Agape News June 2007

Agape News June 2007

PICTURES His Grace Bishop DEMETRIOS visit New Philoptochos Officers Men s Club Lamb Roast GOYA Fellowship Festival Pastry Baking Festival Pastry Packaging

PASTORAL MESSAGE Dear Parishioners, We are now in the Season of Pentecost and we are in constant prayer that the Holy Spirit will abide in each of us as a tongue of fire. It is this great and Holy event that gives each and every Baptized Orthodox Christian the responsibility to be an Apostle of the Lord. It is not only our responsibility but our privilege to offer service (διακονία) to the Church and to spread the Gospel through mission and love into our community. We must remember the parish is not our world but the world is our parish (St. John Chrysostom). It has been 2 months since my arrival and much has happened: together we experienced Holy Week and celebrated the Resurrection; we were Blessed with a visit from His Grace Bishop Demetrios; we introduced many new ministries (Men s Club, Ladies Club, Golden Circle Fellowship, Cana Married Fellowship, VBS); and we held a spring Bible Study. Come Fall there will be much more!!! And now, we introduce the New Agape News. Each month, every steward will receive the Agape News and will have complete access to all events planned for the month and larger future events like an evening with Basile or the Golf Tournament. In the center is a rip-out calendar with all on the events and on the reverse side a calendar of services in Greek and English. Please take the time to read it!!! Lastly, I would like to express my personal gratitude for the many gifts my family and I received when we arrived. The Philoptochos extended a most thoughtful gift a Cross made by Isabel Bloom, who is a Quad Cities Artist. The restaurant owners of the community extended gift certificates to their restaurants and the Church went grocery shopping to provide us with some Greek food all most generous. Again, thank you for your generosity and for embracing us as we become part of your family. In Christ s Love,

PARISH NEWS The Church is now able to process your stewardship payments and other donations on MasterCard and Visa. For security purposes, all payment must have a card present. Minimum transaction is $25. Consider getting your tickets for Basile or registering for the Golf Tournament while earning credit card points. Garden Club!!! The Church Grounds will be renovated over the next few months and we need a few people with green thumbs to offer their time and talents to keep the grounds beautiful. Please contact Fr. Jon if you are interested. The Parish Assembly discussed the need for future renovations: storage room, courtyard, bells, patio, HVAC, marble solea, etc. The Church not only needs to reflect our love for the Lord, but needs to be the center of our lives. Let these renovations allow for enhanced fellowship and witness. Men s Club, Ladies Club and Cana Couple Fellowship will rotate events on a 3 month cycle. Watch your Agape News for upcoming events. The Greek Cultural Festival has introduced an Annual Golf Tournament to help raise funds in the off-season. Come and enjoy!!! SACRAMENTS The Handmaiden of God Suzanna Marialena, daughter of Nicholas and Barbara Staken, was Baptized on Saturday, May 5, 2007, by Godparent Claressa Cummins. Να σα ζήσει!!! The Servant of God Anthony, son of Michael and Elizabeth Gorman, was Baptized on Monday, May 28, 2007, by Godparents George and Karisa Andrianopoulos. Να σα ζήσει!!! Evelyn (Eugenia) Rackis fell asleep in the Lord on May 8, 2007, in Maryland. Trisagion Prayers were offered at her internment at the Arsenal Cemetery. May her memory be eternal. DONATIONS Thank you to Andy Kouris who made a donation to the Organ Fund. A special thank you to Litsa Gregory who sewed and repaired new altar garments May God continue to Bless the works of your hands!!! Thank you to Lambros Mihalopoulos and Tom Bakeris who donated the delicious food for the Men s Club Lamb Roast. Please help the Church retire the remaining Organ Balance of $4,450. Make a special donation today!!!

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Congratulations to the Newly-Elected Philoptochos Officers: President - Yvonne Constantinou Vice President - Roseanne Monn Treasurer - Diane Lamacki Assistant Treasurer - Helen Haney Secretary - Kulla Anggeloplos Annual RUMMAGE SALE Friday, August 3 rd Saturday, August 4 th 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Great Items from Over 50 Households! Kids Clothes Home Furnishings Knick Knacks Kitchen Items Seasonal Decor Books Toys and much, much more! Beginning June 15th, your unwanted treasures may be brought to the Sunday School Rooms. Contact: Yvonne Constantinou (563)355-2204

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL The Assumption proudly announces VBS 2007 When: Monday, June 11th through Friday, June 15th What Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Who: All Sunday School Age Children Cost: $0 - That s Right...it s free!!! Vacation Bible School is dedicated not only to strengthening the knowledge of the Faith through fun activities and building strong bonds of fellowship with other Orthodox Children. It is going to be fun, fun, fun!!! Send your form to the Church today to reserve your spot!!! Attention all Parents - Please contact Fr. Jon if you would like to offer your service to this wonderful ministry (309)792-2912. Assumption Vacation Bible School Registration Form Parent s Name Address City, State Home Phone Child s Name Age Contact: Fr. Jon (309)792-2912

SUNDAY SCHOOL The Sundays School Classes are on Summer Break and will resume on September 9 th. Watch your Agape News for the new programs that will be introduced in September: Spiritual Arrows, Movie Ministry and More!!! Contact: Fr. Jon (309)792-2912 GOYA NEWS Miniature Golf was fun, but in June we re hitting the big ones! Six Flags here we come!!! The GOYA will be travelling to Six Flags Great America on Thursday, June 7. We will depart from the Assumption at 8:00am and return at 11:00pm. Don t miss it!!! Contact: John Haney (309)235-4461 ALTAR BOYS On Friday, July 20th, the Altarboys are going to see our Quad City Steamwheelers take on Cincinnati!!! Save the Date!!! Contact: Fr. Jon (309)792-2912

MEN S CLUB The Lamb Roast was a Blast!!! A special thanks to Tom Bakeris, Lambros Mihalopoulos, John Stopoulos and Bill Theofilis, who worked hard on this fellowship event! What s coming in the Summer? Watch the Agape News & get involved!!! Contact: John Stopoulos (309)796-1153 LADIES DAY OUT Let the Men have their Lamb Roast...the Ladies are having dessert - because they re sweeter!!! The Ladies of the Assumption will gather on Saturday, June 23rd, at 4:00pm at the Assumption Cultural Center for an Appetizer & Dessert Pot Luck (please - nothing of nutritional value). Bring your best dish!!! RSVP to the Church Office by June 21st. Contact: Tracey Theofilis (309)764-0688 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) Beginning in September, the Bible Study will meet every Monday to study St. Paul s 1 st Letter to the Corinthians. Keep your Monday evenings open!!! Contact: Fr. Jon (309)792-2912

GOLDEN CIRCLE Announcing: An Apostolic Pilgrimage to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. John Chrysostom in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin Saturday, June 16, 2007 This event is open to the Community. The cost of the trip is $25 to cover the cost of transportation. If you wish to attend, please RSVP to the Church Office before June 8th. Tentative Schedule of Events 8:00am - Depart Assumption 11:30am - Tour of the Monastery Noon - Prayer Service 1:30pm - Lunch hosted by Monastery 2:30pm - Depart Monastery The Golden Circle is a fellowship group that provides activities and short day trips that are primarily geared toward our older parishioners, but are open to all. Contact: Litsa Gregory (309)755-0164

PENTECOST Such, therefore, are the reasons for the feast of Pentecost: the coming of the All-holy Spirit into the world, the completion of the Lord Jesus Christ's promise, and the fulfillment of the hope of the sacred disciples, which we celebrate today. This is the final feast of the great mystery and dispensation of God's incarnation. On this last, and great, and saving day of Pentecost, the Apostles of the Savior, who were unlearned fishermen, made wise now of a sudden by the Holy Spirit, clearly and with divine authority spoke the heavenly doctrines. They became heralds of the truth and teachers of the whole world. On this day they were ordained and began their apostleship, of which the salvation of those three thousand souls in one day was the comely and marvelous first fruit. That which came to pass at Pentecost, then, was the ordination of the Apostles, the commencement of the apostolic preaching to the nations, and the inauguration of the priesthood of the new Israel. Therefore, together with the baptism of the Holy Spirit which came upon them who were present in the upper chamber, which the Lord had foretold as recorded in the Acts, "ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence" (Acts 1:5), the Apostles were also appointed and raised to the high priestly rank, according to Saint John Chrysostom. On this day commenced the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by which we become "partakers of the Divine Nature" (II Peter 1:4). For before Pentecost, it is said of the Apostles and disciples only that they abode in "prayer and supplication" (Acts 1:14); it is only after the coming of the Holy Spirit that they persevered in the "breaking of bread," that is, the communion of the Holy Mysteries- "and in prayer" (Acts 2:42).

SERVICE SCHEDULE June 3 Sunday ALL SAINTS Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. June 10 Sunday 2ND SUNDAY OF SAINT MATTHEW Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. June 17 Sunday 3RD SUNDAY OF SAINT MATTHEW Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. June 24 Sunday NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. June 29 Friday FEAST OF STS. PETER AND PAUL Orthros 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. June 30 Saturday FEAST OF THE HOLY APOSTLES Orthros 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.

J CHURCH. Sunday Monday Tuesday U N All Saints Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour 3 4 5 E 2nd Sunday of Matthew Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour 10 11 12 2 0 0 7 +Sacrament 3rd Sunday of Matthew Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour 17 24 Nativity of John the Baptist Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour 25 July Agape News Assembly Day 18 19 26

CALENDAR Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Greek Cultural Festival at John Deere Commons Greek Cultural Festival at John Deere Commons 6 7 GOYA Outing to Six Flags in WI (Depart 8:00am) 8 9 Greek Festival Clean-up Day 9:00am at the Church 13 14 15 16 Vacation Bible School 9:00am - 1:00pm 20 21 7:00pm Parish Council Meeting Rummage Sale Collection Begins - Bring your unwanted treasures to the Sunday School Rooms! Golden Circle Apostolic Pilgrimage to the St. John Chrysostom Monastery in Wisconsin (Depart 8:00am) 22 23 Ladies Fellowship Appetizer and Dessert Pot Luck at 4:00pm at the Assumption Cultural Center. 27 28 29 Sts. Peter and Paul Orthros 9:30am Divine Liturgy 10:00am 30 Holy Apostles Orthros 9:30am Divine Liturgy 10:00am

ΚΑΤΑΛΟΓΟΣ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΩΝ 3 Ιουνίου Κυριακή Κυριακή των Αγίων Πάντων Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. 10 Ιουνίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Β Ματθαίου Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. 17 Ιουνίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Γ Ματθαίου Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. 24 Ιουνίου Κυριακή Γενέθλιον Ιωάννου Προδρόμου Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. 29 Ιουνίου Παρασκευή Αγίων Πέτρου και Παύλου Όρθρος 9:30 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. 30 Ιουνίου Σάββατο Σύναξις των Αγίων Αποστόλων Όρθρος 9:30 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ.

ΤΩΝ ΑΓΙΩΝ Οι Πρωτοκορυφαίοι Απόστολοι ΠΕΤΡΟΣ και ΠΑΥΛΟΣ 29 Ιουνίου Ο Πέτρος καταγόταν απο τη Βηθσαϊδά της Γαλιλαίας και ήταν γιός του Ιωνά, αδελφός του αποστόλου Ανδρέα του Πρωτοκλήτου και ήταν ψαράδες στη λίμνη Γεννησαρέτ. Είχε νυμφευθεί στην Καπερναούμ, όπου έμενε οικογενειακά, μαζί με την πεθερά του. Ψαράς στο επάγγελμα, ήταν τύπος αυθόρμητος, ορμητικός, και η ζωή του κοντά στο Χριστό τη μαθαίνουμε απο τα τέσσερα Ευαγγέλια, ενώ την αποστολική του δράση, απο τις Πράξεις τών Αποστόλων. Έγραψε και δύο Καθολικές Επιστολές, μέσα στις οποίες, να τί προτρέπει στους χριστιανούς: "Νήψατε, γρηγορήσατε, ο αντίδικος υμών διάβολος ώς λέων ωμυόμενος περιπατεί ζητών τίνα καταπίη". Δηλαδή εγκρατευθείτε, γίνετε άγρυπνοι και προσεκτικοί. Διότι ο αντίπαλος και κατήγοράς σας διάβολος, σαν λιοντάρι που βρυχάται, περιπατεί με μανία και ζητάει ποιόν να τραβήξει μακριά απο την πίστη για να τον καταπιεί. Μετά την Ανάληψη του Κυρίου, ο Πέτρος, δίδαξε το Ευαγγέλιο στην Ιουδαία, στην Αντιόχεια, στον Πόντο, στην Γαλατία, στην Καππαδοκία, στην Ασία και τη Βιθυνία. Κατά την παράδοση (που σημαίνει ότι δεν είναι απόλυτα ιστορικά διασταυρωμένο) έφτασε μέχρι τη Ρώμη, όπου επί Νέρωνος (54-68) υπέστη μαρτυρικό θάνατο, αφού τον σταύρωσαν χιαστί, με το κεφάλι προς τα κάτω. Ο δε Παύλος γεννήθηκε στην Ταρσό της Κιλικίας και στην αρχή ήταν σκληρός διώκτης του χριστιανισμού. Όμως, με θαύμα γνώρισε το Χριστό και έγινε ο μεγαλύτερος κήρυκας του Ευαγγελίου, θυσιάζοντας μάλιστα και τη ζωή του γι αυτό. Ονομάστηκε Απόστολος τών Εθνών, και τη ζωή με τις περιπέτειες του θα τα δεί κανείς, άν μελετήσει τις Πράξεις τών Αποστόλων, αλλά και τις 14 Επιστολές του στην Καινή Διαθήκη. Ο Παύλος θέλει κάθε χριστιανός, όπως και ο ίδιος, να αισθάνεται και να λέει: "ζώ δε ουκέτι εγώ, ζή δε εν εμοί Χριστός".Δηλαδή, δε ζώ πλέον εγώ, ο παλαιός άνθρωπος, αλλά ζεί μέσα μου ο Χριστός. Και ακόμα, "τα πάντα και εν πάσι Χριστός". Να διευθύνει, δηλαδή, όλες τις εκδηλώσεις της ανθρώπινης ζωής μας ο Χριστός. Ο απόστολος Παύλος υπέστη μαρτυρικό θάνατο (χωρίς αυτό να είναι απόλυτα διασταυρωμένο) δι αποκεφαλισμού στη Ρώμη.

Prosforo Schedule June 3 Marena Panousis June 10 Cathy Diakogeorgiou June 17 Kulla Anggeloplos June 24 Dimitra Kotrogiannis DIAKONIA Διακονία (Diakonia) - Christ came to serve, not to be served. We are urged to do the same. Therefore, we can honor and glorify God by loving and serving humanity in His name using our God-given charismata (gifts) to serve. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve... (Mark 10:45) 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 George Bagatelas Michael Haney Michael Kandis Deno Kandis 9:55 Lee Dokolas Abraham Chirackal John Stopoulos Lambros Mihalopoulos June 3 St. Matthew June 10 St. Mark June 17 St. Luke June 24 St. John Coffee Hour June 3 Fellowship without Coffee June 10 Stopoulos Family June 17 Maria Kotrogiannis Toula Korovilas June 24 Kandis Family

SYNAXIS OF THE 12 APOSTLES FOOD PANTRY Celebrated June 30th The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, the First-called; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who was also the Evangelist and Theologian; Philip, and Bartholomew (see also June 11); Thomas, and Matthew the publican, who was also called Levi and was an Evangelist; James the son of Alphaeus, and Jude (also called Lebbaeus, and surnamed Thaddaeus), the brother of James, the Brother of God; Simon the Cananite ("the Zealot"), and Matthias, who was elected to fill the place of Judas the traitor (see Aug. 9). Philanthropy is a must!!! Bring Canned and Dry Goods to the new collection bin in the hallway by the Church Entrance. Like Pancake Mix, Syrup, Saltines, Cereal, Bathroom Tissues, Canned Veggies and Fruits, etc. Not...Candy, Twinkies, Condensed Milk, Coffeemate, powdered sugar, oregano, etc. This is a time to bring staples to those in need, not clean out our pantries!!! Donated Items are taken to the Food Pantry at the Christ United Methodist Church. They are always most appreciative of our contributions. Let s show them that the Orthodox also love their neighbors.

Growing Up Greek in America November 10, 2007 1 night only at the Assumption Cultural Center This is a limited engagement!!! Tickets are $50 per person All seating is reserved - tables of 10 may be reserved - but hurry, seating is limited!!! Mezathakia will be served!!! Call the Church Office and reserve your spot today!!!

ANNUAL GOLF OUTING The 1st Annual Greek Cultural Festival Golf Tournament Save the Date - September 10, 2007 Great Golf Course! Great Fellowship! Great Food! What else could we want?...maybe a few Birdies!!! Details coming soon!!!

ST. PAUL Celebrated June 29 th Paul, the chosen vessel of Christ, the glory of the Church, the Apostle of the Nations and teacher of the whole world, was a Jew by race, of the tribe of Benjamin, having Tarsus as his homeland. He was a Roman citizen, fluent in the Greek language, an expert in knowledge of the Law. For this cause, from the beginning, Paul was a most fervent zealot for the traditions of the Jews and a great persecutor of the Church of Christ; at that time, his name was Saul. In his great passion of rage and fury against the disciples of the Lord, he went to Damascus bearing letters of introduction from the high priest. His intention was to bring the disciples of Christ back to Jerusalem in bonds. As he was approaching Damascus, about midday there suddenly shone upon him a light from Heaven. Falling on the earth, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" And he asked, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus Whom thou persecutest; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." And that heavenly voice and brilliance made him tremble, and he was blinded for a time. He was led by the hand into the city, and on account of a divine revelation to the Apostle Ananias, he was baptized by him, and both his bodily and spiritual eyes were opened to the knowledge of the Sun of Righteousness. And straightway- O wondrous transformation! - beyond all expectation, he spoke with boldness in the synagogues, proclaiming that "Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 9:1-21). As for his zeal in preaching the Gospel after these things had come to pass, as for his unabating labors and afflictions of diverse kinds, the wounds, the prisons, the bonds, the beatings, the stonings, the shipwrecks, the journeys, the perils on land, on sea, in cities, in wildernesses, the continual vigils, the daily fasting, the hunger, the thirst, the nakedness, and all those other things that he endured for the Name of Christ, and which he underwent before nations and kings and the Israelites, and above all, his care for all the churches, his fiery longing for the salvation of all, whereby he became all things to all men, that he might save them all if possible, and because of which, with his heart aflame, he continuously traveled throughout all parts, visiting them all, and like a bird of heaven flying from Asia and Europe, the West and East, neither staying nor abiding in any one place - all these things are related in the Book of the Acts, and as he himself tells them in his Epistles. Having completed the work of his ministry, he likewise ended his life in martyrdom when he was beheaded in Rome during the reign of Nero, at the same time, some say, when Peter was crucified.

GREEK CULTURAL FESTIVAL Diamond Sponsor American Bank & Trust Anchor Lumber Katz, Huntoon & Fieweger Midland Info Resources Barboutis Financial Services J. Patrick Brorby Carpetland George & Nausika Coin Shan Corelis Dr. Gyros Esterdahl Mortuary The Family Restaurant Ben Farrar & Co. Flick Supply Co. GCO Flooring George's Classic Cleaners Graphix One Platinum Sponsor City of Moline Gold Sponsors Assumption Philoptochos Society Hematology & Oncology Friends of Mike Jacobs Lujack's Northpark Auto John Thodos Van Hoe Funeral Home Paul & Christine Bagatelas Herbert & Diane Dennis Thomas Hammar Frank's Pizzeria, Inc. Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Gulliver's Travel GWK Enterprises Helen Haney Hickory Garden Restaurant Highland Park Bowl Hill and Valley, Inc. James Jannes Larry Johnson Deno Kandis Kelly's Irish Pub & Eatery The Law Center LCV Co. Mel Foster Co. Mike Boland Wheelan Funeral Home Fest Friends Gastroenterology Consultants Halligan-McCabe-DeVrie James Minas Sophie Minas Chris Panouses Christ Panousis Quad Cities Family Restaurant Reynolds Motor Serbo Corp. Strawberry Fields Catering Friends For Verschoore Wells Fargo Bank The Windmill Family Restaurant Zeglin's T.V. & Appliance

INAUGUARAL SPONSORS The Agape News is made possible by the generous support of the following parishioners: Fr. Jon, Presbytera Doreece and Vasilia Fr. Basil Michael and Nancy Avgenackis Theodore and Karen Bagatelas Steve and Vaso Boukis and Family Abraham and Molly Chirackal and Family Dr. and Mrs. Costas Constantinou and Family Miltos and Cathy Diakogeorgiou Mary Giovanis Mike and Helen Haney George and Sherry Kontos Georgia Maess and Family Alex, Diane and Jim Lamacki Peter and Sue Lingris Dr. Roger, Celia, Alex and Kristin Lubbers Michael and Roseanne Monn Spiro and Carol Pappaspiros George and Nancy Polios St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church Tony and Joan Stopoulos Bill, Tracey, Christopher and Stephanie Theofilis 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).

PASCHA 2007

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 4900 Kennedy Drive East Moline, Illinois 61244 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID E. Moline, IL. Permit No. 153