Agape News February 2008
PICTURES 2008 Parish Council Parish Christmas Party Vasilopita Baking Cutting of the Vasilopita GOYA Basketball Practice Former GOYA Basketball Practice
PASTORAL MESSAGE Dear Parishioners, Greetings in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We are truly excited to welcome the Metropolis of Chicago to our parish for the Western Region Basketball Tournament. It is truly a Blessing for the Assumption to be given this distinct privilege and we welcome His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos. May the Lord Grant Him Many Years!!! Soon Great and Holy Lent will be upon us and we are at the time where we must begin preparing for this Holy Season. As we plan the next few months, are we considering how we should be preparing? Are we getting Cubs tickets for April? Are we stocking up our freezers with non-fasting foods? Are we RSVPing to events during the Great Fast? The time has come for each of us to rededicate ourselves to this Holy Season of preparation. Plan to grow spiritually! Plan to fast! Plan to not attend social events! Plan for your spiritual health not the desires of the flesh! Lent is not yet upon us, but soon we will be in the midst of the Great Fast. Today we must be cognizant of what is coming, just as we await the Lord s Resurrection throughout the season. Let this be your time for a true spiritual transformation. In Christ s Love, Rev. Father Jon Boukis Proistamenos
SUNDAY SCHOOL Spiritual Arrows All children with cumulative attendance of 80% or better have hit the mark and will be listed monthly in the Agape News! Congratulations to our Spiritual Arrows!!! Shebah Chirackal Penny Constantinou Evan Dounoulis Bill Kandis Kristin Lubbers Bobby Nikolopoulos John Nikolopoulos Naina Biju Ninan Naveen Biju Ninan Peter Stopoulos Tony Stopoulos Stephanie Theofilis Shannon Thodos Stephanie Thodos Godparent s Sunday Sunday, February 24 th Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Come and pray with your Godparents at the Divine Liturgy. Honor each other and this sacred relationship with your prayer and participation. Contact: Fr. Jon (309)792-2912
JOY NEWS JOY Bowling The details are still in the works but the date is set!!! On Saturday, February 23, the JOY will be going out for Bowling and Pizza!!! Watch your mail for details!!! (Parents are not only welcome but encouraged to participate) Contact: Fr. Jon (309)792-2912 GOYA NEWS Basketball Tournament - February 8-10 Please offer your time to the Church to aid with the tournament - concessions, hospitality, etc. This is your event - make it a raging success!!! Goya Meeting - February 17 The GOYA seems to have lost its spark. Come to this meeting an help us get back on track. Contact: Louie Constantinou (563)355-2204
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD Commemorated February 2 When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master..." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.
ST. THEODORE THE COMMANDER Commemorated February 8 The holy Martyr Theodore was from Euchaita of Galatia and dwelt in Heraclea of Pontus. He was a renowned commander in the military, and the report came to the Emperor Licinius that he was a Christian and abominated the idols. Licinius therefore sent certain men to him from Nicomedia, to honor him and ask him to appear before him. Through them, however, Saint Theodore sent back a message that it was necessary for various reasons, that Licinius come to Heraclea. Licinius, seeing in this a hope of turning Saint Theodore away from Christ did as was asked of him. When the Emperor came to Heraclea, Saint Theodore met him with honor, and the Emperor in turn gave Theodore his hand, believing that through him he would be able to draw the Christians to the worship of his idols. Seated upon his throne in the midst of the people, he publicly bade Theodore offer sacrifice to the gods. But Theodore asked that the emperor entrust him with the most venerable of his gods, those of gold and silver, that he might take them home and himself attend upon them that evening, promising that the following day he would honor them in public. The Emperor, filled with joy at these tidings, gave command that Theodore's request be fulfilled. When the Saint had taken the idols home, he broke them in pieces and distributed the gold and silver to the poor by night. The next day a centurion named Maxentius told Licinius that he had seen a pauper pass by carrying the head of Artemis. Saint Theodore, far from repenting of this, confessed Christ boldly. Licinius, in an uncontainable fury, had the Saint put to many torments, then crucified. While upon the cross, the holy Martyr was further tormented -- his privy parts were cut off, he was shot with arrows, his eyes were put out, and he was left on the cross to die. The next day Licinius sent men to take his corpse and cast it into the sea; but they found the Saint alive and perfectly whole. Through this, many believed in Christ. Seeing his own men turning to Christ, and the city in an uproar, Licinius had Theodore beheaded, about the year 320. The Saint's holy relics were returned to his ancestral home on June 8, which is also a feast of the Great Martyr Theodore.
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Have you offered your 2008 Dues? It s that time of year again. Please offer your 2008 dues ($20 per member) to the Philoptochos so that we may support the national ministries. It is important that we have as many members as possible so that our witness at the national level is as bright as possible. Cookbook Recipes Needed Do you have a recipe for which you are known? Did Yiayia have a great recipe for Bougatsa? Submit your recipes for the Philoptochos cookbook to info@assumptionem.org or to Helen Haney. Contact: Yvonne Constantinou (563)355-2204 ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY One plants in you the seeds and another does the watering - but it is...only God, who gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6) The Orthodox Bible Study meets every Monday evening from 6:00-7:30pm to study St. Paul s 1 st Letter to the Corinthians. This book is filled with application that is not only applicable at the time of Christ, but to us today. Come and learn about the role of the Clergy, clicks in the church, pride, spiritual discernment, proper attire, marriage, marital relations, divorce and much more!!! Make Bible Study a priority!!! Keep your Monday evenings open!!! Contact: Fr. Jon (309)792-2912
SERVICE SCHEDULE February 2 Saturday PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD 9:30 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy February 3 Sunday Sunday of the Talents 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy February 9 Saturday Great Vespers 5:00 p.m. February 10 Sunday Sunday of the Canaanite Woman 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Hierarchal Divine Liturgy February 17 Sunday Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy February 24 Sunday Sunday of the Prodigal Son 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 8 CHURCH. Sunday Monday Tuesday 16th Sunday of Matthew Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour 1:00pm-3:00pm - Basketball Men s Club Super Bowl Party 3 10 Sunday of Canaanite Woman Orthros 9:00am Hierarchal Divine Liturgy 10am Coffee Hour Basketball Tournament 17 Sunday of the Publican & the Pharisee - Triodion begins Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Philoptochos/GOYA Meetings Sunday of Prodigal Son Godparent Sunday Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Family Worship Scholarship Luncheon 24 Orthodox Bible Study 6:00pm - 7:30pm No Bible Study 4 11 18 Orthodox Bible Study 6:00pm - 7:30pm No Bible Study 25 5 12 19 6:30pm-7:30pm - Greek Festival Board Mtg. 7:30pm - Festival Chairpersons Mtg. (no food chairs) 26
CALENDAR Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 The Presentation of the Lord Orthros 9:30am Divine Liturgy 10:00am 6 9:00am - Philoptochos Preparing for Tournament 7 8 Metropolis of Chicago Western Region Basketball Tournament 9 Metropolis of Chicago Western Region Basketball Tournament Great Vespers 5:00pm 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 JOY Bowling 23 7:00pm - Parish Council Meeting 27 Fr. Jon at Clergy Retreat in Sheboygan, WI 28 29 Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Fish Allowed Fast Free
ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ 2 Φεβρουαρίου Σάββατο Η ΥΠΑΠΑΝΤΗ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ 9:30 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 3 Φεβρουαρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή των Ταλάντων 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία/Μέγας Αγιασμός 9 Φεβρουαρίου Σάββατο Μέγας Εσπερινός 5:00 μ.μ. 10 Φεβρουαρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή της Χαναναίας 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 17 Φεβρουαρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή των Τελώνου και Φαρισαίου 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 24 Φεβρουαρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή του Ασώτου 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία
DIAKONIA Prosforo Schedule February 3 Cathy Diakogeorgiou February 10 Kulla Anggeloplos February 17 Dimitra Kotrogiannis February 24 Kathy Panouses Coffee Hour February 3 Not yet reserved February 10 Philoptochos February 17 Not yet reserved February 24 Scholarship Luncheon Sunday Gospel and Epistle Readings February 3 Gospel Matthew 25:14-30 Epistle I Corinthians 6:1-10 February 10 Gospel Matthew 15:21-28 Epistle II Timothy 2:1-10 February 17 Gospel Luke 18:9-14 Epistle II Timothy 3:10-15 February 24 Gospel Luke 15:11-32 Epistle II Corinthians 4:6-15 Parish Council Ushering Teams & Schedule St. Matthew St. Mark St. Luke St. John 9:15 Celia Lubbers Cathy Diakogeorgiou Michael Weis Bill Theofilis 9:40 Victor Cherevko Michael Haney Michael Kandis Deno Kandis 9:55 Diane Lamacki Abraham Chirackal John Stopoulos Georgia Lovejoy February 3 St. Luke February 10 All Teams February 17 St. John February 24 St. Matthew
ΥΠΑΠΑΝΤΗ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ 2 Φεβρουαρίου Το γεγονός αυτό εξιστορεί ο ευαγγελιστής Λουκάς στο κεφάλαιο β, στ. 22-35. Συνέβη σαράντα μέρες μετά τη γέννηση του παιδιού Ιησού. Σύμφωνα με το Μωσαϊκό νόμο, η Παρθένος Μαρία, αφού συμπλήρωσε το χρόνο καθαρισμού από τον τοκετό, πήγε στο ναό της Ιερουσαλήμ μαζί με τον Ιωσήφ, γιά να εκτελεσθεί η τυπική αφιέρωση του βρέφους στο Θεό κατά το "πάν άρσεν διανοίγον μήτραν (δηλαδή πρωτότοκο) άγιον τω Κυρίω κληθήσεται "και για να προσφέρουν θυσία, που αποτελούνταν από ένα ζευγάρι τρυγόνια ή δύο μικρά περιστέρια. Κατά τη μετάβαση αυτή, δέχθηκε τον Ιησού στην αγκαλιά του ο υπερήλικας Συμεών, όπως θα εξιστορίσουμε αύριο στη μνήμη του. Αυτό το γεγονός αποτελεί άλλη μιά απόδειξη ότι ο Κύριος Ιησούς Χριστός δεν ήλθε να καταργήσει τον Μωσαϊκό νόμο, όπως ισχυρίζονταν οι υποκριτές Φαρισαίοι και Γραμματείς, αλλά να τον συμπληρώσει, να τον τελειοποιήσει. Κατά την ολονυκτία της Υπαπαντής στην Κωνσταντινούπολη, οι βασιλείς συνήθιζαν να παρευρίσκονται στο Ναό των Βλαχερνών. Η συνήθεια αυτή εξακολούθησε μέχρι τέλους της βυζαντινής αυτοκρατορίας.
ΑΓΙΟΣ ΧΑΡΑΛΑΜΠΟΣ 10 Φεβρουαρίου Ήταν ιερέας στη Μαγνησία της Μ. Ασίας. Η ζωή του ήταν μία συνεχής υπηρεσία αφοσίωσης στο Χριστό και αγάπης πρός τον πλησίον. Όταν το 198 ο Σεπτίμιος Σεβήρος εξαπέλυσε διωγμό κατά των Χριστιανών, ο έπαρχος Λουκιανός έφερε μπροστά του το Χαράλαμπο και τον απείλησε ότι θα τον βασάνιζε πολύ σκληρά για να αρνηθεί το Χριστό. Ο γέροντας ιερέας χαμογέλασε και απάντησε: "Εμείς οι χριστιανοί είμαστε εξοικειωμένοι με τους αγώνες και τους πολέμους, όπως οι γενναίοι στρατιώτες δεν επιθυμούν τον ήσυχο θάνατο στο κρεβάτι, αλλά τον δοξασμένο της μάχης. Σε μένα υπάρχουν τα γηρατειά, αλλά να μάθετε καλά ότι στους δικούς μας αγώνες το πάν είναι η ψυχή, η αποφασιστικότητα, η αυταπάρνηση. Αυτά δεν πέφτουν με την ηλικία, αλλά μένουν πάντοτε ανθηρά και νέα. Αμφιβάλλεις έπαρχε; Δοκίμασε. Και θα δείς ότι με τη χάρη του Κυρίου μου Ιησού Χριστού θα κουρασθούν όλοι οι ακμαίοι δημιοί σου, χωρίς ο ιερέας Χαράλαμπος να ζητήσει την επιείκειά σου".εκνευρισμένος από τα λόγια αυτά ο έπαρχος, διατάζει και τον γδέρνουν ζωντανό. Αυτός όμως αντί να σπαράζει από τον πόνο, δοξολογούσε το Θεό για την αντοχή που του έδινε. Τότε πολλοί δήμιοι, που έβλεπαν αυτό το θαύμα πίστεψαν στο Χριστό. Φοβισμένος ο έπαρχος τον άφησε ελεύθερο. Αργότερα ο ίδιος ο Σεβήρος, μη μπορώντας να τα βγάλει πέρα μαζί του, τον αποκεφάλισε σε ηλικία 113 ετών.
SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON Please join us Special Fellowship Luncheon to benefit the Kathy Petaros Stamatis Scholarship Fund The Assumption Philoptochos Society invites you to this special annual event on Sunday, February 24th, following the Divine Liturgy Sunday, February 24th is Godparents Sunday. Bring your Godchildren to lunch and show them we love and support our youth in their pursuit of secondary education. $15 for adults $8 for kids under 12 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
DONATIONS Thank you to Tom and Georgia Kouris who donated the bottles for the Holy Water of Epiphany. Thank you to the Ladies Philoptochos for Baking the Vasilopita for the auction to benefit St. Basil Academy and to all of the generous bidders for their support. Thank you to Mike Weis for installing shelves in the outer office and for working on the Office computer network to facilitate the efficiency of the Church Office. Thank you to John Thodos for donating to the Church the Icon of St. John the Baptist that was on the Iconostasion at the Old Church. Thank you to the Philoptochos of the Assumption for donating two bookcases for the Priest s office. May God continue to Bless your ministry with health and prosperity in 2008. SAVE THE DATE NEW PROGRAM The Assumption will celebrate the Apokreatiko with a Mardi Gras L u n c h e o n following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, March 2, 2008. Have you been looking for a way to offer a donation in memory of a loved one or for the health of your family? Do you want to advertise your business to the community? Details will be coming through the mail in the middle of February. Save the Date! See this exciting new enhancement to the Agape News and in the donation program of the Assumption coming soon!
STEWARDSHIP 2008 Pledges Cards received as of January 28, 2008 Haline Akulow Orest Akulow Kulla Anggeloplos John Arvanitis Steve and Aimee Arvanitis Michael and Nancy Avgenackis Theodore and Karen Bagatelas Fr. Jon and Presbytera Doreece Boukis Ludmilla Cherevko Victor and Judy Cherevko Abraham and Molly Chirackal George and Nancy Coin Harry and Susan Coin Stan and Kay Coin Dr. Costas and Yvonne Constantinou Dr. Konstantinos and Allison Dounoulis George and Georgia Eleftheropoulos Nicholas and Mary Fotiadis Susan Fotiadis Anna Fotos Paris Fotos Mary Giovanis Elizabeth Gregory Tom Gregory John Haney Mike and Helen Haney Jim Jannes Deno and Dr. Ann Kandis Francis Kandis Mike and Terri Kandis Connie Kappas Helen Karas Alex and Diane Lamacki Judy Larson Robert and Bessie Lemen Peter Lingris Thomas Lingris Georgia and Roger Lovejoy Celia Lubbers Georgia Maess John Maess Pamela Marston Christ and Susan Mekus Demos Mekus Dale and Erica Melchin Sophia Mihalopoulos Bill and Linda Minas Michael and Roseann Monn Gust Moraetes Katherine Moraetes Biju and Sholly Ninan Angela Olvera Daphne Olvera Victoria Olvera Saki Padazopoulos Bill Panouses Chris Panouses Helen Panouses Katherine Panouses Dean Papanikolaou Fr. Basil Papanikolaou Spiros and Carol Pappaspiros Nicholas and Daryn Passini Christ and Helen Petaros George Polios Steve Pyevich Colette Spurgetis Frank Spurgetis Soc Spurgetis Paraskevi Stamatoukos Anthony and Joan Stopoulos Jim and Kristel Stopoulos Peter and Pat Stopoulos Jennie Tertipes Bill and Tracey Theofilis Chris Theofilis Kostas and Pam Theofilis John and Tricia Thodos Ellen Tsagaris Jim and Clara Tsagaras John and Mary Velon Frank Vretis Michael and Elizabeth Weis Dr. Scott and Margaret Zimmerman
INAUGUARAL SPONSORS The Agape News is made possible by the generous support of the following parishioners: Fr. Jon, Presbytera Doreece and Vasilia Fr. Basil Papanikolaou John and Katie Andrios and Family Steve and Aimee Arvanitis Michael and Nancy Avgenackis Paul and Christine Bagatelas George Bagatelas Theodore and Karen Bagatelas Steve and Vaso Boukis and Family Victor and Judy Cherevko Abraham and Molly Chirackal and Family Dr. and Mrs. Costas Constantinou and Family Miltos and Cathy Diakogeorgiou Dr. Konstantine, Allison, Evangelos and Daniel Dounoulis George and Georgia Eleftheropoulos Michael and Cathy (Boukis) Gaudio Mary Giovanis Litsa Gregory Tom P. Gregory Mike and Helen Haney James Jannes Kleo Caras George and Sherry Kontos Georgia Maess and Family Alex, Diane and Jim Lamacki Peter and Sue Lingris Tom Lingris and Judy Larson Roger, Georgia and Elianna Lovejoy Dr. Roger, Celia, Alex and Kristin Lubbers Nick and Charlotte Maroudas Anna Marston Chris, Susan, Alaina and Melissa Mekus Michael and Roseanne Monn Spiro and Carol Pappaspiros In Memory of Uncle Pete Panouses Christ and Marena Panousis Christ and Helen Petaros Marina Pikis George and Nancy Polios Mark Edward Prebyl St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church Tony and Joan Stopoulos Bill, Tracey, Christopher and Stephanie Theofilis Rick (Demetri) and Maria Krakos Thompson The Unique Jewelry John and Mary Velon Michael and Elizabeth Weis The Windmill Family Restaurant For an annual donation of $25, your name could appear as a supporter of this invaluable ministry. Support is offered for the Ecclesiastical Year (beginning and ending September 1st).
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 4900 Kennedy Drive East Moline, Illinois 61244 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID E. Moline, IL. Permit No. 153