2016 Newsletter 2nd Issue, Pascha

Second Issue 2016
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PASCHA:
SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
LOOKING FOR HAPPINESS IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES
John 4: 5 – 42
Very Reverend. Timothy G. Bakakos
Christ Is Risen! How many times have we heard: “If only I could move to a new town and make a new start, then I would be
happy. If only I could change jobs, buy a new home, find the right man, get through college, have enough to retire, ‘then’ I
would be happy”! I think all of us have heard similar comments like that…if only I had this…if only I had that. The reason for
comments like these is that we tend to look for happiness in all the “wrong” places.
I’m sure we have all heard of Will Rogers. He once said that every now and then, he himself, would grow tired of the same
old surroundings. And then he would do the very same thing…he would wish for a new place to live and work. However,
what he would do was this: he would subscribe to the leading newspaper for thirty days. And, Rogers would always confess
that after that thirty day period of reading that town’s newspaper, he would decide not to move because the news from where
he planned to live was no better than the news where he was already!
And Will Rogers was right because happiness rarely comes from a change of locations, or a change of mates, or a change of
situations of any kind. It is amazing how many people go through life looking for happiness in all the “wrong” places!
On Sunday, May 29th, the fourth Sunday after Pascha, our Church commemorates the Sunday of the Samaritan woman. We
use as an example, the woman from the Gospel Reading that is read on this Sunday from the Book of Saint John. Saint John
tells us that she was a Samaritan woman who was at the well on this day to draw water. She was a woman who was looked
down at by the society of her day, not only because she was a hated Samaritan, but because she was a “used” woman. And in
this Gospel Reading we were told that five times she walked down the aisle to be married. And now, the man she was presently living with was not even any of the five. So, if we look at her for a moment, do you think that this was the kind of life that
she would have “chosen” for herself? Probably not!!! This woman, we are told, was certainly searching….searching for love,
for acceptance, for security, and of course, happiness. But somehow, she was searching in all the wrong places!
SOME PEOPLE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS IN THE ACCUMULATION OF “THINGS”, USUALLY MATERIAL
THINGS!!! We don’t need to be told, because we see it all the time, that some of the loneliest places on this planet are the
huge mansions and spectacular homes of the rich and famous. But in spite of that, we still hear the comments like, “if only we
could move into a new house, buy a new car…If only I had some new clothes.” The sad thing is, some people search for happiness in the accumulation of material possessions.
SECONDLY, OTHERS SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS IN BELONGING TO EXCLUSIVE GROUPS. We have all
heard, I think, of the Ivy League Colleges that are out on the East Coast. I doubt if many of us have had the opportunity to
attend one of these fine schools, however. It so happens that these so-called “Ivy League” Schools have little or no ivy on their
walls anymore. Why not? Well, they found that the ivy was destroying the mortar of their buildings. And they figured that, the
pride of tradition is just too expensive if it is bought at the expense of the needs of today and tomorrow.
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PASCHA, Continued
continued from page 1
All over the world, and even in our Churches, we see people clinging to traditions at the expense of today and tomorrow. And I agree
that it is very important because tradition does give us our identity, it also tells us who we are. And, tradition sets us apart. But with
tradition, however, when it is not used in a positive light, come cliques, come snobs, comes rebuff, and unfortunately, with tradition,
we abuse it and think we are above others. We can even see in some of our Churches, sadly, abuses where people “think” they are
better than others. For some people, happiness is equated in belonging to an exclusive group that separates them from others.
I think we all know and would agree that that has no place in our society, nor does it have any place in our Churches. We all want to
belong. We all want to be accepted. And there is nothing wrong with that just as long as we do not use it to look “down” at others.
AND THIRDLY, SOME PEOPLE LOOK FOR HAPPINESS IN THE THINGS THEY ACCOMPLISH. Some of you may
remember the name John Havlicek, or “Hondo”, as he was called. Havlicek played in more basketball games when he was with the
Boston Celtics than any other player in professional history. And unlike with many of “today’s” athletes, he went full speed in every
game. It is estimated that running about 6 miles per game, Hondo ran the equivalent distance from Houston to San Francisco and then
back to St. Louis in his career. And how did he develop such stamina?
When Havlicek was a young boy growing up in Ohio, his friends had bicycles, but coming from a poor family, he did not. When they
rode their bikes, he ran to stay up with them. It was a lot of trouble, but he developed remarkable ability to keep running. Later that
ability paid off. Our society honors such commitment with fantastic rewards. We appreciate persons who have a drive to succeed, as
long as they do not succeed at the expense of others.
As we just said, my dear brothers and sisters, for some people happiness is to be found in the things we accumulate, the groups we
belong to, or even the things we accomplish. All we have to do to know this is true is to look at the lives of those who have all these
things and realize they are wrong.
THERE IS ONLY ONE SOURCE OF TRUE HAPPINESS. AND THAT IS TO CENTER OUR LIVES IN GOD. In the Gospel
Reading that I use as my theme for this message, Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, “Every one who drinks of this water will thirst
again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give will never thirst……”!! And that is true. THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE IN
THIS WORLD ARE GOD’S PEOPLE. That is where we find our identity because we are His children. That is where we discover
security because He will never fail us. That is where we find love because no one loves us like God loves us!
Finally, there is an unknown but meaningful story about a young man named Philo. According to the story, Philo was the only son of
Pontius Pilate, the Roman Official who ordered Christ’s crucifixion. Even before Philo was born, Pilate had great ambitions for him.
Pilate wanted a son who would one day be a great respected leader, a son who would make him proud. When Philo was born, however, Pilate’s pride was dashed. Philo was born sick, weak, and permanently crippled. Throughout the years that Philo was growing up,
he was the object of his father’s hatred and bitterness. “You are not the son I wanted,” was Pilate’s constant reminder to his broken
and frail son.
So, as a result, as soon as Philo was old enough to leave home, Philo left the palace of his father and wandered alone in the countryside. There he heard of a Galilean who went about preaching love, healing the sick and lame, and feeding the hungry. Philo sought out
Jesus. Jesus healed him, not only physically, but also spiritually and emotionally. Philo was even able to forgive his father for making him feel like a failure for a son for all those years.
From then on, Philo followed Jesus wherever He went, and it is said that at the foot of Cross, weeping over the death of his Lord and
Friend, was Philo, just like millions of persons since, who found happiness in Christ.
As Christians, and especially as Orthodox Christians, we all search for happiness. How we go about it may be different for each of us.
But, the answer for all of us is the same. It is as close as our own heart. We need to open hearts to God through His Son, Jesus Christ,
because He alone will give us the living water, so that like the Samaritan Woman in that is read in the Gospel Reading on Sunday,
May 29th, we too will never thirst again.
+AMEN
Assumption-Chicago The Assumption Newsletter Second Issue 2016 Page 2
Parish Council President...
Parish Council Reflections
By Peter J. Panton, M.D.
Church life for the Greek Orthodox Christian is multi-dimensional. How do we describe our faith and culture to others? Several
recent events highlight the richness of the tapestry which constitute the Assumption Church of Chicago.
Church life begins with liturgical life. March 20 was the first Sunday of Lent, the Sunday of Orthodoxy. Each year we commemorate the restoration of the Holy Icons to the Church. This year’s Sunday of Orthodoxy service was extra special since we dedicated a
new icon Panagia Portaitissa, Panagia Protectress of the Assumption Church. This icon, designed by Father Timothy and written by
Leonidas Diamandopoulos, was commissioned for our 90 th Anniversary celebration. Over the last several months, Father Timothy
and Dean Maggos have labored over the design of a proskynytarion. Toula Ellis and her family generously underwrote the project.
The fruits of their labor were unveiled in a moving dedication ceremony, celebrated by Fathers Timothy and Dimitrios. We thank
Dean, we thank Toula, and most importantly, we thank Father Timothy for having bestowed on this community a magnificent gift—
a gift that will allow us to show reverence and piety to Our Blessed Theotokos forever.
As Orthodox Christians living in a non-Orthodox nation, we must embrace an ecumenical life. On April 16, the Assumption Church
hosted the Armenian Community of Chicago in an ecumenical prayer service for the victims of the Armenian Genocide: Martyrs for
Christ—Yesterday and Today. The Armenians were led in prayer by Archbishop Vicken Aykazian. Our Bishop, Demetrios of Mokissos, served as the keynote speaker. His Grace gave a moving address punctuated by his repeated statement: “We shall never forget.” 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives to the hands of the Ottoman Turks in what was the first genocide of the 20 th Century.
Many Greeks also perished as Christianity was nearly extinguished in Asia Minor during the period from 1915-1922. The event
closed with a concert by a 50-voice Armenian choir. The Assumption Church Philoptochos then played host to our Armenian guests
in a reception at Plato Hall. While tragic events may have brought us together, the sight of Armenians and Greeks praying together
was a source of inspiration for all.
Nothing better symbolizes our ethnic life as Greek-Americans than marching in a parade! On April 17, sixty Assumptionites ranging in age from 5 to 85 marched on Halsted Street in the Greek Heritage Parade. The sky was clear and the sun was shining. We
waved to His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos and to His Grace Bishop Demetrios as we passed the reviewing stand. March 25 has a
dual significance for Greek Orthodox Christians. It is Greek Independence Day and we wear our foustanelles and our evzone uniforms with pride. The 1821 independence announcement by Metropolitan Gerasimos in the Agia Lavra monastery also coincided
with the Feast of the Annunciation, God’s proclamation that His only Begotten Son would soon arrive. Our lives as Greeks are inextricably bound to our lives as Orthodox Christians.
Lastly, our community life is best reflected in our Annual Greek Fest scheduled for Saturday July 23 and Sunday July 24. We will
have our usual delicious souvlaki, broiled chicken, spanakopita and loukoumades. We will have games for the kids and tours of our
church. But community life is meaningless without community participation. Please sign up and offer your assistance on July 23-24.
We need help in the kitchen, at the food concessions, at the gate, and at the raffle booth. We need folks to help set up and folks to
help break down. If you have helped at festivals in the past, we thank you for your continuing support. And if you have not helped in
the past, we welcome your participation this year. Please give a call to the Church Office and we will find you a job for July 23-24;
the pay may not be very good, but the joy that it brings you is priceless!
Assumption-Chicago The Assumption Newsletter Second Issue 2016 Page 3
Philoptochos News...
Pascha Preparations and More
By Dr. Evie Maggos
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! We hope you have a Joyous Pascha!
Thank you for supporting our Easter bake sale. As usual, our talented ladies baked many sweet pastries along with tsourekia to provide the
traditional Greek favorites for your holiday celebration. One gentleman commented that his “mom was the best chef ever and always made the
best Greek cookies” but she had passed away and he wanted to buy a box of Greek cookies at the bake sale to enjoy for Easter. There were
also two “Loukoumades Sundays” during coffee hour that many people enjoyed. Thanks to the Woods family for consistently producing the
‘secret recipe’ dough that transforms into golden, honey drenched nuggets.
The Lenten journey offered ladies in Philoptochos opportunities for spiritual and personal growth via the Metropolis Philoptochos Lenten Retreat titled “Humility: The Key to the Kingdom.” It took place at Holy Cross Church with lectures both in Greek and English, along with Lenten lectures at our general membership meetings in March and April. There were many beautiful services to attend. We also provide refreshments after the Holy Thursday evening service when Metropolitan Iakovos is with us. On Good Friday we decorate the Epitaphio with beautiful fresh flowers.
Before Lent began, the Apokreatiko Glendi took place where our families gathered decked out in their 80’s attire. The Big Hair/Wig Contest
was quite entertaining, showing us a dimension of some parishioners that we had not seen before. It was also fun to try ‘Opa-cize,” and we
enjoyed the Assumption Greek Dance Troupe’s performance.
Finally, we thank all our returning members and welcome the new members who joined during our membership drive. Our next big project
will be baking for the summer Greek Festival. Please see details below!
Assumption-Chicago The Assumption Newsletter Second Issue 2016 Page 4
Sunday School News...
Eleni Caprio will be representing our parish at the Metropolis St. John Chrysostom Oratorical on May 7th at St. Nicholas,
Oak Lawn. Below is her Oratorical Submittal printed in its entirety. The topic she chose is: How do I respond to people who
question my belief in God and participation in the life of the Church?
My loving parents wanted to make sure I knew Christ from a young age. Not only did I go to church every single week, but they also enrolled me in a private Lutheran school and made sure I was involved in everything my Orthodox Church had to offer. I was singing in the
choir on a stepstool by the time I was 10, have done Junior Olympics every year it was available to me, and have participated in the St.
John Chrysostom festival since 7th grade. With all that said, I never once thought about whether I was a Christian or not. It was just something my friends and I never talked about and it never came up amongst family dinners either. All my life religion has played an imperative
role in how I came to be the person I am today, but I never acknowledged it until recently.
I have friends who do not believe in God and who have strayed away from the faith as we have gotten older. I never try to change the
minds of these friends and we do not talk about our religious differences. My parents have taught me that everyone is entitled to their own
opinions and that I should respect them. However, I think that the main reason I never said anything or started a conversation about religion is because I had not questioned myself about my own beliefs. What sparked my personal faith walk was a dear friend of mine. Last
year, I went through a really difficult time in my life. I felt as if my friends had abandoned me and that I couldn’t do anything right. I began confiding in this friend because he would listen to me and always gave good advice that made me feel purposeful and that I was needed. This friend has a very strong faith and it is visible in every aspect of his life. As I relied on him for help more and more, he began to tell
me to look to Scripture for help. The verses that he told me to read helped me feel worthy and loved by God. One night, he asked me if I
believe in Jesus Christ. And as I began to type “yes”, I realized that it would be an untrue answer. I began to go through my mind searching for the doubt in God that had washed over my body. I began to feel guilty and confused---I have been taught to love and follow God all
my life, why all of a sudden was I doubting? That was a long night for me as I searched through the Bible for answers and looking back on
my own life experiences for the answer as well. After that night I realized that the reason I had a problem putting my full trust in God was
that I thought I could fix everything myself and that if God really loved me, he would not have put me into such a bad place as I was. I
have tried very hard to repair my broken relationship with the Lord. Every day seems to get better, with me learning to vocalize my faith
and trust in God and show others the beauty of my beliefs.
As I go through my faith journey, I look to the martyrs of the past for inspiration. Martyrs like St. Eudokia who came to Christianity late in
their lives and like St. Justin who pursued different paths before dedicating their lives to Christ give me hope that I can still be an effective
member of God’s church and bring other people to the faith one day. Martyrs stand as a beacon of hope for Christians who feel embarrassed about their beliefs. They demonstrate that standing up for God may come with a price, but it is the right thing to do and God will
thank you for it one day. I have found that, especially in today’s society, it is very difficult to believe in something without experiencing
any judgement for it. However, as I study the lives of martyrs more and more, their stories give me confidence to stand up for my faith and
speak about my God when the times are right.
The Bible is also a useful tool for any Christian with a weak faith. Reading Scripture has strengthened my faith tenfold and it gives me a
reason to believe in Christ. There are many hidden verses in the Bible that provide hope and inspiration to continue believing, even in bad
situations and times of persecution. While reading the book of Job for religion class one day, I came across a verse in chapter 1 that stood
out to me; “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” I immediately connected with this verse as
it directly related to my life at the time. This is one of the verses that encouraged me to keep going through life, and to strengthen my relationship with God.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a Christian as someone who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ. When many people hear
the word Christian, I think it is safe to assume that this is the definition that pops into their heads as well. However, I have learned from
experience that being a Christian is much more than believing the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is accepting the traditions of your church,
confidently explaining your faith to non-believers, proudly telling people what your beliefs are when you are asked, and believing the
teachings of Jesus Christ with conviction. There are many emotional aspects of being a Christian that no one talks about; this emotional
journey is the one that everyone must complete by themselves. I know I have, and still am, going on this journey. And while I cannot tell
you what my answer will be like in 50, 20, or even 5 years, I can tell you with certainty that if my friend were to ask me today if I believed
in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I would send him that “yes” with no hesitation and rest easy knowing it is the truth.
Assumption-Chicago The Assumption Newsletter Second Issue 2016 Page 5
Youth Ministry...
Christ the Victorious Conqueror
Pascha as the Celebration of Christ’s Destruction of Death
By Fr. Dimitrios Burikas
Before the lambs were roasted and eaten, before the eggs were dyed and cracked, before the candles were lit and we sang
“Χριστός Ανέστη” (“Christ is risen”), a great battle was fought and won by our Lord Jesus Christ. This battle was not fought
against men or machine, but against the devil. This battle was not fought for land, for resources or for power, but for the human
race and its freedom.
On Pascha, we celebrate the triumph of our Lord over the devil, over Hades, and over death. In our churches, we welcome the risen Christ with flowers (Holy Saturday morning), with songs (the aforementioned “Christ is risen”), and with a feast (the midnight
Divine Liturgy as well as the Agape meal). These actions were in ancient times reserved for kings upon their return after success
in battle, and in the Church it is no different.
We too, welcome a King. This King is not like the kings of old who ruled with a crown and a scepter. Our King has ruled from the
beginning of time when He created the universe, and He rules through His humility and love. His Kingdom is the Church and the
hearts of every human being that believe in Him as the true God.
We too, celebrate the destruction of an enemy. Every battle is fought against an enemy. The enemy of humanity from the beginning was death itself, but Chris has destroyed death through His own death and resurrection. As St. John Chrysostom said in his
Paschal homily – which is still read in every Orthodox church on Pascha – “O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your
victory?” And again, “Christ is risen, and you – o death – are annihilated! Christ is risen, and life is liberated! Christ is risen, and
the tomb is emptied of its dead!”
We too, enjoy the peace and freedom following our King’s victory. From the beginning of human history until the coming of
Christ, humanity was enslaved by death. Its finality brought despair to us as people because there was no hope of anything after
the grave. If we are afraid of death, then we attach ourselves to the things of this earthly life: material gain, pleasures, power. We
put our trust in these things above God because “what does it matter, I’m gonna die one day either way.” In that way, we became
slaves, slaves to our own passions and desires through the fear of death.
Christ, however, has captured our captor. “Hades was filled with bitterness when it met You face to face below,” St. John Chrysostom said, “It was embittered, for it was brought to nothing; It was embittered, for it was mocked; it was embittered, for it was overthrown; it was embittered, for it was put in chains.” Through Christ, we have been set free and have been liberated from our fear of
death. We no longer have fear but love, love for God and our fellow man.
In conquering death, Christ has won the battle that we ourselves could not win. None of us have the power to conquer death. No
matter how strong in body, no matter how intelligent in mind, all of us one day will succumb to death. Only Christ, being both
man and God, could enter into death and emerge again as a champion. Because of it, our deaths are not the end, they are not permanent. Rather, we too will rise again and join our Lord at the banquet table honoring His victory.
The feast of Pascha should instill in our hearts the same emotions people felt for the great kings of time past: honor, respect, admiration, and love. We feel this way towards our Lord because through His death and resurrection He has showed infinite love for us
His creatures. After all, He did not choose to enter this battle for His own benefit or glory; rather, He did it on our behalf. He
could have allowed us to stay mired in the slavery of death forever and ever, but He chose to take on our humanity, to walk with us
in our brokenness, to taste death on the cross and to overcome the great oppressor of our race. He emptied Himself, so that we
could be filled. He has made us as His own children, placing our lowly and sinful humanity at the right hand of God in Paradise.
As such, His victory over death is our victory.
I pray that during this joyful time of year, we all embrace our loving Lord as the champion of our salvation, and with faith proclaim the good news of His rising from the dead for all the world to hear and be transformed with us. Christ is risen! Truly He
is risen!
Assumption-Chicago The Assumption Newsletter Second Issue 2016 Page 6
Save the Date...
Assumption-Chicago The Assumption Newsletter Second Issue 2016 Page 7
Stewardship… November 2015—April 22, 2016
MR STEVE AGOS
MRS CATHERINE CATCHFORES
MR PANTAZIS FILIS
MR JOHN ALEXANDER
MR & MRS MITCHELL CELIK
MRS MARY FOTOPOULOS
MR ORESTIS O ALEXOPOULOS
MR GEORGE CEPEK
MR & MRS RICHARD FRITZ
MR SARANTIS ALEXOPOULOS
DR & MRS NICHOLAS CHIPAIN
MR & MRS CHRISTOPHER GANAS
MRS GEORGIA ANALITIS
MR & MRS CHRIS J CHULOS
MRS BESSIE GANGAS
MR ANASTOPOULOS & MS TREANTAFELES
MR & MRS PATRICK CIBULA
MR & MRS JERRY GARBIS
MS CONSTANCE ANDREWS
MR & MRS ANDREW COLLIS
MRS SHIRLEY GATZIOLIS
MS DEMETRA ANDREWS
MRS HELEN COLLIS
MS CHRISTINE C GEANON
MR & MRS CHRIS ANGELOS
MR THOMAS COLLIS
MRS JUNE GECAN
MRS GEORGIA APOSTOL
MR & MRS JAMES COLUMBUS
MR JAMES T GEORGALAS, SR
MR STEVE APOSTOLOU & MS LAUREN TURNER
MR JOHN DADES
MR & MRS ANDREAS GEORGAS
MRS FRIEDA ARAVOSIS
MS ANASTASIA DAMOLARIS
MR & MRS NICOLAOS GEORGIAFENTIS
MS CAROL ARGYRAKIS
MS MARTHA DAMOLARIS
MRS IRENE GERAKARIS
FATHER TIMOTHY G. BAKAKOS
MR & MRS JAMES DARRAS
MR NICK GERAKARIS
MR & MRS DEMITRIOS BEJANIS
MR THOMAS P. DARRUS
MRS TOULA GIANAKOPOULOS
MR & MRS JOHN W BELTRAMO
MS ANASTASIA DELIGIANIS
MR & MRS VASSILIOS GIANNETOS
MR & MRS GEORGE BERBAS
MR BILL J DELIGIANNIS
MRS CHRISTINE GIANNOULIS
MRS KATHERINE BIANUCCI
MR & MRS BILL DEMAKIS
MRS IRENE J GIARDINA
MR & MRS BRIAN BIRKLAND
MR & MRS DIMITRIOS G DEMOS
MRS MARIA GLOTSOS
MR & MRS WILLIAM BLATHRAS
MRS KRESTINA DEMOS
DR & MRS CONSTANTINE GODELLAS
MRS SUSAN BOARDEN
MR & MRS THOMAS DEMOS
MS CAITLIN GOLDEN
MR THEODORE BOKIOS
MRS ANN DERVIS
MR NATHAN HUNT & MS LIANNA GOLDEN
MR & MRS LUCAS BOLCHERT
MR GEORGE DERVIS
MR & MRS DOUGLAS GREEN
MR & MRS MICHAEL BORKOWSKI
MR & MRS DAVID DIEHL
MR JOHN GRITSONIS
MR & MRS. MICHAEL H BORNHORST
MR & MRS EMMANUEL DIMITRAKOPOULOS
MRS HELEN GROM
MR JAMES S BOUNARDJ
MS KATHERINE DOUKAS
MR & MRS JAMES J HARTZ
FATHER & PRESVYTERA DIMITRIOS BURIKAS
MS BASILLE EFANTIS
MS FRANCINE D HARVALIS
MR & MRS GARY CALLAHAN
MRS TULA ELLIS
MR JAMES HATZIS
MR MIKE CARLSON & MS ATHANASIA VOULGARIS
MS CATHERINE FERGUSON
MR KEN HEUMANN & MS LAUREL SAVIDE
Assumption-Chicago The Assumption Newsletter Second Issue 2016 Page 8
Stewardship… November 2015—April 22, 2016
MR & MRS PETER IATRIDES
MRS PANAGIOTA LAGGAS
MR & MRS TIMOTHY J MULLIN
MRS BARBARA JAVARAS
MRS KYRIAKI LAGON
MR & MRS TIMOTHY NASH
MR & MRS STEVEN JURASEK
MR JAMES LAKERDAS
MR & MRS ANASTASIOS NASSIS
MR & MRS JAMES M KAEMERER
MS MARIA LAKERDAS
MS PHYLLIS NICHOLAS
MRS MARIA KAMBEROS
MR CHARLES G LAMPROS
MR VINCENT NICHOLAS
MR ANDREW J. KANEL
MRS JOAN L LEAKAKOS
MRS AMELIA NICHOLS
MRS CHRISTINE T KANEL
MR WILLIAM J LEAKAKOS
MR & MRS LARRY PALMISANO
MR JAMES A. KANEL
MR CHRIST N LEKOUSIS
MR STRATI PANAGAKOS
MR & MRS CHRIS KAPETANEAS
MR & MRS NICK LEKOUSIS
MRS FREDA PANAGOS
MRS PATRICIA KARABAS
MRS DENA LEVADITIS
MS ANTOINETTE PANOS
MRS ANASTASIA KARABATSOS
MR & MRS CHRIS E LIMPERIS
MR & MRS CHRISTOS V. PANOS
MRS THALIA KARABIS
DR JANICE LIMPERIS
MR PERRY PANOS
MR PETER KARAHALIOS
MR & MRS NICHOLAS S LINARDOS
MR PETER J PANOS
MR ANTHONY J KARAS
MR & MRS JAMES LOFTUS
MR & MRS KOSTAS PANTAZIS
MR JOHN KARASI
MR ILIAS LOULOUSIS
DR & MRS PETER PANTON
MRS GLORIA KAROS
MR ANTHONY LOUTOS & MS PAMELA BEGAJ
DR & MRS ROBERT W PANTON
MR & MRS ERNEST KARRAS
MR & MRS KEVIN LYNCH
MS ANASTASIA PAPADAKIS
MRS MIA KASIMOS
MR & DR DEAN MAGGOS
MRS CONSTANDINA PAPADAKIS
MR & MRS CHRIST KATES
MR LOUIS G MALEVITIS
MR & MRS DIONYSIOS PAPAFOTOPOULOS
MR SPYROS V KOKOLIS
MR & MRS DEAN E MAMALAKIS
MR NICK PAPAFOTOPOULOS
MR & MRS GEORGE KOLETTIS
MR GEORGE C MANIATES
MRS MARIA PAPAGIANNOPOULOS
MRS ALICE O KOPAN
MR & MRS THEODORE MANIATIS
DR & MRS STEVEN PAPAGIANNOPOULOS
MR & MRS PETER KOPSAFTIS
MRS CATHERINE N MANOS
MS ANASTASIA PAPPAS
MR & MRS THOMAS KOSTAS
MR & MRS NICHOLAS MANSOUR
MR & MRS THEODORE PAPPAS
MR & MRS DINO KOTSOVETIS
MR & MRS THOMAS MASSOURAS
MS VIVIAN PAPPAS
MR & MRS WALTER J KOTT
MS MICHELLE MAUTONE
MS KATHERINE PATRINOS
MS SOPHIE KOUTSELAS
MRS HELEN MIHAIL
MS LOLA D PAYNE
MR JOHN KRILLIES
MS MARIANN MIHAILIDIS
MRS MARION PENESIS
MR & MRS CHRIST LADAS
MR & MRS GEORGE MILLER
MRS DIMITRA PEPPAS
Assumption-Chicago The Assumption Newsletter Second Issue 2016 Page 9
Stewardship… November 2015—April 22, 2016
MRS GEORGIA PETREE
MR & MRS KOSTA SKOULIKARIS
DRS. NICK & ELAINE THOMOPOULOS
MS ANN PILAFAS
MRS POPE SKOULIKARIS
MR AND MRS MICHAEL TIERNEY
MS NANCY K PILAFAS
MR & MRS KOSTAS SKOULIKAS
MR & MRS YANNI TOLE
MRS HELEN PLEVRITIS
MS IRENE SKUTERIS
MRS HELEN PONTIKES
MRS VIOLET G SKUTERIS
MRS ELAINE PONTIKIS
MR & MRS GEORGE SOULELES
MS ANNA POULOS
MR GEORGE SPIRRISON
MR & MRS THOMAS J POULOS
MR & MRS NICK SPYRIDAKOS
MS GEORGIA A PSICHOGIOS
MR & MRS PETER SPYROPOULOS
MS KEKE RAFTELIAS
DR STAVROULA SPYROPOULOS
MS MARY RAFTELIAS
MRS LILLIAN STAMAS
MRS HELEN RAPTIS
MR & MRS ERNEST STAVROPOULOS
MR & MRS PETER VALESSARES
MR ALEXANDER RASSOGIANIS
MS JOANN STAVROPOULOS
MR & MRS JOHN VASSILIADES
MR & MRS JAMES A REGAS
MR & MRS JOHN STEC
MR & MRS PETER VLAGOS
MR PETER REGAS
MRS ROSE MARIE STEWART
MR & MRS GEORGE VLAHOS
MR & MRS RAYMOND R RIHA, JR
MRS JANICE STRATIS
MR AND MRS RAYMOND RIHA, SR
MS JOANNE STRATTON
MR & MRS CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
MR & MRS DEMETRIOS STRAVOLEMAKOS
MR AND MRS PETER ROMAS
MR & MRS PETER SUTTERLIN
MR & MRS SOSTI ROPAITIS
MRS MARY T SZCZESNIAK
DR & MRS WILLIAM ROUMAN
MR & MRS JOHN SZUBERT
MR & MRS ANGELO J TOLIOS
MR & MRS CHRISTOPHER D TORCHIA
MR JOHN E TRAHANAS
MR GEORGE TRAMBAS
MR & MRS VASILIOS TSAGANOS
MR & MRS JOHN G. TSIGOLIS
MR & MRS JAMES TSIOLIS
MR & MRS DIMITRIOS TSIRIBAS
MS ANNA TSIRONIS
MR & MRS PETER J VLAHOS
MR & MS THOMAS VOLLMAN
MRS MARIA VOULGARAKIS
MR & MRS PETER VOULGARAKIS
MS TERESA WEIK
MR & MRS JACK M WOODS
MS MARY ELLEN WOODS
MR & MRS EVANGELOS ROZOS
MRS SEVASTI TAGARIS
MR & MRS KEN RUBENSTEIN
DR TAKOUDIS & DR FOUSTALIERAKI
MR & MRS CONSTANTINE YANNIAS
MR & MRS DEAN G SARANTOS
MRS MARINA TAYLOR
MS DONNA YANNIAS
MS MARIA SCHMIDT
MS ANASTASIA TEROVOLAS
MRS ELAINE YANNIAS
MRS DENISE SCOURLETOS
MISS CRYSTELLA TEROVOLAS
MS TRACY YANNIAS
MS CHRISTINE SEDARES
MRS KATHERINE TEROVOLAS
MR & MRS ARMAND ZIKE
MRS CONNIE SEDARES
MR & MRS PETER TESTA
MR & MRS IOANNIS E ZOGRAFOS
MR GEORGE SEFER
MR & MRS FOTIS THEODORE
MR & MRS PETER ZOURAS
MRS MARIKA XINOS
Assumption-Chicago The Assumption Newsletter Second Issue 2016 Page 10
Parish Registry… Feb. 8, 2016—April 23, 2016
40 DAY BABY BLESSING:
 The son of Theodore and Stephanie Hadzis was Churched
 The son of Harry and Eva Soumakis was Churched
BAPTISMS:
 The daughter of Chris and Stamatia Angelos was Baptized, taking the name, Chloe
 Godparents: Christina and Peter Dimitropoulos
 The son of Luke and Maria Bolchert was Baptized, taking the name, Gabrial
 Godparent: Constantina Pappadakis
 The daughter of Lianna Golden and Nathan Hunt was Baptized, taking the name, Ava
 Godparent: Caitlin Golden
 The son of Armand and Vilma Zike was Baptized, taking the name, Matteo
 Godparent: Katerina Tole
WEDDINGS:
 Alexandra Weik and Timothy Mullin were joined in Holy Matrimony
Sponsor: Teresa Weik
FALLEN ASLEEP IN THE LORD
+ Soula (Athanasia) Boudros
+ Calliope Kutrubis
+
+
Stamatoula (Toula) Kokolis
Alexandra Georgopoulos
+ Paul Basil Javaras
MEMORIALS
40 Days:
Arita Valessares
Soula (Athanasia) Boudros
Calliope Kutrubis
Toula (Stamatoula) Kokolis
Ekaterini Nikolaidou
Edward Michael Walsh
Alexandra Georgopoulos
6 Months:
Bessie (Vasiliki) Trihas
1 Year:
Kyriakos Karabatsos
Elefthera Filis
2 Years:
Leo (Lykourgos) Goros
3 Years:
Diane (Adamandia) Psarras
Mary (Stavroula) Maniatis
Vasiliki Trambas
4 Years:
Evangelos Glotsos
5 Years:
Jorgiana Andrea Apostol
Georgia Goros
Helen Limperis
7 Years:
Jennie (Bottis) Flesor
9 Years:
Nick (Nicolaos) Livaditis
George Sepsis
10 Years:
Constantinos Sepsis
18 Years:
Eugenia George
34 Years:
Alexandra Mitchell
53 Years:
Thomas Bottis
John (Ioanie) Kutrubis
56 Years:
Peter George
73 Years:
William Mitchell
12 Years:
Maria Dallas
15 Years:
Pauline Kavis
Marie Rodel
16 Years:
Edward (Efthemios) Limperis
17 Years:
Louis W. Mitchell
Assumption-Chicago The Assumption Newsletter Second Issue 2016 Page 11
Dates to Remember:
May 5th
Assumption Grand Raffle Banquet
Fountain Blue Banquets, Des Plaines, 7:00 p.m.
May 7thBig Fat Greek Bright Saturday Celebration
May 22nd
Sunday Church School Awards Day
May 27th- - May 29th
Annual Metropolis Jr. Olympics
Second, 2016
Newsletter Contents
Fr. Timothy’s Message……...…….1-2
Parish Council President…….……...3
Philoptochos………..………..………4
Sunday School News………………...5
Youth Ministry………...………..…...6
Stewardship…………………… ...8-10
Parish Registry……………………..11
June 5th
Annual Outdoor Liturgy & Picnic in the Park
June 9th
Feast of the Lord’s Ascension
June 19th
Sunday of Pentecost
July 23rd –24th
Sunday of Pentecost
July 29th –31st
Weekend Family Retreat at St. Iakovos Retreat Center
in Wisconsin
August 1st
Panagia Fast Begins
August 27th
White Sox Baseball Game at U.S. Cellular Field