back, or anything that severs our relationship with another person. For he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20). All sin is derived from a lack of love. If we loved perfectly there would be no sin; there would be no gunk, and if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves (1 John 1:8). Why do I need to confess my sins? Why do I need to change the oil in my car? If we fail to do so, the impurities in our engine will eventually lead to costly and major problems to the vehicle. It is the same with the soul. The soul is the deep heart that expresses the body. We take care of our soul when we cleanse it. How do we do so? Looking at the scriptures, Jesus Christ tells us, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). When we confess our sins, we are giving ourselves a spiritual oil change. Our soul is cleansed and our relationship with God and with our neighbor is restored. Why do I need to confess to a priest? I can confess to God alone and I will be forgiven. In the early Christian community, people would practice εξοµολόγηση, which literally means to outwardly confess. People would confess their sins to God in front of the whole congregation! As time went on and the church grew in size, strangers came to visit and public confession became more difficult. We see, however, from the Church s birth, confession was a communal affair involving the penitent, God, and at least one other person (a bishop or priest). Jesus gave his disciples the authority to forgive sin. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained (John 20:23). Through the laying on of hands (ordination) and apostolic succession, our priests and bishops today implement this sacrament as was the tradition for the disciples in the early church. The mechanic who does the repair is God. As the confession prayer states, we do not confess to the priest but we confess to God. The priest serves as the mechanic s assistant and witness, and he offers pastoral advice on how we can better understand our lives and overcome our struggles and the things we confess. Once counsel has been given, the priest reads the prayer of forgiveness, and the penitent s relationship with God and the community of worshippers is restored. How often should we go to Holy Confession? There is no specific formula which specifies how often one should go to confession. However, as we typically change our oil four times a year (every three months), a healthy suggestion is that we participate in the sacrament during the four fasting seasons of the year: Advent Fast, Great Lent, The Apostles Fast and the Dormition Fast. These are prescribed by the church to help promote spiritual reflection, growth and reconciliation to God and one another. As Great Lent approaches, let us make as a goal to participate in the Sacrament of Confession and work to bring health and wholeness to our lives. Father George Lamberis The Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life, Give me not the spirit of laziness, meddling, love of power and gossip; Give, rather, the spirit of purity, humility, patience and love to me, Your servant. Yea, O Lord and King, Grant me to see my own faults and not to judge my brother, For You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen. 5

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GREAT AND HOLY WEEK 2014 Η ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ MΕΓΑΛΗ EΒΔΟΜΑΣ 2014 THE SATURDAY OF LAZAROS (April 27) 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy with Commentary PALM SUNDAY (April 28) 8:00 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy PALM SUNDAY EVENING 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom GREAT AND HOLY MONDAY (April 29) 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom GREAT AND HOLY TUESDAY (April 30) 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom; Hymn of Cassiani GREAT AND HOLY WEDNESDAY (May 1) 2:30 pm The Sacrament of Holy Unction 7:00 pm Orthros of the Last Supper, Holy Unction Anointing GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY (May 2) 6:00 am Divine Liturgy of the Mystical Last Supper (Holy Communion) 7:00 pm The Twelve Passion Gospels GREAT AND HOLY FRIDAY (May 3) 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 (May 4) 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 (May 5) 12:00 noon THE "AGAPI" EASTER VESPERS OF LOVE BRIGHT FRIDAY (May 10) THE LIFE-GIVING FOUNTAIN 8:30 am Orthros and Divine Liturgy HAPPY EASTER! 7 ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΖΑΡΟΥ (27 Απριλίου) 8:30 πµ Όρθρος 9:30 πµ Θεία Λειτουργία ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ (28 Απριλίου) 8:00 πµ Όρθρος 9:30 πµ Θεία Λειτουργία ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ ΒΡΑ Υ 7:00 µµ Ακολουθία του Νυµφίου~Κασσιανή ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΕΥΤΕΡΑ (29 Απριλίου) 7:00 µµ Ακολουθία του Νυµφίου ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΡΙΤΗ (30 Απριλίου) 7:00 µµ Ακολουθία του Νυµφίου, Ύµνον της Κασσιανής ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗ (1 Μαϊου) 2:30 µµ Το Μυστήριον του Ευχελαίου 7:00 µµ Όρθρος του Μυστικού είπνου, Ευχέλαιον ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΕΜΠΤΗ (2 Μαϊου) 6:00 πµ Θεία Λειτουργία του Μυστικού είπνου (Θεία Κοινωνία) 7:00 µµ Τα Πάθη ( ώδεκα Ευαγγέλια) ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ (3 Μαϊου) 9:00 πµ Οι Βασιλικές Ωρες 2:00 µµ Εσπερινός της Αποκαθηλώσεως 7:00 µµ Ο Επιτάφιος Θρήνος ΑΓΙΟΝ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ (4 Μαϊου) 8:30 πµ Λειτουργία «Πρώτης ναστάσεως» (Θεία Κοινωνία) ΜΕΓΑ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ ΒΡΑ Υ 11:00 µµ Όρθρος 12:00 πµ H ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΣ, ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ (5 Μαϊου) 12:00 µµ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΑΓΑΠΗΣ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ ΤΗΣ ΛΑΜΠΡΗΣ ΤΗΣ ΖΩΟ ΟΧΟΥ ΠΗΓΗΣ (10 Μαϊου) 8:30 πµ Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία ΕΥΛΟΓΗΜΕΝΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ!

St. Haralambos Philoptochos presents Annual Spring Bake Sale Home made Pastries for Easter! Thursday Friday, April 9 th & 10 th, 2014 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ST HARALAMBOS OUTREACH COMMITTEE Over the last several months, the Outreach Committee has sponsored the following efforts: A Winter Coat Drive In response to a request to the Saint Haralambos community, members of our parish donated approximately 50 new or gently used coats in December. These coats were given to the Heartland Alliance charity. By early January, another round of about 50 coats had been donated. These coats were given to the Hellenic Foundation. These two charities distributed these coats to those in need. This winter was Chicago s coldest in 30 years. Those who donated coats should be proud to have helped some needy people stay warm this winter. Support for a Local Soup Kitchen The Bessie s Table Soup Kitchen is located in Des Plaines at the First Methodist Church. This soup kitchen operates every Monday evening to provide dinner for needy and homeless people. Bessie s Table needs support in three ways: Donations of food, at a cost of about $300 to $400 per evening. A crew of about 4 people to cook that day s meal. A crew of 15-20 people to serve the meal. In December, members of our community did the cooking for one of the weekly meals and Saint Haralambos paid for the food. In January, our Philoptochos bought the food, and cooked and served one of the weekly meals. In February, a diverse group from our community cooked and served one of the weekly meals. Once again, in February Saint Haralambos paid for the food. We will be continuing this work at Bessie s Table one Monday evening per month for the remainder of 2014, and we look for support from our community in the three ways listed above. The Outreach Committee will continue to search for other ways to serve people in need, in the Saint Haralambos community and in the broader community. Please let us know your own ideas for future service opportunities. April 8 next meeting! New members are welcome! 8 St. Romanos Choir Peter Jermihov, Director Today is the Crown of our Salvation A concert of Lenten and Marian Hymns 2:30 pm - Sunday, April 6, 2014 Saint Peter and Saint Paul Orthodox Church 6980 County Line Road, Burr Ridge, Illinois Admission: Adults $20, Children $10 SATURDAY OF LAZAROS FAMILY RETREAT HOW DID THEY KNOW JESUS? 9:00 am to 1:30 pm SATURDAY, April 12, 2014 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! $20 donation per family Come to our Holy Friday Family Retreat 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm Friday, April 18, 2014 Proper Church clothes required Craft, Wrap eggs for Anastasi, Snack 2:00 pm Apokathelosis Service $20 donation per family THESE ARE FAMILY EVENTS! Moms, Dads, Grandparents are needed and welcomed!

FOODS PERMITTED DURING GREAT LENT One of the great disciplines of the Lenten season is fasting. After His baptism, even Christ fasted for 40 days in the wilderness; to fast, therefore, is one way of imitating Christ. In Orthodox Christian tradition, we can distinguish two kinds of fasting. One is absolute fasting, which means to eat or drink nothing at all. Obviously, absolute fasting is observed only for short periods of time; this, for example, is the fast that we keep from the time we wake up until receiving Holy Communion. We also observe certain seasons of fasting, such as the 40 day period of Great Lent which precedes Holy Week and Pascha. This kind of fasting may be called ascetical fasting, because it consists mainly in abstinence from certain foods over a longer period of time. Its goal is to train and liberate us from the dominance of the flesh. To restore the primacy of the soul over the body requires a slow and patient effort; through fasting, we discover that we do not live "by bread alone". During these fasting periods, we continue to keep this ascetical fast even after receiving Holy Communion, and meats and fats are not permitted. But what can we eat? Here is a list of foods that are permitted during Great Lent: 1. Sea foods (other than fish): Shrimp, lobster, squid, octopus, oysters, clams, scallops, etc. 2. All fresh, canned or dried fruits. 3. All fresh, canned or dried vegetables. 4. Olives. 5. Bread and pastas: Spaghetti, macaroni, couscous, etc. 6. Grains and legumes: Rice, beans, chick peas, lentils, etc. 7. All kinds of nuts: Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, etc. 8. On weekends, oil and wine are permitted, also. Note: Fish is permitted on March 25 and Palm Sunday 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 but 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. DONATIONS FOR HOLY WEEK AND EASTER The St. Haralambos Church is very grateful, because every year we have so many thoughtful donors who step forward with Easter donations for general purposes and for those things that are needed for our celebration of Holy Week and Easter. If you would like to make a donation to cover any of the items listed below, please call the church office at 847/647-8880. 30 potted Easter Lilies and flowers $35.00 each 3 Priest's Easter Candles donated 2 Vigil Lambathes 20.00 each Candles for the Cross (6 sets of 3) 15.00 per set 5 Flower Wreaths (stefani) 150.00 4 boxes Vaia 65.00 each 1 white sheet 5.00 2 boxes Palms 50.00 each Olive Oil, Flour 25.00 (for Unction Service) All Easter donations, whether for these specific items or for the general needs of our Church, are greatly appreciated, and we thank you! LOOKING AHEAD. VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL will take place this summer during the week of June 23-27. 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! 9

April 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 11:30--Little Angels 4:30 pm Greek 7:30 pm Philoptochos Mtg 2 6:00-Great Canon / Saint Andrew of Crete 3 7:30 pm-bible Study 4 4:30 pm Greek 7:00-Akathist Hymn 5 9:00 am-saturday Greek 10 am-7 pm: GOYA Outing 6 ST MARY OF EGYPT 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy 2:30-St. Romanos Choir Concert 7 6:00-Compline 7:30-Jr Goya Confession 7:30 GOYA Confession Night 8 11:30--Little Angels 4:30 pm Greek 4:30 pm PTA 7:00 p Pan-Orth odox Akathist 9 6:00-Liturgy of Presanctified 10 SPRING BAKE SALE! 7:30 pm-bible Study 11 4:30 pm Greek 12 SATURDAY OF LAZAROS Retreat Day! 8:30-Orthros and Liturgy (No Saturday Greek ) 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 PALM SUNDAY 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Liturgy LUNCHEON 7:00 pm- Bridegroom Service HOLY MONDAY 7:00 pm-- Bridegroom Service HOLY TUESDAY 4:30-Greek 7:00 pm-- Bridegroom Service HOLY WEDNESDAY 2:00-Holy Unction 7:00 pm-orthros of the Mystical Supper HOLY THURSDAY 6:00 AM Liturgy of the Mystical Supper 7:00 pm The 12 Passion Gospels HOLY FRIDAY 9:00 am The Royal Hours 2:00 pm-descent from the Cross 7:00 pm-the Lamentations HOLY SATURDAY 8:30 am-liturgy of the First Resurrection 11:00 pm-holy Resurrection Η ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΣ 20 PASCHA! 11:30 AM The Vespers of Agapi 21 22 4:30 pm Greek 23 ST GEORGE (Liturgy at the Church of St. George, Chicago) 7:30 Parish Council Mtg 24 7:30 pm-bible Study 25 THE LIFE-GIVING FOUNTAIN 8:30am-Orthros and Liturgy 4:30 pm Greek LAMB ROAST 26 9:00 am-saturday Greek 27 SUNDAY OF THOMAS 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy 28 5:30pm-Family Night TBA Jr. Goya 29 11:30 -Little Angels 30 10

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SPRING BAKE SALE Wednesday-Thursday April 9-10, 2014 9 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 (847-647-8880 St. Haralambos PTA Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon Sunday, April 13, 2014 following church services Adults: $15 (Fish and skordalia) Children : $8 (Spaghetti dinner) $15 Orders to go Seating is limited! Please make reservations right away! Call our Church Office (847/647-8880) to make your reservations! HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE NILES, IL 60714-4503 Address Service Requested