Mother`s Day Luncheon - Saint Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church

THE
VOICE
THE VOICE — MAY 2015 - Volume No. 295
Catechism 101
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Father’s Article ........................... 1
Philoptochos ............................... 4
Archangels .................................. 5
Stewardship ................................ 6
PTA ............................................... 7
Nikita’s Visit .............................. 8
Pascha 2015.................................. 9
Oratorical Festival .............. 10,11
Pascha Donations .................... 12
Parish News .............................. 13
Registry...................................... 13
Κοινοτικά Νέα ........................ 14
Liturgical Schedule ................. 15
Summer Camp.......................... 17
The Book of Genesis features a variety of sibling rivalries, family conflicts, and interesting generational tensions. All of these are magnificently displayed in the story of Isaac and Rachel, and their children Esau
and Jacob. The boys were twins. Esau was the first born, a favorite of his
father Isaac, a hunter and a carnal man. Jacob was born moments after
Esau, a gentle soul, a homebody, a favorite of his mother Rachel.
According to the laws of that time, Esau had the birthright of the first
born, the lion’s share of the parental inheritance. He would have been
considered the patriarch and leader of the family following Isaac’s death.
He would act as the priest of the family in offering sacrifices on behalf of
all his descendants. Finally, Esau would have become a link in the genealogy of Jesus Christ and a forefather of the Messiah.
Please Join Us For Our Annual
ST. SPYRIDON
HELLENIC ORTHODOX
CHURCH
Hosted by The St. Spyridon Ladies Philoptochos Society
12307 S. RIDGELAND AVE.
PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463
Sunday, May 10th, 2015
Mother’s Day Luncheon
Immediately following the Divine Liturgy
WWW. SAINTSPYRIDON.ORG
Please call the Church Office (708) 385-2311
Adults $20 Children $10
The Voice - H ΦΩNH
Official Monthly
Community Publication of
St. Spyridon
Hellenic Orthodox Church
12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue
Palos Heights, IL 60463
REV. FR. TILEMAHOS
ALIKAKOS
PROTOPRESBYTER
Church Office
Hours: ................. Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Phone: ...................... 708-385-2311, 2313 or 0787
Fax: ................................................. 708-385-0166
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.Saint-Spyridon.org
Parish Council Officers
James Korbakes .................................. President
Konstantine Labraκis ................ Vice-President
Taso Panagiotopoulos ............... Vice President
Frank Kopanis .................................... Secretary
George Papadopoulos ...... Assistant Secretary
Gus Kolyvas ........................................Treasurer
James Xeros ........................ Assistant Treasurer
Auxiliary Officers
Angelo Angelos.................................... Chanter
Olga Paxinos ................................. Philoptochos
Angela Evangelopoulos ........................... P.T.A.
Kiki Kazazakis......................................... Kentro
Lambrini Stavrou ..... Plutarchos Greek School
Jan Prible ....................... Archangels Academy
Zoe Kopanis................ Sunday School Director
Nicky Glikis ................................ Choir Director
Dana Vasilakos ........... G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A.
Janine Riley ............................................ Cherubs
Presvytera Georgia .................................. HOPE
Angelo Angelos...................... Byzantine Music
Panagiotis Mihalopoulos ............. Iconography
Fr. Tilemahos ................................... Bible Study
Vicki Drikos ................................ Handmaidens
Nick Chibucos & Labros Malfas .... Altar Boys
John Angelos ........................................ Athletics
Even though Esau was born just minutes before his twin brother Jacob,
he had the rights and privileges of the first-born. Yet he gave those rights
away. In Genesis 25:30-34 we read: “Esau came from the field, and he was
faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage;
for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this
day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what
profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and
he swore unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau
bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his
way: thus Esau despised his birthright.”
Later on, when Isaac was dying, it was Jacob who received the blessing of
the firstborn in the place of his brother Esau. He instead received a curse.
Even though this was accomplished by trickery, it was nevertheless reflective of the fact that Esau had forsaken his birthright for nothing more
than a bowl of soup.
At first glance, one would condemn Esau of foolishness. How could he
give up so much for so little? At the same time, one would condemn
Jacob of exploitation, taking advantage of his brother’s weakness and
willingness to make such a foolish trade. God allowed this incident to
take place not only as a lesson in family dynamics but as an example for
all of us who would become the first-born by adoption through faith in
Jesus Christ.
Let us look at this incident in more detail to understand what this means.
Why did Jacob ask for the birthright from his brother? Was he interested
in wealth? Did he seek patriarchal powers or fame? From the events that
followed we realize that his motivation was neither power nor wealth.
After all, as soon as he received Isaac’s blessing, he fled with no possessions and no status. He was, however, interested in one thing: The messianic succession. He knew that the Messiah would come from his father’s bloodline. Jacob wanted to be the link in that bloodline. He
wanted to be a forefather of Christ, connected with the Messiah in a way
that only the firstborn could be. When Esau despised his birthright and
traded it for a bowl of soup, he did not give up wealth or power; he gave
up his relationship with his descendants among whom would be the
Messiah.
Seeing this birthright in the messianic light we realize the real and immense value of what Esau so easily gave up. Jacob, in his sound mind,
sought the birthright not for material gain but the for the sake of being
considered a forefather of Christ.
“And what does the Lord require of
you? To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.”
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The Voice
All of us, baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity, have been adopted as
the firstborn, brothers and sisters to the firstborn of the Virgin, offered to
the Church as firstborn, with the rights and privileges of the firstborn,
destined to receive the blessings of our Heavenly Father unto the ages of
ages as the firstborn by grace. Here are the words in our baptismal
prayers: “That, being planted in the likeness of Your death through Baptism, he
(the baptized) may become a sharer of Your Resurrection; and, preserving
the Gift of Your Holy Spirit, and increasing the deposit of Grace, he may
attain unto the prize of his high calling, and accounted among the number of
the first-born, whose names are written in Heaven.”
Sadly, even as the firstborn by grace, we all come to give up that
birthright through falling into sin. We trade our birthright for no
more than a bowl of soup. Sometimes, that bowl of soup is literally a
violation of our fasting rule. Most of the time, that bowl of soup
stands for anything that we place higher than our birthright.
Through every sin we come to despise our birthright, our relationship
to the Messiah, our connection with him, just as Esau did so long ago.
In the Letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul touches on this very issue: “Lest
there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of
meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would
have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” (Hebrews 12:16-17)
When Esau sought the blessing that he had earlier despised he instead received a curse. There was no blessing and no hope for him.
He stands for all those unrepentant souls who, at the Second Coming,
will cry out for the blessing they had earlier despised, for the birthright they gave up for so little, for the forgiveness of sins that they
never took advantage of, and they will receive nothing but a curse.
Let us trade, like Jacob, all that we have, to receive the birthright that
rightly only belongs to Christ. Let us desire that birthright by pleading with Christ now who freely offers us adoption as the firstborn,
through Confession and Holy Communion. Let us never despise that
birthright, considering it more valuable that anything this world has
to offer. Amen. Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos
DIAKONIA AGAPES
HELP THE NEEDY
Christ Is Risen! Thank you to all those
that helped make this a blessed Pascha
for those who are pantry supports.
Thank you to those who donated lamb,
cheese and olives...thank you to those
who donated canned goods, soap, cereal, etc...thank you to those who donated money so we could purchase additional items. May God bless you for
your kindness to those in need. Thank
you to those who cooked for and supported the Lenten meals – for those who
baked for the sale on Palm Sunday.
Thank you to all the organizations of
our Church who so willingly helped to
make this Pascha a special one for the
needy. We are most grateful and those
who were recipients were very appreciative.
Thanks to your efforts and donations
we gave food baskets to 17 families,
$500 to missions, and over $1,500 in aid
to the needy. Now that the summer
months are approaching, please continue to bring canned goods and other
items to keep our pantry supplied. Also,
remember the mission bank as you
leave the church each Sunday.
COUNTDOWN TO OUR CHURCH'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY, MAY 19TH - 7 P.M. AT CHURCH
In 1917 the church of St. Spyridon was established - since then there have been 100 years of liturgies, baptisms, weddings, funerals, Pascha celebrations, confessions, fund-raisers, Greek School graduates - you name
it!
We are asking our parishioners to join in the establishment of our committees and activities as we prepare to
celebrate our 100 years of service. We need members to man committees and take on tasks for a year of festivities. Let your imagination run free, think outside the box and join in creating innovative and unique events for
the spectacular year in which we will honor our parish and forefathers.
We need photographs of past events, memories, and parishioners - so gather them - label and identify them give/send us copies of them - as we wish to honor the steps of our forefathers. We need addresses and contact
information to make sure that past and present stewards, Greek School/Sunday School students, athletes and
others are aware of the celebration and are invited to join in! Be creative and help generate interest and momentum with your ideas for programs and events. Watch the bulletin - Facebook - or your email for future
committee meeting dates - We Want YOU! You may also send photos and ideas to [email protected].
St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church
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PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
Dear Philoptochos Sisters and Fellow Parishioners,
Χριστός Ανέστη! We are blessed to have come together through Great Lent
and to His Resurrection as one Church Family. The Philoptochos was busy
making tsourekia and hosting the Palm Sunday Luncheon and Bake Sale. We
also hosted the reception for the Presanctfied Liturgy where His Eminence
Iakovos was present. We dyed Easter eggs and visited our parishioners who
are in nursing homes or at home.
PHILOPTOCHOS
SCHOLARSHIP
The St. Spyridon Ladies Philoptochos Society invites all interested high school seniors and
current college students to apply
for the St. Spyridon PhiloptoWe thank all who contributed for these events by baking or helping. We chos Scholarship. The winning
thank the young moms who manned the bake sale stations. We thank our applicant will receive a $1000
cooks, donors and servers also. We could not have done it without you. Some scholarship from Philoptochos.
of us attended the Agape Dinner and I thank all who bought a ticket. It was a
Applications and information
great evening.
are available on St. Spyridon’s
ON MAY 3rd WE WILL BE HOLDING ELECTIONS FOR THE NEW BOARD. website: http://www.saintMothers’ Day is May 10th and we are looking forward to our Annual Lunch- spyridon.org
eon. As we have done in the past, we will be honoring some special mothers. The deadline for the completed
On May 17th we will have our fundraiser outing at the Greek Islands in application and supporting
Lombard. Proceeds will benefit the St. Nicholas Shrine. On June 1st we will be documents is June 15, 2015. The
hosting the Philoxenia Luncheon.
recipient will be notified by SepAs you can see we have and will be busy. I thank you in advance for helping tember 1, 2015.
for the coming events.
We encourage all interested students to apply for this worthA blessed May to all. See you in church.
while scholarship.
With Sisterly Agape,
Olga Paxinos Philoptochos President
Please Join Us for Our
11th Annual
Mother’s Day
Luncheon
Hosted by
The St. Spyridon
Ladies Philoptochos Society
Seniors' Christian Fellowship
Luncheon
Chicago's South Suburban Greek Orthodox Parishes
cordially invite their Senior Parishioners on
Monday, June 1st, 2015
to celebrate together the feast of the Holy Spirit
hosted by the:
Sunday, May 10th, 2015
St. Spyridon Ladies Philoptochos Society
12307 S. Ridgeland Ave. Palos Heights, IL
Immediately following the Divine Liturgy
Adults $20.00, Children $10.00
Orthros Begins - 8:00 A.M.
Followed by luncheon & fellowship
Please R.S.V.P. at the church office
by May 7th, 2015
So as to prepare appropriately, please make your reservation by
calling the St. Spyridon Church office: 708-385-2311
Admission: Free of charge
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The Voice
ARCHANGELS ACADEMY
It is already May and the school year is drawing to a close. April was a busy month! The students enjoyed a fantastic field trip to see the performance of “Cinderella” at the Beverly Art Center in Chicago presented by the Kids
Co. What a delightful and enjoyable experience was had by all in attendance.
CLASS OF 2015 ARCHANGELS
ACADEMY GRADUATES
Dino Bisbikis
Christos Drikos
Constantine Georgakas
Andonis Haniotakis
Evan Jones
Nikos Korolis
Spiros Kottaras
Themi Koutsoupias
George Les
George Panou
Gia Revel
George Skordas
Vassili Urobuskin
Vasili Vythoulkas
It is our tradition that the Annual end of the year
banquet is organized by the parents of the
graduates. Thank you to the parents of the
graduates for chairing the committee and for all
your hard work and long hours. Raffle tickets are
being sold for this event if you wish to purchase
raffle tickets please stop by the office or contact
Demetria @708-870-2783 or Tessie @ 708-7381569.
St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church
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STEWARDSHIP 2015
Stewardship 2015 Progress Report
As of April 25th, 2015
Pledged Stewards:
224
Average Stewardship:
$371.25
Amount of Stewardship donated: $80,561
The Stewardship Committee thanks our 224 Stewards who have fulfilled their pledge for the 2015
year. We wish to express our gratitude for your
commitment to the Lord’s work through our
Church of Saint Spyridon. And to you who have not
yet pledged, we ask of you to commit yourself and
your family so that the Word of God may continue
in His glorious name.
ΓΙΝΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΣ
ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝΑ
Ευχαριστούμε τις 224 οικογένεις που εκπλήρωσαν τις υποσχέσεις τους για το έτος 2015. Υπενθυμίζουμε σε
όλους ότι έχουν ταχυδρομηθεί οι Καταστάσεις Υπόσχεσης του Καλού Οικονόμου για το τρέχον έτος. Σας
παρακαλούμε να ανανεώσετε την συνδρομή σας το γρηγορώτερο δυνατόν. Χρειαζόμαστε την βοήθεια και
την υποστήρηξη όλων σας.
STEWARDS 2015-MARCH 27TH-APRIL 25TH
Mrs. Chrisi Bastas
Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Bechrakis
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Besbekos
Ms. Sylvia Felecos
Mr. Dean C. Franck
Mr. & Mrs. Apostolis Hardaloupas
Mr. Peter Hristakos
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Kontaris
Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Kontaris
Mr. Peter Kosionis
Mr. & Mrs. George Laris
Mr. & Mrs. Theophanes Manikas
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Manolitsis
Mr. Harry Marines
Mr. George Patrianakos
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Perakis
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Priovolos
Mr. Mark Rentas
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Rousos
Ms. Rita Sperlakis
Ms. Mary Tsiggos
Mr. & Mrs. George Tsigolis
Mr. & Mrs. George Tsikouris
Mr. Gregory Volan
Mr. & Mrs. George Vythoulkas
Mr. & Mrs. Tomasz Zatora
Ms. Magdalene Mary Zippman
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Christ Is Risen! It’s hard to believe that we are almost at the end of our Sunday School year. The success of our
program is credited to the 20 Sunday School teachers, who dedicate their time and talent each week, and to the
officers of the PTA, who work hard to support our program. Many thanks to all of you who volunteer your time
to help our Sunday School succeed.
On May 17th, we will have our annual Bible Bowl – an event we always look forward to. Graduation Sunday is
scheduled for May 31st. On this day we will recognize the teachers and thank our students for a great year.
Sunday School is always looking for volunteers. If there is anyone interested in teaching Sunday School or being
a substitute teacher, please let me know. It is a very personally rewarding experience, and a great way to give
back to our St. Spyridon family.
Zoe Kopanis, Religious Education Director
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The Voice
P.T.A. NEWS
On Saturday, April 4th we hosted the Saturday of Lazarus annual
pancake breakfast and making of the palms. Everyone came together
and completed in excess of 800 palm crosses in record time - only 2
hours. What a show of diligence! The children and adults alike received free drink coupons at our Frappe Cafe for all their hard work.
Many thanks to Jim Halikas for cooking his delicious fasting pancakes for all to enjoy. We wish to thank everyone who purchased
PTA’s Easter Candles. With your loving support, we were able to
raise the funds for the PTA Scholarships. Special thanks to Patti Lee
and Mena Mastorakos for their time and talent in making all the
beautiful candles!
COMING SOON
COMMEMORATION
OF THE FALL OF
CONSTANTINOPLE
Thursday, May 28th
PTA’s customized vending machine! Our Easter Candle fundraiser was so successful that we were able to take the excess revenue raised and purchase our very
own vending machine. The best part is that all vending monies collected throughout the year will go towards funding activities and purchasing educational mate- The Annual Commemorarials for our students. So start saving your change...the children are very excited! tion of the ‘Fall of Constantinople’ presented by the
REMINDERS
PTA Scholarship Awards: High School Graduates are eligible for a $1,000 Scholar- Greek Orthodox Metropolis
ship Award. Two Plutarchos Greek School Graduates will receive $125 Awards of of Chicago, the Archons of
Excellence. Please drop off your applications in the Church office. Students must the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
and Tte Hellenic Society of
meet all qualifications to be considered.
Greek School Yearbooks - Place an ad inside the yearbook and receive a free year- Constantinople, will be held
book! Deadline is May 5th. It is a beautiful book full of our children’s moments on Thursday, May 28, 2015
throughout the school year - let’s help preserve these priceless memories. Place beginning at 7:00PM in the
Damen Student Center at
your order today!
May 4th - PTA meeting at 5 p.m. during Greek School. Please join us as we wrap Loyola University, 6511 N.
Sheridan Road. This year’s
up the year!
observance will feature a
May 17th - Get ready for Sunday School’s Bible Bowl!
talk by Professor Lou UreMay 25th - No Greek School on Memorial Day
May 29th - Our last Greek Pride Day. Last chance to win a prize! Don’t forget to neck, author of the newly
released Harper Collins
wear your shirts.
book “The Great Fire” that
May 31st - Sunday School Graduation
tells the harrowing story of
Angela Evangelopoulos, PTA President
an American Methodist minATTENTION GRADUATES
ister who single-handedly
On Sunday, May 31st, following the Divine Liturgy, we will honor all the High saved 250,000 Greeks from
School and College Graduates in the church. Please submit the names of the death, during the tragic
graduates in your family by May 17th, so that they may be honored and included events of Smyrna in 1922.
in the graduation program.
The faithful of all communities and their families will
EMORIAL AY
On Monday, May 25th, Fr. Tilemahos will be reading the Trisagion Services at enjoy this unique opportuEvergreen Cemetery from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.. The common memorial with nity for cultural and spiritual
all the southside Greek Orthodox parishes will take place at 10:30 a.m. Finally, enrichment.
M
D
Fr. Tilemahos will be at Bethania Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.
St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church
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METROPOLITAN NIKITA’S VISIT—APRIL 19TH
On Sunday, April 19th, our
community had two surprises:
The visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas and a party for
Peter Polmen on the occasion of
his 97th birthday. It was definitely a day of celebration for our
community both in the worship
service as well as in our community hall. Thanks to all who
helped with the festivities.
Many years to both His Eminence and to Uncle Pete.
Pictures by John Spero
& Sam Bisbikis
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The Voice
PASCHA 2015
Once again, our community of St. Spyridon
came together to celebrate the beautiful services of Holy Week and Pascha. Many thanks
to all who offered their Pascha donations and
flower donations, the altar boys, the myrofores, the members of the parish council, the
psaltes and our choir, our readers, our Agape
gospel readers, the Epitaphio decorators, the
ladies who prepared the red eggs, the P.T.A. for
the Easter baskets, the palm crosses crew, the
donors and volunteers who prepared the
Lenten breakfast on Saturday of Lazarus, our
custodians and office staff, all our parish organizations and all the faithful who offered
their prayers and their presence by the Cross of
our Lord and Risen Savior. We are also very
grateful to Fr. Athenagoras, for his blessings
and assistance during the Holy Week services.
St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church
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METROPOLIS ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
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The Voice
METROPOLIS ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church
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PASCHA DONATIONS
We wholeheartedly wish to thank the following parishioners and friends for donating towards the
flowers and adornment of our St. Spyridon Church during the Great Lent and Pascha Season and for
their special Easter Envelope Donation:
Mr. & Mrs. N Andricopoulos
Anonymous
Mrs. Jan Augustine
Mr. & Mrs. Pete Ayaleanos
Mrs. Chrisi Bastas
Mr. & Mrs. Gus Banakis
Dr. & Mrs. Ted Bechrakis
Mr. Angelo Besbekos
Ms. Eleni Bizoukas
Mr. Angelo Bountinas
Mrs. Morfo Bountinas
Mr. & Mrs. Zaharias Bousies
Mrs. Effie Bouzios
Mr. & Mrs. Theodoros Bouzios
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Catsogiannis
Mr. & Mrs. Sam Charalambos
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Chibucos
Mrs. Steve Doimas
Mr. & Mrs. John Eliacostas
Mrs. Georgia Evangelopoulos
Ms. Ruth Faklis
Mr. & Mrs. George Gatsios
Ms. Vicki Georgakas
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Georgiopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Ted Georgiopoulos
Ms. Irene Giardina
Mr. Michael Hohlastos
Mr. Dean Karampelas
Mrs. Roula Karampelas
Mr. Demetrios Karountzos
Ms. Georgia Karountzos
Mrs. Helen Katris
Mr. & Mrs. Christos Katsoulis
Mr. & Mrs. Em Kekempanos
Mrs. Helen King
Mrs. Koula Kintonis
Mrs. Tasia Kladis
Kleopa Family
Dr. & Mrs. Chris Kolyvas
Mr. & Mrs. Pete Kolyvas
Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Kontaris
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kopanis
Mrs. Sophia Kopanitsanos
Mr. & Mrs. Gus Korellis
Mr. Demetrios G. Kottaras
Ms. Clarine Koutsis
Mr. & Mrs. George Kyroudis
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Les
Mrs. Betty Lillios
Mr. & Mrs. George Limperis
Mrs. Maria Loubroukos
Mr. & Mrs. Christos Makris
Ms. Georgia Malamis
Fr. & Pr. George Massouras
Mr. Angelo Meklis
Ms. Angeline Mitsis
Ms. Demetria Papadopoulos
Mr. Philip Papamakarios
Mr. & Mrs. Sam Papanastasatos
Mr. & Mrs. Panos
Mrs. Katerina Papoulias
Mr. & Mrs. Alex Pappas
Mr. Andrew Pappas
Mr. George A. Pappas
Ms. Kathryn Pappas
The Pashos Family
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Paxinos
Ms. Penny Peninski
Dr. Mary Peters
Mr. Peter G. Polmen
Mr. John Poziopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Proutsos
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Righetti
Mr. & Mrs. Gus Rougas
Ms. Frances Sinapi
Mr. Gregory Smirnis
Mrs. Demitra Stameson
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Thiakos
Mrs. Athena Tsinoukas
Mrs. & Dr. Vasileios Tsoukalas
Mr. Michael Valaris
Ms. Fotini Valavanidis
Mrs. Helen Zaharopoulos
THANK YOU
 To the Anonymous donors for donating food for our Food Pantry and for the Easter Baskets.
 To all the Philoptochos ladies for hosting the Lenten Dinner after the Presanctified Divine Liturgy with our





visiting clergy.
To all who donated flowers for Great Lent and Holy Week, and to those who decorated the Epitaphios
To Mr. James Halikas and the P.T.A. parents and volunteers for hosting the Pancake Breakfast on Saturday
of Lazarus.
To all who prepared baked goods and who donated for the Palm Sunday Philoptochos Bake Sale. All the
proceeds will benefit needy families of our community.
To J & R Dairy for their donation to buy new Myrofores Robes.
To all the donors and volunteers who helped to host the Metropolis Oratorical Festival.
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The Voice
PARISH NEWS
PARISH
REGISTRY
JUNIOR OLYMPICS
Τhe 33rd Annual Junior Olympics will take place on May 22nd24th, 2015 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in
Palos Hills. Our community will be represented by numerous athletes in individual & team sports.
Registration for the Junior Olympics will be held during the Coffee Social
Hour after the Divine Liturgy. Or if you are interested in joining a team
or competing for an individual sport, please contact Mr. John Angelos,
Athletic Director, or the Church Office.
The Junior Olympics events are as follows:
BAPTISMS
The daughter of Mr. & Mrs.
Tomas and Christina Zatora was
baptized on April 11th, and was
given the name Kinga Sophia.
The sponsor was Julie Lockheart.
The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Volan was baptized on April
18th and given the name Angela
Luxia. Victoria Kaloudis was the
sponsor.
Track & Field: Boys & Girls, 7-18
Swimming: Boys & Girls, 8-18
10-K Run: Boys, Girls, Adults, 13-99
Tennis: Boys & Girls, 13-18
Table Tennis: Boys & Girls, 13-18
Chess: Boys & Girls, 8-18
Checkers: Boys & Girls, 8-18
Backgammon: Boys & Girls, 8-18
Basketball: Boys & Girls, 7-13
Soccer: Boys & Girls, 7-16
Softball: Boys & Girls, 13-18
Volleyball: Boys & Girls, 13-18
Bowling: Boys & Girls, 13-18
Wrestling: Boys & Girls, 9-18
The daughter of Mr. & Mrs.
George & Georgia Tsiggolis was
baptized on April 25th and given
the name Maria Katerina. Nicholas & Peggy Garbes were the
sponsors.
Να σας ζήσουν!
Participants! It is time to register. The coaches for each sport
will contact you when practices are scheduled during the month
of May. Look for postings on our parish website: www.SaintSpyridon.org.
TREE OF LOVE
In the main hallway of St. Spyridon stands a golden and bronze
“Tree of Love” with an icon of our patron saint at its base. This
“Tree of Love” is a symbol of our commitment to the ministry of
our community.
With great hope for our community’s future and with love for St.
Spyridon, we invite you to join the numerous supporters whose
names are engraved on these golden and bronze leaves in recognition of their gifts to the Church. There are numerous ways to
contribute to our “Tree of Love” such as to honor a friend or in
memory of loved ones. For more information, please call the
Church Office.
A memorial service for all the souls
commemorated on the Tree of Love will be held on
Sunday, May 24th, 2015.
SACRAMENTS
FUNERALS
Betty Chiangouris fells asleep in
the Lord on April 21st. Her funeral service took place on April
25th and was laid to rest at Bethania.
Spiros Drikos fell asleep in the
Lord on April 26th. His funeral
took place at St. Spyridon on
April 30th and he was laid to rest
at Bethania Cemetery.
May their memory be eternal!
MEMORIALS
Sunday, April 26th
†40 days for Maria Pitouras
†40 days for Andrew Besbekos
†6 months for Nick Vardalos
May their memory be eternal!
St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church
13
ΚΟΙΝΟΤΙΚΑ ΝΕΑ
Ο Άγιος Νεομάρτυς Αργύριος γεννήθηκε το 1788 στην
Επανωμή της Θεσσαλονίκης από τον Αστέριο και τη Βασιλική,
το γένος Ντουγιούδη. Σε νεαρή ηλικία ήλθε στην Θεσσαλονίκη,
όπου προσλήφθηκε από κάποιον ράπτη ως υπηρέτης.
Κατά τις ημέρες εκείνες κάποιος Χριστιανός από τη Σοχό
βρισκόταν κλεισμένος στη φυλακή του πασά της
Θεσσαλονίκης για κάποιο έγκλημα που είχε κάνει. Μην
έχοντας να πληρώσει τα χρήματα που του ζητούσε ο πασάς,
τον απειλούσε ότι θα τον κρεμάσει. Μπροστά στην απειλή του
θανάτου ο φυλακισμένος αποφάσισε να αλλαξοπιστήσει. Το
γεγονός αυτό χαροποίησε τους Αγαρηνούς, οι οποίοι αμέσως
τον έβγαλαν από την φυλακή και τον πήγαν σε ένα καφενείο
στην τοποθεσία Ταχτάκαλα με σκοπό να τον μυήσουν στη
μουσουλμανική θρησκεία.
Ο Αργύριος, που είχε πληροφορηθεί το γεγονός, εισήλθε και
αυτός στο καφενείο και άρχισε να τον ελέγχει για το
παράπτωμά του και ταυτοχρόνως να τον παρακινεί, για να
επιστρέψει και πάλι στην Ορθόδοξη πίστη. Η στάση του αυτή
προκάλεσε τόσο πολύ τους Γενίτσαρους, που όρμησαν επάνω
του και άρχισαν να τον γρονθοκοπούν τόσο άγρια, ώστε θα τον
σκότωναν, εάν δεν ανέστελλε την οργή τους η ελπίδα μήπως
και μπορέσουν να τον προσελκύσουν στην δική τους πίστη.
Προσπάθησαν, λοιπόν, απειλώντας τον ότι θα τον σκοτώσουν,
να τον αναγκάσουν να αλλαξοπιστήσει. Σα βροντή ακούσθηκε
η φωνή του Νεομάρτυρα: «Είμαι Χριστιανός και δεν αρνιέμαι
την πίστη μου. Δόξα και τιμή μου ο Σταυρός του Χριστού.
Επιθυμία μου είναι να αποθάνω για την πίστη και την αγάπη
του Χριστού».
Οι Αγαρηνοί τότε οδήγησαν τον Αργύριο στον κριτή, ενώπιον
του οποίου προσπάθησαν και πάλι να τον μεταπείσουν
μεταχειριζόμενοι πότε απειλές και πότε κολακείες και
υποσχέσεις για δώρα και αξιώματα. Μετά από δύο ημέρες, οι
Γενίτσαροι, επανέλαβαν και πάλι τις προσπάθειές τους, χωρίς
όμως αποτέλεσμα. Ζήτησαν λοιπόν από τον κριτή να διατάξει
την εκτέλεσή του. Αυτός όμως, βλέποντας ότι ο Αργύριος δεν
είχε διαπράξει κάποιο αδίκημα άξιο θανάτου, προσπάθησε να
κατευνάσει την οργή των εξαγριωμένων Τούρκων και να τους
πείσει πως δεν είναι δίκαιο να σκοτώσουν έναν αθώο άνθρωπο.
Εκείνοι ταράχθηκαν και εξαγριώθηκαν εναντίον του και έτσι ο
κριτής διέταξε την διά απαγχονισμού θανάτωσή του.
Έτσι, σε ηλικία μόλις δεκαοκτώ ετών, το 1806 και ημέρα
Παρασκευή, ο Άγιος Νεομάρτυς Αργύριος οδηγήθηκε σε ένα
τόπο λεγόμενο Καμπάν (σημερινό Καπάνι), στην κεντρική
αγορά της πόλεως, όπου και απαγχονίσθηκε και επισφράγισε
την ομολογία του στον Χριστό με τη θυσία του αίματός του.
14
The Voice
ΕΟΡΤΗ ΤΗΣ ΜΗΤΕΡΑΣ
Τήν Κυριακή, 10 Μαΐου, ἑορταστικό
γεῦμα θά δοθεῖ στήν Κοινοτική Αἲθουσα
πρός τιμήν τῆς ἑορτῆς τῆς Μητέρας,
μετά
τήν
Θεία
Λειτουργία.
Παρακαλοῦμε νά τηλεφωνήσετε στό
Γραφεῖο γιά κλείσεις θέσεων.
ΤΡΙΣΑΓΙΑ
Τήν Δευτέρα, 25η Μαΐου, ο π. Τηλέμαχος
θά διαβάζει τρισάγια στο κοιμητήριο του
Evergreen, ἀπό τίς 9:00 π.μ. μέχρι τίς
11:30 π.μ.., καί στό Bethania στις 1:00 μ.μ..
Όλες οι Ελληνορθόδοξες Κοινότητες των
νοτίων προαστίων του Σικάγου θα
παρευρεθούν στο κοινό Τρισάγιο στίς
10:30 π.μ.
Επίσης θα προσφερθεί Τρισάγιο στην
Εκκλησία
για
όλους
όσους
μνημονεύονται στο «Tree of Love» την
Κυριακή 24 Μαΐου μετά την Θεία
Λειτουργία.
ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΦΙΛΟΞΕΝΙΑ
H «Χριστιανική Φιλοξενία» καλεί όλους
τους ηλικιωμένους Ορθοδόξους των
νοτίων προαστίων του Σικάγου στήν
ενορία τοῦ Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος, την
Δευτέρα, 1ην Ιουνίου, 2015. Ο Όρθρος
αρχίζει στις 8:00 π.μ. Και ακολουθεί η
Θεία Λειτουργία. Το γεύμα προσφέρεται
δωρεάν
από
τ ην
Φ ιλ όπτ ωχον
Αδελφότητα του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος.
Παρακαλούμε όπως τηλεφωνήσετε την
εκκλησία για κλείσεις θέσεων.
ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΠΛΟΥΤΑΡΧΟΣ
Ευχαριστήσουμε όλους τους μαθητές του
σχολείου μας που διάβασαν τις
προσευχές στον Χριστό και την Παναγία
μας κατά τους Χαιρετισμούς της
Θεοτόκου. Το σχολείο μας θα είναι
κλειστό την Δευτέρα 25 Μαΐου για την
εορτή των Μνημοσύνων. Η εορτή της
αποφήτησης θα γίνει την Παρασκευή, 5
Ιουνίου.
SCHEDULE OF DIVINE SERVICES
Saturday, May 2nd
Sunday, May 3rd
Tuesday, May 5th
Wednesday, May 6th
Saturday, May 9th
Sunday, May 10th
Saturday, May 16th
Sunday, May 17th
Monday, May 18th
Wednesday, May 20th
Great Vespers—5:00 p.m.
4th Sunday of Pascha—Sunday of the Paralytic, Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m.
St. Irene the Great Martyr—Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m.
The Feast of Mid-Pentecost, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m.
Great Vespers—6:00 p.m.
5th Sunday of Pascha, The Samaritan Woman, Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m.
Great Vespers - 6:00 p.m.
6th Sunday of Pascha, Sunday of the Blind Man, Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m.
Paraklesis—6:00 p.m.
Apodosis of Pascha—Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m.
Great Vespers at SS. Constantine & Helen Church, Palos Hills—7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 21st
Ascension of our Lord, SS. Constantine & Helen , Orthros & Divine Liturgy —8:00 a.m.
Saturday, May 23rd
Great Vespers - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 24th
7th Sunday of Pascha, Sunday of the Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council, Orthros
& Divine Liturgy - 8:00 a.m.
Wednesday, May 27th St. John the Russian, Orthros & Divine Liturgy — 8:00 a.m.
Saturday, May 30th
Saturday of the Souls, Orthros, Divine Liturgy & Memorial Service —8:00 a.m.
Great Vespers - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 31st
Sunday of Pentecost, (no fasting all week), Orthros, Divine Liturgy and Vespers of
Pentecost (the Kneeling) —8:00 a.m. * Great Vespers at Holy Trinity Church, Chicago,
IL. —7:00 p.m.
Monday, June 1st
Monday of the Holy Spirit, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Christian Philoxenia
ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ
Σάββατο 2 Μαΐου
Κυριακή 3 Μαΐου
Τρίτη 5 Μαΐου
Tετάρτη 6 Μαΐου
Σάββατο 9 Μαΐου
Κυριακή 10 Μαΐου
Σάββατο 16 Μαΐου
Κυριακή 17 Μαΐου
Δευτέρα 18 Μαΐου
Tετάρτη 20 Μαΐου
Πέμπτη 21 Μαΐου
Σαββατο 23 Μαΐου
Κυριακή 24 Μαΐου
Τετάρτη 27 Μαΐου
Σάββατο 30 Μαΐου
Κυριακή 31 Μαΐου
Δευτέρα 1 Ιουνίου
Μέγας Εσπερινός —5:00 μ.μ.
4η Κυριακή του Πάσχα, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ.
Αγίας Ειρήνης, Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία &Αρτοκλασία—8 π.μ.
Μεσοπεντηκοστή, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία —8:00 π.μ.
Μέγας Εσπερινός —6:00 μ.μ.
5η Κυριακή του Πάσχα, Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία –8:00 π.μ.
Μέγας Εσπερινός —6:00 μ.μ.
6η Κυριακή του Πάσχα, του Τυφλού, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ
Παράκλησις—6:00 μ.μ.
Απόδοση του ΠΑΣΧΑ, , Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ.
Μέγας Εσπερινός στον Ιερό Ναό των Αγίων Κωνσταντίνου & Ελένης—7:00 μ.μ.
Ανάληψις του Κυρίου, Αγίων Κωνσταντίνου & Ελένης
Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία —8:00 π.μ
Μέγας Εσπερινός—6:00 μ.μ.
7η Κυριακή του Πάσχα, των Πατέρων της 1ης Οικουμενικού Συνόδου, Όρθρος &
Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ.
Αγ. Ιωάννου του Ρώσσου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία —8:00 π.μ.
Ψυχοσάββατο—Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία και Μνημόσυνο—8:00 π.μ. * Μέγας
Εσπερινός —6:00 μ.μ.
Κυριακή της Πεντηκοστής—Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία & Μέγας Εσπερινός—8:00
π.μ. (όλη την εβδομάδα κατάλυση των πάντων) * Μέγας Εσπερινός στον Ιερό Ναό
Αγίας Τριάδας—7:00 μ.μ.
Του Αγίου Πνεύματος, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία —8:00 π.μ.
Χριστιανική Φιλοξενία
St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church
15
PENTECOST SUNDAY
Sunday School Graduation
31
Memorial Day
Office Closed
“Tree of Love” Memorial
Junior Olympics @
SS.Constantine & Helen
27
Bible Study—10:30 a.m.
Iconography - 6 pm
School—4:30p.m.
p.m.
*Greek
Greek School—4:30
* Youth Dance—7 p.m.
27
22
School—4:30p.m.
p.m.
*Greek
Greek School—4:30
*High school Seminar—
6:30 p.m.
*Handmaidens Movie
Night
20
15
School—4:30p.m.
p.m.
*Greek
Greek School—4:30
*OPEN GYM @ 6:30 p.m.
*Orthodox Study - 7p.m.
30
28
23
*Byz.
Olympics @ a.m.
JuniorMusic—10:30
Dance—11
a.m.
*Greek
& Helen
Constantine
SS.
* Pee-Wee B-ball - 12
noon
21
16
* Byzantine Music—
Altar Boy Mtg 10:30 am
10:30 a.m.
Handmaidens 10:30 am
*Greek Dance—11 a.m.
HOPE—10:30 a.m.
* Pee-Wee B-ball - 12
Pee-Wee Ball 11:30 a.m
noon
*
14
9
Boys &
*Altar
for Mother’s
Preparation
a.m.
Handmaidens—10
Luncheon
Day
*Greek Dance—11 a.m.
* Pee-Wee B-ball - 12
noon
* Byzantine Music—12
noon
*Greek Dance—11 a.m.
Handmaidens 10:30 am
*PeeWee BBall Game
HOPE—10:30 a.m.
(home) - 2:30 p.m.
Pee-Wee Ball 11:30 a.m
*P.T.A. Outing—6:30
pm
*High school Seminar—
6:30 p.m.
13
8
7
2
School—4:30
p.m. *Byz. Music—10 am
*GreekSchool—4:30
p.m.
Greek
Altar Boy Mtg 10:30 am
SATURDAY
61
FRIDAY
29
Fall of Constantinople Greek School—4:30 p.m.
Program
28
26
21
19
14
GOYA
& Jr.
GOYA
Academy
Archangels
Meeting—7:00 p.m.
Dinner
*Iconography
- 6 pm OCMC
Graduation
Archangels Academy
Archangels
Music
a.m.
*Byzant.
Cherubs—10:30
-7 pm
25
20
GOYA & Jr GOYA—7 pm Bible Study—10:30 a.m.
Bible Study—7:00 p.m.
26
25
24
24
19
School-4:30
pm
*Greek
Cherubs—11:00
Academy
Archangels
ArchangArchangels a.m.
Study -pm
*Orthodox
5 p.m. 100th Anniver Mtg-7 pm
Greek School-4:30
Bible Study*Greek
Music—5pm
Byzantine
7:30pm
Bible Study- 7pm
23
18
22
17
Iconography
- 6 pm
Archangels Academy
18
13
Parish Council Mtg-7 pm Cherubs—10:30 a.m.
GOYA & Jr GOYA—7 pm Bible Study—10:30 a.m.
Iconography - 6 pm
Bible Study—7:00 p.m.
a.m.
Cherubs—11:00
Archangels
17
12
12
7
GOYA & Jr. GOYA
Meeting—7:00 p.m.
5
THURSDAY
Council
*Iconography—6
Academy
Archangels Academy pm Parish
Archangels
a.m.
Cherubs—10:30
Music
*Byzant.
- 7pm Meeting—7:00 p.m.
11
6
*Iconography - 6 pm
*Byzant. Music - 7pm
4
WEDNESDAY
Festival Mtg-7 pm
GOYA & Jr GOYA—7 pm Bible Study—10:30 a.m.
Iconography - 6 pm
Bible Study—7:00 p.m.
a.m.
Cherubs—11:00
Archangels
10
5
Cherubs - 11:00 a.m.
3
TUESDAY
School
*Sunday
Sunday School
*Philoptochos
Bible Bowl
Apokreatiko
Luncheon
School-4:30
pm
*Greek
Academy
Archangels
Study -pm
*Orthodox
5 p.m.
Greek School-4:30
*Greek Bible Study7:30pm
16
11
School
Sunday
Sunday School
Meeting
P.T.A.
Mother’s Day Luncheon
15
10
9
4
8
3
School-4:30
pm
Greek
Academy
Archangels
Greek School-4:30 pm
PTA Meeting—5:00 p.m.
*Greek School-4:30 pm
*Orthodox Study - p.m.
*Greek Bible Study7:30pm
School
*Sunday
Sunday School
*Philoptochos Mtg.
*St. Nectarios @ St.
Spyridon B-Ball—
2:15 pm
2
*Sunday School
*P.T.A. Artoclasia
*Hellenic Letters
Metropolis Luncheon
MONDAY
1
SUNDAY
2012
MAY
May 2015
All our Greek School families
are invited to our 2nd Annual
PLUTARCHOS
GRADUATION
& AWARDS DINNER
Monday, June 5th, 2015
St. Spyridon Community Hall
Dinner & Program begins
at 5:00 p.m.
Donation: $20 for adults
Free for children under 15
Please call the church office to make your
reservation by Tuesday, June 2nd.
Οι μαθητές του Ελληνικού μας
Σχολείου ΠΛΟΥΤΑΡΧΟΣ
Σας προσκαλούν στον εορτασμόν
των αποφοίτων
Δευτέρα, 5 Ιουνίου, 2015
Κοινοτική Αίθουσα του Αγίου
Σπυρίδωνος –5 μ.μ.
Δείπνο, τραγούδια, Ελληνικούς χορούς
και εορταστικό πρόγραμμα
Δωρεά ενηλίκων—$20
Μαθητές δωρεάν
Για κλείσεις θέσεων τηλεφωνήσετε την
Εκκλησία πριν τις 2 Ιουνίου
Archangels Academy Presents
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF FUN!!!
SUMMER CAMP
June 1st- June 12th
Monday through Friday * 9am to 12noon
CAMP IS OPEN TO 4-6 YEAR OLDS.
Camp will be held five days a week for two weeks. You may register for one week or both. Fee
includes a t-shirt and daily snacks.
Curriculum will include themed arts and crafts, Greek, religion, language, math and science
concepts.
June 1st - 5th ($85)
CAMP OPTIONS
June 8th - 12th ($85)
June 1st - 12th ($150)
St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church
17
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 12th—Parish Council Meeting
May 10th—Mother’s Day Luncheon
St. Spyridon’s
Greek Festival
May 21st—Archangels Graduation
12307 S. Ridgeland,
Palos Heights
May 22nd—24th—Jr. Olympics
July 11th & 12th
May 24th—”Tree of Love” Memorial
Saturday from
4 p.m. — midnight
May 31st—Sunday School Graduation
May 25th—Memorial Day
June 1st—Philoxenia Luncheon
June 1st-12th—Archangels Camp
June 5th—Plutarchos Graduation
June 22nd-26th—Summer Camp
ANNUAL SUMMER
FESTIVAL
July 11th & 12th
Sunday from
noon—11 p.m.
Authentic Greek Cuisine
Homemade Greek
Pastries
Admission: Adults $2
Greek Music & Dancing
Children under 12 FREE
Kiddie Rides
Plus, Car Raffle!
For more info,
St. Spyridon Dancers call (708) 385-2311
Saturday & Sunday
FREE PARKING & SHUTTLE
Attend Church Regularly with Your Family!
St. Spyridon Hellenic
Orthodox Church
12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue
Palos Heights, IL 60463