September - Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church

Coming together, we form an icon of God’s Kingdom
Vol. 21 , No. 5
Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church 2501 S. Wolf Rd. Westchester, IL
(708) 562-2744
September 2016
www.holyapostleschurch.com
From Father Nicholas
Frequently
Receiving
Holy
Communion
September is here. This month brings
school schedules, extracurricular activities,
sports, and our crazy busy life returns.
Thankfully, the Church year and Sunday
school also begin. They help us to spiritually
order our chaotic lives. Some of us may have
taken a ‘vacation’ from God this summer and
are returning to the Church this month.
School teachers spend the first few days
reviewing last year’s lessons. As some of us
return to Church, we will review a very important and often misunderstood topic:
“Frequently receiving Holy Communion.”
Sometimes we hear: “Why do all of these
people receive Holy Communion? I only
receive on Christmas, Easter and my Name’s
Day. That is the Orthodox way.” Really?
Reverend Dr. George Dokos, who spoke at
our Book Week this past Lent, addressed this.
He utilized St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite’s
work, Concerning Frequent Communion as
the basis for his talk.
The presentation began by discussing two
items necessary for salvation. St. John writes:
“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you,
unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he
cannot enter the kingdom of God.’ ” (John 3:5)
We must be baptized. “Then Jesus said to
them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you
eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His
blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats
My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal
life.” (John 6:53-54) Next, we must receive the
Body and Blood of Christ, Holy Communion.
Every Divine Liturgy the Priest intones,
“Take, eat, this is My Body which is broken
for you.” Then, “Drink of this, ALL of you.”
These are commands, not options, for all of us!
...See Fr. Nicholas on P. 2
Sunday School with children in the Liturgy
Then they also brought infants to Him
that He might touch them; but when the
disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But
Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the
little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of
God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does
not receive the kingdom of God as a little
child will by no means enter it.” Lk 18:15-17
When does Sunday School start?
9:30am for all grades. Our children are
experiential learners. The church worship
space is the best place for our children to
learn. Hearing the service, smelling the
incense, seeing the icons and tasting the
Holy Communion put their senses in direct
...See Sunday School on P. 3
Fr. Nicholas from P. 1
Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church
Mosaic
September 2016 Page 2
Benefits from communion are in direct proportion to preparation
The first Orthodox Christians received
Holy Communion daily. They adhered to the
9th Apostolic Canon: “If one does not receive
Holy Communion when offered, let him
declare the reason. If the reason is not
declared worthy, he or she is excommunicated.” The Church calls all that are properly
prepared to receive. Imagine being invited to a
home for dinner. Guests spend time together
and when the meal is finally served, we don’t
eat it. Guests offend the host. We insult the
Lord.
What does Holy Communion do for us?
First, it brings spiritual life. St. John writes:
“Whoever eats My Body and drinks My Blood
has eternal life.” (John 6:54). Holy Baptism
brings the new Christian new life. This new
mode of life needs to be nourished with food.
The Holy Eucharist is the Christian’s food.
Without Holy Communion we become spiritually dead. Our physical bodies crave and need
food. If we miss one meal, hunger comes
quickly. We need physical food. Unfortunately,
depriving ourselves of spiritual food does not
bother some of us. We love our bodies but do
not care about our souls.
St. Gregory the Theologian writes: Holy
Communion becomes “a weapon against those
who war against us, it returns to God those
who had left Him. It strengthens the weak,
causes the healthy to be glad, it heals sicknesses, and it preserves health.”
St. Cyril of Alexandria writes something
very powerful concerning our spiritual senses.
“You must consider your senses as the door to
a house. Through the senses all images of
things enter into our heart, and through the
senses, the innumerable multitude of lusts pour
into it. They shall enter in at your windows
like a thief (Joel 2:9) because these windows
have not been marked with the precious blood
of Christ.”
The priest exclaims: “The servant of God
receives the precious Body and Blood of
Christ for the remission of sins and eternal
life” as the communicant receives Holy
Communion. St. Cyril writes: “The precious
blood of Christ not only frees us from every
corruption, but it also cleanses us from every
impurity lying hidden within us. It keeps us
from growing cold on account of sloth and
makes us fervent in the Spirit.”
The priest prays vigilance of soul, forgiveness of sins and confidence before the Lord.
“We have seen the True Light, we have
received the Holy Spirit” is sung after receiving Holy Communion. Communicants
receive, and are united with Christ.
Sometimes we hear parents say to their
children: “It is just juice, it is yummy.” Holy
Communion is so much more! Tremendous
lifesaving blessings come from the Body and
Blood of Christ.
But, we need to be ready. Preparation is
key before receiving Holy Communion. St.
John Chrysostom wrote: “I observe many partaking lightly, haphazardly, by custom, without consideration or understanding.” St. Paul
writes: “For he who eats and drinks in an
unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to
himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” (1
Corinthians 11:29)
St. John of Kronstadt challenges us. What
would it be if the Light of Christ shined from
the Holy Sacraments? Before Christ’s light, we
would bow in fear and awe. We would behave
Upcoming Philoptochos Events
Philoptochos Membership Night
Please join us on Tuesday, September 27 at
7:00 pm to find out about the “The Keys to
Philoptochos”. We will be meeting at
Millhurst Char House, 1901 S Meyers Rd in
Oakbrook Terrace. Appetizers and sweets will
be served. Come and hear about the exciting
things our Philoptochos Ladies do in our community. Learn about our plans for the coming
year. Volunteer for a project of interest and
make new friends. RSVP by September 23 to
Aleka Ernst at 630.561.1660 or
[email protected].
Annual Luncheon & Fashion Show
‘The Art of Fashion’ will be opening on
Saturday, October 22 at the Empress
Banquets in Addison. Cocktails & raffle sales
will begin at 11am and luncheon will be
served at 12pm. Fashions will be presented by
Zzazz Productions, including young models of
Holy Apostles. The beneficiaries of this year’s
event are the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation (JDRF) and The Philoxenia House
in Rochester, Minnesota.
Tickets will go on sale in person at Holy
Apostles Church on Saturday, September 10 at
9:00am. For reservation information please
contact Nia Kouchis at 630.910.8224 beginning September 12.
We still need your help for fashion show
raffle prizes & silent auction items. The fashion show is our largest fundraiser of the year.
Proceeds from this event enable us to give generous donations to the two charities and also
help support other philanthropic endeavors
throughout the year. You can help us by
donating a prize or by contacting a friend,
business associate or business you personally
frequent to request a prize be donated on our
behalf.
Please contact Cynthia Stathopoulos at
630.986.0630 to donate items or for questions.
For inclusion in our program book, all donations must be received by mid-September.
differently. The priest intones, “With the fear
of God, faith and love draw near” when Holy
Communion is offered.
We receive great benefits before, during
and after we commune. Preparation helps us
realize the fearful, awesome King we will
receive. Grace from the Holy Communion is
received in proportion to preparation. The
more someone prepares, the more benefit they
receive.
If we know we will receive Holy
Communion on Sunday, the entire week
should be spent preparing. How do we prepare? We should be reconciled to our neighbor, everyone, and to God. St. Symeon tells us
to be reconciled first with those we have grieved. “Therefore if you bring your gift to the
altar, and there remember that your brother
has something against you, leave your gift
there before the altar, and go your way. First
be reconciled to your brother, and then come
and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)
Being reconciled with God includes constantly examining ourselves and confessing our
sins privately or in the Sacrament of Holy
Confession. Pray the communion prayers the
night before and immediately before Holy
Communion. Fast during Wednesdays, Fridays
and fasting periods. Abstain from eating or
drinking after Midnight. No coffee, cigars, or
cigarettes in the morning. Holy Communion
should be first to touch our lips. Eat a light
dinner Saturday night and spend a peaceful
night praying and preparing for Holy
Communion. Come to church early to pray
the Matins service. Partake of the Word of
God. Come to Church before the Gospel reading. This prepares us. We are purified by hearing the Word of God.
Christians receive the Lord’s grace in direct
proportion to their preparation. St. Nikodemos
concludes by encouraging Christians to receive
Holy Communion frequently and worthily.
Baptisms
Kailyn, daughter of
Lindsey & George Zurales
Sponsor: Jennifer Asimakopoulos
Weddings
Christina Karvelas & Steven Stavropoulos
Sponsor: Penelope Stavropoulos
Tara Willsey & Brandon James
Sponsor: Nicoletta Conforti
Kathryn Sietsema & Geoff Dutton
Sponsor: Allison Baier
Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church
Mosaic
September 2016 Page 3
Sunday School from P.1
contact with God. Experiencing worship
inside the church helps our children grow up
to be devout, faithful Orthodox Christians.
So, the children’s (grades 3-8) lessons start in
the church. Following the reception of Holy
Communion, they will proceed directly to
their Sunday School class.
Resolutions for the
Church’s New Year
The Holy Apostles Junior Olympians hold the church’s banner at the competitions.
Parishes ’ Junior Olympians win gold
We had 52 kids participate this year. We
had some Gold medals in 13-15 Boys Doubles
Tennis with Christopher Petropoulos and
Lennon Chrones. Nicholas Dreshcler also had
a Gold in the 13-15 Boys Mile event. Josh
Glavanovits took a silver in table tennis. James
Nicholas had a bronze in chess. Gregory
Theotikos had a gold in chess and his brother,
Nikolas, had a gold in backgammon and silver
in chess. Luke Ernst had a bronze in backgammon too. Our basketball, soccer and volleyball
teams advanced in their rounds too. Thanks to
all the coaches and parents for their time to
make this event a success.
Come to church hungry September 25
An All-You-Can-Eat Deluxe Pancake
Breakfast, hosted by the Adventure Theater,
will be served Sunday, September 25, immediately following Divine Liturgy. Besides delicious pancakes, the menu will include: scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, fruit, milk and coffee.
This is Adventure Theater’s main fundraiser for the year. A portion of the proceeds will
be donated to the Saint Iakovos Retreat
Center, where Fanari Summer Camp was held
for the second time this year and where
retreats and other Metropolis events are held.
The cost for people 12 and older is $10.00
each; for those ages 5-11 - $5.00 each; and
children 4 and under are free of charge.
Adventure Theater members will take
reservations in the multi-purpose room following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 11
and 18. You may also contact Mr. D. at home:
708. 562.4926 or e-mail him at:
[email protected].
Orthodoxy on Tap program continues in September
The Metropolis of Chicago invites all young adults ages 18-35yrs to the Summer Series
Orthodoxy on Tap events!
At times it may feel as if God has given us more than we can handle, so how can we as
Orthodox Young Adults overcome these struggles while fully embracing our blessings? Titled,
"’The Synergy of the Mind, Body, and Soul," our three-part series consists of three Orthodox
professionals in each jurisdiction to engage with young adults on how to enrich our holistic
health as Orthodox Christians. The first session was in August but two are yet to happen.
September 8 at 7:30pm (location TBD). Meet Dr. Ary Christofidis who founded the
Orthodox Christian Counseling Institute just over a decade ago. Dr. Ary is an expert in the
mental health field, but more than that is also a practicing Orthodox Christian and will lead a
discussion on how these two fields go hand-in-hand.
September 15 at 7:30pm at O'Callaghans, 29 W Hubbard St. Chicago. Meet Dr. Amelia
Bartholomew, an Orthodox surgeon who has spent many years practicing surgery, conducting
research, and teaching at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. Dr. Amelia
has studied the connection between the spiritual and physical body and will be speaking about
how keeping our bodies healthy impacts the health of our soul.
Did you know that September 1 is the
beginning of the Church year? Some of us
have been away for the summer and will
return to church this month. New commitments and resolutions assist us as we begin the
new church year.
Our Holy Orthodox Church is one of the
last institutions where dignity, protocol, respect
and reverence are maintained. When we
come to the church, remember we are entering
the Kingdom of God on earth. We honor the
Lord’s habitation and sacred place with attentiveness and respect. This respect extends
from the church worship space throughout the
entire building. When attending sports or theatrical events, we arrive on time.
Timely arrival at church (at the Doxology
at 9:15am) is very important. The choir leads
the entire congregation in singing the
Doxology, thanking God. This is a beautiful
way to start our worship, remembering and
thanking God for all He does for us. Then,
the Divine Liturgy (Liturgy of the Word)
(9:30am) begins with the words, “Blessed is the
Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit.” The faithful participating in
the Liturgy enter into a different dimension of
time, the dimension of the eternal ‘now’ of
God. We also enter into a gathering of the
angelic ranks (invisible creation) and are joined
to those united in and enlivened by the Body
of Christ, living on earth, living in paradise,
and yet to be born (visible creation).
The Liturgy of the Word is much like the
Jewish synagogue service, consisting of prayers,
psalms, hymns and scripture readings. Hearing
the scripture readings helps us prepare to
receive the Body and Blood of Christ (Holy
Communion).
Saint John Chrysostom tells us that the
reading of the Gospel is the "Paradise where
the source of the Holy Spirit flows.” Arriving
late distracts others that are worshipping and
praying. If a unique circumstance arises that
keeps you from arriving on time, please enter
the church quietly and reverently. As we prepare to come to church, remember we are
entering the House of God.
We should dress modestly and reverently.
Above all we should remember: in all things
give glory to God.
Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church
Mosaic
September 2016 Page 4
At left, young parishioners burn off come
calories in one of the after-lunch games.
Perennial Parish Picnic: a summer highlight
The sun smiled down on this year’s parish
picnic, but perhaps a little too hotly. However,
the weather was great and everyone had a
wonderful time.
Above, Parish Council member Peter
Poteres grills hot dogs, and at left, Jim
Fotopoulos and George Alex supervise
the games.
Photos by Peter Bell
Above from left, Dee Manolis and
Angie Panos dig into the tomatoes.
Westchester Police Officers chat with Fr. Nicholas and Steve Savas during the picnic.
Tuesday
What others can do for you
Monday
Wednesday
8:15am Orthros
9:30am Divine Liturgy
Adventure Theater
Pancake Breakfast
8:15am Orthros
9:30am Divine Liturgy
Fellowship Hour
4
25
18
11
First Day Of Sunday School
8:15am Orthros
9:30am Divine Liturgy
11:30am Ministry Fair
Metropolis Family
Synaxis Retreat
8:15am Orthros
9:30am Divine Liturgy
Fellowship Hour
5:15pm The Way
5:15pm The Way
Church Office Closed
Labor Day
26
19
12
5
20
13
6
21
1:00pm Adult Christian Fellowship
And Bible Study
14
ELEVATION OF THE CROSS
8:00am Orthros
9:00am Divine Liturgy
1:00pm Adult Christian Fellowship
And Bible Study
7
27
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1:00pm Adult Christian Fellowship
4:30pm Greek School
And Bible Study
6:30pm GOYA
7:00pm Philoptochos Membership 7:00pm Choir Federation Rehearsal
Night At Millhurst Banquets
10:00am Tots
4:30pm Greek School
4:30pm Greek School
6:00pm GOYA BBQ
10:00am Tots
4:30pm Greek School
7:00pm Missions Meeting
Metropolis Family
Synaxis Retreat
4:30pm Adventure Theater
2
4:30pm Greek School
4:30pm Greek School
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22
15
4:30pm Greek School
6:330pm Jr. Dance Troupe Rehearsal
7:30pm YAL Orthodoxy On Tap
4:30pm Adventure Theater
4:30pm Adventure Theater
4:30pm Adventure Theater
30
23
16
NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS 4:30pm Adventure Theater
8:00am Orthros
7:00pm Jr. GOYA Meet And Greet
9:00am Divine Liturgy
4:30pm Greek School
6:30pm Jr. Dance Troupe Rehearsal
7:00pm Sunday School Meeting
7:30pm YAL Orthodoxy
9
8
On Tap
1
BEGINNING OF THE
ECCLESASTICAL NEW YEAR
8:00am Orthros
9:00am Divine Liturgy
4:30pm Greek School
6:30pm Jr. Dance Troupe Rehearsal
Friday
Metropolis Family
Synaxis Retreat
Saturday
3
10
24
17
FEAST DAY OF ST. SOPHIA
8:00am Orthros
9:00am Divine Liturgy
10:30am GOYA Car Wash
2501 S. Wolf Rd. Westchester, Illinois
Thursday
September 2016
The teacher educates your children. The banker looks after your money.
The doctor treats your illnesses. The armed forces defend your liberty.
The lawyer draws up your will. The funeral director buries you.
But only the LORD JESUS CHRIST can save your soul.
Sunday
Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church
Wednesday night
Bible study begins
Bring your Bibles to church Wednesday,
October 5 as Barbara Pappas begins a
study of the Gospel of John. This Book is
called the spiritual Gospel because compared with the others, it deals less with the
basics of the Christian life and more
with the mystical theological perspective
reflected in the theology and liturgical
practices of the Orthodox Church.
This group will gather in the multi-purpose room each Wednesday night until
November 16. The discussions begin
promptly at 7:15pm and ends around
8:30pm. All are welcome.
Memorials
Eleni Zouberi
Efthimios Tsokas
Gus Michalopoulos
Elaine Alex
Louis Andros
Funerals
Gus Kumis
Terry Savide
Evanthia Vasilion
Angelo J. Tolios
Dennis Poulos, left, and George Pentaris enjoy a fine day on the golf course at Holy
Apostles’ annual golf outing.
Holy Apostles basketball season to start
Come play basketball for Holy Apostles
this Fall and Winter. If you're a boy or girl
ages 5-6th grade, consider joining our Biddy
team. We're looking for boys 7-12th grades to
play on our middle and high school teams.
Practices are once a week starting in mid to
late September and games will start in
November and go through to mid-February.
Please contact Aleka Ernst,
[email protected] or 630-561-1660 if you're
interested in playing this season.
Mosaic Deadline
The deadline for the October
Mosaic is Wednesday, September 7.
Postmaster: Please deliver by the 3rd of September
Address Service Requested
Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church
2501 S. Wolf Rd.
Westchester, Il. 60154
(708) 562-2744
BELLWOOD, I L.
P ERM I T NO. 157
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