From Glory to Glory The monthly newsletter of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Fr. Strzelecki Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos September 2016 Panagia Tsambika 1755 Des Peres Road Town & Country, MO 63131-1405 Centuries ago the of Panagia Tsambika was located at the Holy Phone: 314-966-2255 Monastery Panagia Kykkos in Cyprus. In a miraculous manner, the would Kitchen: 314-966-6720 leave Cyprus and go to the mountain Zambiki of the in Rhodes. This Web Site: www.assumptiongoc.org would upset the monks of Kykkos and they went to all lengths within their power

Office: Diakonissa Kristen Vogt to confine the icons Email: [email protected] On the Mount Zambiki the icon hid in a cypress tree. In the opposite region near the spring of Aimahiou a humble shepherd lived and he saw a strange light Bookkeeper: Diane Sieckmann coming from Zambiki. At first he ignored it, but after three days of seeing the Email: [email protected] light he decided to climb the mountain to see what it was. Afraid that it might be thieves, he first notified the men of the village who grabbed their guns and went Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos with him. Email: [email protected] When they reached the top of the mountain they saw to their amazement that the light came from the icon of the Mary on the cypress tree, and it the icon like a vigil light. It was from this that the icon received it’s name , as the Important Dates word tsamba in the local dialect of Rhodes means “spark” or “small fire”; the word has Turkish origins. The villagers brought the icon to the village, but the September 1 icon would leave and go to the spot it was found. After three repeated attempts it Ecclesiastical New Year was figured that it was the will of the Panagia to have a church build on that spot. The cypress tree is still there and can be viewed by the faithful. On its root September 8 there is a hole which sometimes releases warm or cold air, depending on the Nativity of the weather. It should be underlined that the miraculous icon of Panagia Tsambika came September 14 from Cyprus three times. The monks of Kykkou Monastery located the icon in Elevation of the Holy Cross Rhodes and they took it back to Cyprus, but the icon returned to the same spot in Rhodes. In order to verify that the icon really left Cyprus the monks burned the September 16 back of the icon. This burned part can be seen very clearly till today. the From that time the icon has never left Rhodes. There were attempts to bring it to other parts of Greece for it to be venerated by the faithful, but each time in a September 20 miraculous manner the icon would return back to Rhodes. However in 2002 a Eustathios the Greaet martyr chapel was built in honor of Panagia Tsambikas in Pera Horio of Cyprus, and the faithful asked for the consecration to take place in July 24th. The icon of Panagia September 23 Tsambikas was brought from Rhodes by Metropolitan Kyrillos of Rhodes with Conception of three priests. For three days the icon remained in Cyprus and was returned back to Rhodes by the Metropolitan. September 26 The Holy Monastery Panagia Tsambikas celebrates its feast day on Falling Asleep of September 8th to honor the Nativity of the Theotokos, and on the Third Sunday St. John the Theologian of the Great Fast when we commemorate the Holy Cross. One the of the oldest miracles associated with Panagia Tsambikais is tied September 28 around the buildings which surround the Monastery. These buildings belonged to Chariton the Confessor a Turkish Pasha whose wife was unable to bear children. Learning of Panagia Tsambika, the wife of the Pasha prayed to her and ate the wick which burned the

fire of the vigil lamp before the holy icon. Soon thereafter she found out she was [Continued on page 2]

2016 Parish Council [Continued from page 1]

Fr. Joseph Strzelecki pregnant, though the Pasha did not believe it and even believed the child was Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos from another man. When the child was born, however it held within its had the Scott Thompson, President wick the mother had eaten. As a thank offering, the Pasha gave all his property Greg Simos, Vice President Elefteria Marcou, Secretary surrounding the Monastery to the Monastery. Gus Harris, Treasurer Lower Panagia Tsamika Dean Bellos Pam Martin Panagia Tsambika is unique but she is Despina M. Bellos Dr. Farid Sadaka honored and venerated in two places. The one Gantner Dr. Tom Stamos Dr. James Hoekel Tonis Zafiropoulos monastery is high on the Sacred Hill, where Greg Kanteres Jim Zoumbas the Higher Panagia, or the Lady (Kyra) is Carol Marshall venerated. The other monastery, which is also a Adult Orthodox Christians (18 years & older): center of religious joy and consolation for the Diane Sieckmann believers, is by the highway and it is called Acolytes: Alban Mosher, John Nicholas Panagia of Lower Tsambika. Bible Study: In the region that the well-known and old Panagia Tsambika monastery lies Fr. Daniel Morton today, there was a temple of the goddess Artemis in the classical period, as it is Bookstore: stated in an Epigram, that is a Sacred Law, where sacrifices and Dr. Joseph Steinger, Diakonissa Kristen Vogt Cantors: oblations to the goddess Artemis, the patron of hunting, are mentioned. An an- Steve Bellos cient necropolis has been located, with tombs dating from the Mycenaean and Choir: the Hellenistic periods. An ancient inscription was also found, which describes Stephanie Saunders the offering of sacrifices by a woman to the goddess Artemis. Church Tours On the 8th of September every year thousands of believers come from all Janice Hazeltine Festival: over the island to the Virgin Mary. The church itself is of the Dodecanese type Greg Simos, Art Liyeos and it is covered externally with concave tiles. The floor of the church is covered Friday Luncheon: with pebbles, as it was common in older times to cover the yards and the floors Art Liyeos of houses and churches with black and white sea pebbles in various religious Greek School Rena Pelican patterns, This fine church has an excellent wooden icon screen. The icons date GOYA (9th -12th Grade): from the 19th century, while the icon screen is older Yvonne Alexopoulos, Dr. Jenny Kardaris Higher Panagia Tsambika Greek Dancers Whilst sunning Kyklos: Dean Bellos yourself on a sunbed at Armonia: Stella Afentoullis Ta Paidakia: Aliki Malek Tsambika you may no- Greeters: tice a tiny white building Eleni Murphy, Mary Pitliangas atop the hill on the left JOY (4 years - 4th Grade) hand side of the bay (as Dr. Deborah Cosmopoulos Jr. GOYA (5th - 8th Grades) you face the sea). This is Alki Lappas Case Panagia Tsambika Kafenio Monastery, sometime Art Liyeos also known as Kyra (Our Orthodox Faith & Life: Lady). To visit it and admire the tremendous views there from the top, then you Dr. Farid Sadaka Philoptochos: have to navigate a concrete road that twists and Elefteria Marcou, President turns steeply up the main road. The rest of the Premarital Classes journey has to be made on foot - 207 stony Susan Cassimatis stairs. The Monastery itself is tiny but has a Prison Ministries: Bill Goranitis reputation for helping women conceive - on its Stewardship: feast day barren women climb on their knees or Afentoullis barefoot up here to pray for children and when Sunday School: the happy event occurs the child is often called Diane Sieckmann Tsambiko (boy) or Tsambika (girl). This name Vacation Church School (VCS) Anna Sadaka is unique on Rhodes. If you doubt this habit, just Women’s Bookstudy: call this name out on a busy street in Rhodes, Presvytera Laura Morton and you will see how successful the Monastery Young Adult Ministry (18-30 yrs): is. Fr. Anastasios & Presvytera Elizabeth www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/09/holy-monastery-of-panagia-tsambikas-of.html?=1Tsambika Young Married Couples: Fr. Anastaisos & Presvytera Elizabeth

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Twelfth Annual AHEPA 53 Elections Congratulations to the new AHEPA Nativity of the Virgin Mary officers Steve King - President George Pelican - Vice President Chris Paradowski - Treasuere Harry Lemakis - Secretary

From the Parish Council Friday, September 30, 2016 American Legion Post 581 No building changes or any alterations may be made 375 East Locust in our facility without the Parish Council’s Columbia, IL 62236 approval. This includes fixtures and decorations

throughout the Church grounds. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Play begins at 7:00 pm

$15 per person 8 people per table The Parish Council asks all parents to please keep Cash Bar their children off the stage in the Church hall and away To make reservations contact Eva Pelak from the curtain. This will help prevent injuries to our 314-602-2999 or [email protected] children and to the Church facility.

Under the Shelter of Our Panagia New Chairs Take refuge often in our Panagia. I love As many of you may have noticed, our Panagia very much. You love her also. the chairs in the Philoptochos room She is the mediatrice for our salvation. have been replaced and now match Every object shines under the light of the the chairs in the hall. sun, according to its form. But the mirror If you would like to donate the cost reflects the entire sun. Our Panagia is a of one or more of the chairs, please mirror: she reflects all the glory of Christ. call the Church office at 314-966- She has become the Mother of all Chris- 2255. tians. Each chair is $19.00. For this reason, because we fear to face Christ on account of our many iniquities, all men take refuge in our Panagia -- that she might intercede for our sins, just as we run to our mother with much boldness. +Elder Ieronymos of Aegina Help Needed Household assistance needed Wednesdays and Thursdays, and possibly one more day a week for an Paxamadia for Memorials older woman. The ability to speak Greek would be The traditional Paxamadia, a helpful. For more information, please contact the Church traditional makaria dessert, can be office at 314-966-2255. purchased at the Assumption for $25 for 50 pieces or $50.00 for 100 pieces. Orders for the Paxamadia may be placed at the time arrangements are made for the memorial with the Church office 314-966-2255

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AGAPE Parish Family Nights October Edition: Orthodox Costume Contest

Our first AGAPE Parish Family Night will be Saturday October 15

For our first Parish Family night we have something extra special planned!

Great Vespers at 5:00 pm followed by Dinner at around 6:15 pm.

After dinner we will break out into discussion groups for a brief spiritual discussion.

Then, the real festivities begin. We will be having a costume contest, featuring an ORTHODOX SAINTS costume contest.

It will be broken down into four categories: Adult, GOYA (High School), JR. GOYA (Middle School), and HOPE (Elementary School)

Each group will be competing for fun prizes. Grand Prize for best all around costume will win a $50 Amazon Gift Card! So get creative, think of a that would be fun and interesting to dress up as, and we’ll see you on Saturday October 15th!

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Altar Boy Choir Girl Retreat

September 10 10:30 am Grades 3-12

Boys and girls will both learn about the holy Altar and the importance of actively participating in Church services. Both boys and girls will be taught some of the finer points of serving in the altar and singing in the choir. Lunch and games to follow! Contact Fr. Anastasios 314-966-2255 to register or September 11 for more information. is the first day of Sunday School!

and to celebrate we are inviting all parishioners to a

PARISH PICNIC (FOLLOWING THE DIVINE LITURGY) at Love Park—Mary’s Shelter 2239 Mason Ln, Ballwin, MO 63021 Directions from Church: Head south on Des Peres Rd., take the Manchester Rd W/MO-100 ramp, merge on to Manchester Rd/W, in approximately 1.4 miles Time to clean out your jewelry closets. turn left onto Mason Lane and continue to Love Park The Assumption Philoptochos Society is Mary’s Shelter. sponsoring a jewelry resale. Bring us any We will provide: unwanted jewelry and drop it off in the Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Soda and Water Church office. We will price it and start

Please bring a potluck side dish or selling on Sundays during coffee hour dessert to share. beginning in September. All proceeds to

benefit Philopotochos charities. If you have Come relax with your family and friends. For more information call any questions, please call our chairperson Call the Church office at 314-966-2255 Janice Kanteres at 314-308-7816.

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Righteous Joshua the son of Nun fifteen-year-old Mamas was arrested and brought to trial. In deference to his illustrious parentage, Democritus decided (Navi) not to subject him to torture, but instead sent him off to the Commemorated onSeptember 1 emperor Aurelian (270-275). The emperor tried at first Saint Joshua (Jesus), the son of Navi, was leader of the kindly, but then with threats to turn St Mamas back to the Israelites after the death of the Prophet . He was pagan faith, but all in vain. The saint bravely confessed born in Egypt around 1654 B.C. and succeeded Moses himself a Christian and pointed out the madness of the when he was eighty-five. He ruled the Israelites for pagans in their worship of lifeless idols. twenty-five years. Infuriated, the emperor subjected the youth to cruel Joshua conquered the Promised Land, and led the tortures. They tried to drown the saint, but an angel of the Hebrew nation into it. The Lord worked a great miracle Lord saved St Mamas and bade him live on a high mountain through Joshua. He stopped the Jordan from flowing, in the wilderness, not far from Caesarea. Bowing to the will allowing the Israelites to cross over on foot as if on dry of God, the saint built a small church there and began to land (Joshua 3). St Michael, the Leader of the Heavenly lead a life of strict temperance, in exploits of fasting and Hosts, appeared to Joshua (Joshua 5:13-15). The walls of prayer. Soon he received a remarkable power over the forc- fell down by themselves after the Ark of the es of nature: wild beasts inhabiting the surrounding wilder- Covenant was carried around the city for seven days ness gathered at his abode and listened to the reading of the (Joshua 6:20). Finally, during a battle with the Holy Gospel. St Mamas nourished himself on the milk of enemy, Joshua, by God’s will, halted the motion of the sun wild goats and deer. (Joshua 10:13) and prolonged the day until victory was The saint did not ignore the needs of his neighbors. won. Preparing cheese from this milk, he gave it away freely to After the end of the war, Joshua divided the Promised the poor. Soon the fame of St Mamas' life spread Land among the Twelve Tribes of Israel. He died at 110 throughout all of Caesarea. The governor sent a detachment years of age (1544 B.C.), commanding the nation to of soldiers to arrest him. When they encountered St Mamas preserve the Law of Moses. All these events are recounted on the mountain, the soldiers did not recognize him, and in the Book of Joshua, the sixth book of the Old mistook him for a simple shepherd. The saint then invited Testament. them to his dwelling, gave them a drink of milk and then https://oca.org/saints/lives told them his name, knowing that death for Christ awaited him. The told the servant of the Emperor to Martyr Mamas of Caesarea in Cappadocia go on ahead of him into Caesaria, promising that he would Commemorated on September 2 soon follow. The soldiers waited for him at the gates of the The Holy Great Martyr Mamas was born in Paphlagonia, city, and St Mamas, accompanied by a lion, met them there. Asia Minor in the third century of pious and illustrious Surrendering himself into the hands of the torturers, St parents, the Christians Theodotus and Rufina. The parents Mamas was brought to trial under a deputy governor named of the saint were arrested by the pagans for their open Alexander, who subjected him to intense and prolonged confession of their faith and locked up in prison in tortures. They did not break the saint’s will, however. He Caesarea in Cappadocia. was strengthened by the words addressed to him from Knowing his own bodily weakness, Theodotus prayed above: “Be strong and take courage, Mamas.” that the Lord would take him before being subjected to When they threw St Mamas to the wild beasts, these tortures. The Lord heard his prayer and he died in prison. creatures would not touch him. Finally, one of the pagan St Rufina died also after him, after giving birth to a priests struck him with a trident. Mortally wounded, St premature son. She entrusted him to God, beseeching Him Mamas went out beyond the city limits. There, in a small to be the Protector and Defender of the orphaned infant. stone cave, he gave up his spirit to God, Who in the hearing God heard the dying prayer of St Rufina: a rich Christian of all summoned the holy Martyr Mamas into His heavenly widow named Ammia reverently buried the bodies of Sts habitation. He was buried by believers at the place of his Theodotus and Rufina, and she took the boy into her own death. home and raised him as her own son. St Mamas grew up Christians soon began to receive help from him in their in the Christian Faith. His foster mother concerned herself afflictions and sorrows. St Basil the Great speaks thus about with the developing of his natural abilities, and early on the holy Martyr Mamas in a sermon to the people: she sent him off to study his grammar. “Remember the holy martyr, you who live here and have The boy learned easily and willingly. He was not of an him as a helper. You who call on his name have been age of mature judgment but distinguished himself by ma- helped by him. Those in error he has guided into life. Those turity of mind and of heart. By means of prudent conver- whom he has healed of infirmity, those whose children were sations and personal example young Mamas converted dead he has restored to life, those whose life he has many of his own peers to Christianity. prolonged: let us all come together as one, and praise the The governor, Democritus, was informed of this, and the martyr!” https://oca.org/saints/lives 6

We don’t have many youth events during the summer months, but we were able to squeeze in a couple.

On July 30, GOYA invited the college students to attend the annual float trip. They took a 5 mile float down the Meramec River in Branson , MO hosted by the Riverview Ranch. The weather couldn’t have been better, the water was pretty clear and moved nicely. We stopped at a nice sandbank and enjoyed our packed lunches. By the end of the 5 miles we had worked pretty hard and didn’t want our time together to end so enjoyed dinner together at Steak-n -Shake. To see more pictures please visit our Facebook page.

College Addresses In an effort to keep in touch with, and minister to, our college students, we ask anyone with a son or daughter in college to contact the Church office with the address, phone, and email.

It’s an easier task to keep our kids together through high school. Once they graduate and enter the next phase of their lives, college usually takes them in all different directions. We are working hard on continuing that bond even though we have less opportunity. We hope to be better able to stay in touch with our college students through college care packages, email, social media, and organizing opportunities to be together at various times of the year. We met a Michael’s Bar and Grill on Saturday, August 6 for one last time before they all leave for school. I would say a good time was had by all. Please remember all our youth, near and far, in your prayers. Have a great year!!

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The Chicago Metropolis Federation of HELLENIC CULTURE CAMP Greek Orthodox Church Musicians St. Nicholas Family Life Center Summer 2016 More than 60 children from our area Greek Presents: Orthodox Churches were able to take part in this

year’s 22nd annual Hellenic Culture Camp - a The 2016 Youth Choir Conference & JOY Advent Retreat wonderful opportunity for our children and grandchildren to learn more about their Hellenic Choir Director: Diana Ott heritage in many fun and interesting ways. Organist: George Panagopoulos The campers experienced culturally enriching The Liturgy of St. activities including Greek arts and crafts, history, (translated and arranged by Nancy Takis) mythology, language, cooking, dancing, sports, and an inspirational talk by Father Michael Arbanas while All children, ages 8-17, welcome: developing lasting friendships within our November 12-13, 2016 communities. The camp took place the week of July Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 18-22 and was open to all children entering grades 2 7021 Hohman Ave through 8. Hammond, Indiana 46324 Very special thanks go to the following adults who devoted a great deal of time and energy to For more information ,please contact making this year’s Hellenic Culture Camp a big Audrey Polite (219)742-7679 [email protected] success: Father Michael Arbanas for his spiritual or Presbytera Alikokos (708)715-4584 message to the campers; Diana Ott for her Greek his- [email protected] tory and mythology lessons; Mary Vidakis and Nikki Athanasiadis for Greek language instruction; Bess Fitzmaurice, Sue Lampros, Pat Lekich, and Renee Vleisides for Greek cooking; Georgia Johnson for Greek dancing; Rip Kastaris for his artistic expertise; and Emily Spanos and Barbara Corrigan who served as camp coordinators. 99th Annual St. Louis Also, thanks and gratitude to the young people Greek Festival who served as counselors throughout the week. Group Labor Day Weekend counselors were Julia Arbanas, Sophia Elbe, Dimitri Friday, Sept 2nd - Loli, Kathryn Mezines, Vanessa Mezines, Tim Monday, Sept 5th Palazzola, Anna Yannakakis, and Athena King. Sports counselors were Alex Russon, Michael Palazzola, Aris Sevastianos, and Tommy Sevastianos. NEW Kick-Off Event on Finally, special thanks to Hellenic Culture Camp Friday, September 2nd founder Johanna Spanos and the entire Spanos family starting at 11:00 a.m. for their continued support and to Julie Dwyer at Vetta At Athens On The Street, new on Forest Park Ave! Sports. (Select menu of Festival Favorites, Beverages, and Live Music). Saturday & Sunday 11 am. to 9 pm. Unless we look at a person and see the beauty there Monday (Labor Day)11 am. to 8 pm is in this person, we can contribute nothing to him. One does not help a person by discerning what is 4967 Forest Park Avenue wrong, what is ugly, what is distorted. Christ looked at the corner of Forest Park and Kingshighway. at everyone he met, at the prostitute, at the thief, and saw the beauty hidden there. Perhaps it was distorted, Live Music, Church Tours & perhaps damaged, but it was beauty none the less, Books, Greek Folk Dancing, and Gift Shop - daily! and what he did was to call out his beauty. Metropolitan Anthony Bloom.

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Daily Prayer Basics: How to Pray Preparing to pray. Take time at the beginning of your prayer time to quiet your body and to concentrate Daily prayer is essential to a healthy Orthodox your mind and your heart. Christ says, “Enter into they Christian life. It is not an option. Here are some general closet and shut thy door.” (Matt 6:6). Set aside, to the best instructions for starting or restarting a life of prayer. of your ability, all of your concerns. Steady your mind to Why do we pray? Christ asks us to pray. He tells us concentrate on God. Try to bring about a feeling of in the Gospel of Luke, “How much more will the heavenly humility and reverent awe. Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” (Luke Follow a prayer rule and use written prayers in the 11:13). We pray so that God can help us to become more beginning. Have a specific rule for both morning and like Him in our actions, for renewal and the growth of our evening. Let your spiritual father help you choose a rule. soul, to give things to God for all he process for us, to seek Have a specific set of guidelines that you follow each time forgiveness for out sinfulness as humility is a prerequisite with no excuses. Incorporate standing, prostrations, for prayer. We can also pray to seek help for others as well kneeling, making the sign of the cross, reading at times or as ourselves. But we must not forget to pray for His help in singing. Prayer does not have to a creative activity but it our own spiritual growth. This is not selfish, but essential must be sincere. Keep your awareness in your heart and for us to better love and serve others and carry out God’s concentrate on the words of the prayer. Once you establish commandments. We can ask also for His help in supporting a rule, always keep it. us in the various ascetic practices we choose to undertake. Don’t rush, focus on each word. Enter into every Make your life a continuous prayer. The scriptures word of the prayer. Ring the meaning of the words down teach this: “Pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17). “Pray into your hear. Let them slowly drop into the depths of always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” Eph your heart with humility and awe of God. Become aware 6:158). “He spoke a parable to them that men always ought of God’s presence. When your mind wanders gently go to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18.1). God intends our back and recite again what you said while your mind was life to become one of constant prayer where we are elsewhere. Sometimes it helps to pray out loud for a while. continually in a relationship with Him. This is our main Bring yourself to a single focus on God. Work to task, to draw nearer to God. How do we do this? It is concentrate your attention more and more. Each day you impossible to draw near to God by any means other than will gain in your attentiveness during prayer. When you unceasing prayer. finish your prayers, stand for few moments . Consider to When to pray. Establish a regular time to pray as a what your prayer life commits you. Try to hold in your minimum a specific time in the morning and in the evening. heart what has been given to you. You will have to make changes- as is! This is important. We prepare the ground for our prayer when we shed Determine the length of time in consultation with your something which is not Christ’s which is unworthy of him spiritual father. Your time in prayer will grow as your and only the prayer of one who can, like St. Paul says, “I relationship with God grows. At first this will require live yet not I but Christ lives in me.” Is a real Christian discipline, but there will come a time when you can’t wait prayer. for the time to pray. Watch out for changes in your schedule Metropolitan Anthony Bloom including vacations and holidays and these are time when extra commitment will be needed. Where to Pray. Find a quiet private place where you will not be disturbed. This may be a corner in your bedroom. Hang a cross, icons of Christ and the Theotokos, Please help the Assumption Greek Orthodox and your patron saint. Add a candle that you can light while Church contribute to the rebuilding of St. Nicholas you prayer, a prayer book and Bible. Greek Orthodox Church in New York City. How to pray. Prayer needs no teacher. It requires On September 11th, St. Nicholas was demolished diligence, effort and personal ardor, and then God will be when the South Tower collapsed. St. Nicholas is its teacher. Pray with attention so that you can have true being rebuilt to show the resilience of the Orthodox encounter with God. Pray with humility because this sort of Church in the face of tragedy. prayer goes straight to God’s ear. Pray with affection and All parishes in the Archdiocese have been asked tears with joy and thanksgiving but also with true to raise $10,000 and join the parishioners of St. repentance and purity. Pray with patience and ardor to deny Nicholas in building what will be a worldwide oneself, courageously to persevere in prayer. Pray from the landmark. Please make checks out to Assumption depths of the heart even if we pray using the words of and write “St. Nicholas Shrine” in the memo line. another. They should be uttered as if they are our own. Pray Thank you! with faith and absolute trust in God because He knows our life.

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Philoptochos Corner We have several other fun events coming up and hope to see everyone there! Here is a list of them (you will get Hello to all of you! I hope you have enjoyed more information on each as time approaches): your summer! I hope to see all you wonderful ladies back for our meetings! It’s been awhile Metropolis Luncheon in Chicago Sept. 24, 2016 since I’ve written and we’ve been very busy! Visit from the Metropolis Philoptochos Board date tbd We started baking for our two festivals (Festival of Parish Dance Oct 1, 2016 Serve at FOCUS Oct. 2, 2016 the Little Hills and Valley of the Flowers). We had a great Monastary Trip Oct 21, thru 23rd turn out for these baking sessions and the festivals were Make a Difference Day Oct 26, 2016 fun and fruitful. I want to thank Helena Magafas Brown Paint and wine night Nov. 12, 2016 and Pastitiso bake off Jan. 15, 2017 Soup Sundays, dates tbd RoseMarie Harpole for chairing these two festivals and all There are a lot of opportunities for everyone to get their hard work preparing and completing the events. Also involved and have fun, besides the above projects and fun a big thank you to all the ladies that helped prepare, set up, events we are trying to have more media impact serve and clean up for the two festivals. Together we can (FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, etc) We need to remember do anything! that “We are the Voice of Christ in a Changing World”. Janice Kanteres, Diane Sieckmann and I were able to People have to see and hear that voice; see the work and attend the National Philoptochos Convention in Nashville impact of Philoptochos , not only in our church and local this July and it was exceptional! Lots of meetings and hard communities, but Nationally!! work, a little free time and a lot of time getting to know our Another theme that I picked up from the convention National Philoptochos sisters! We learned many new was “Respect the Past, Live in the Present and Reach into things and many ideas to help our Chapter grow! The the Future.” Philoptochos has a great mission and for us to Theme of the Convention was “You are the Voice of Christ continue and grow this mission this theme is vital. To me in a Changing World”. During the convention our Chapter this means was awarded two certificates: one for 100% participation in our National Ministries Commitments for 2014-2015 We must remember, honor and respect all the ladies and one for First Place for increased Membership by 90% before us and for all they have done to pave the way for us from 2014 to 2015!! Yes ladies, that’s FIRST PLACE to continue their great works NATIONALLY from all the Chapters!!! We must understand that we live in a changing world, We also received the honor of the Chapter Challenge sometimes scary, and we must adapt and find new ways to for the next two years! At every National Convention each deal with the way things are today and the many needs our Metropolis bestows one of their chapters the honor of society has conducting the Chapter Challenge which is then presented We must remember that our future rests in the hands at the next National Convention. Our Metropolis chose us!! of the youth. We must guide them, encourage them to Basically the challenge is for us to initiate a new and participate in our endeavors, teach them how to serve unique hands on philanthropic outreach project in our local others and model the Philoptochos mission so that we can community. We are to assess the needs of our community, continue to serve in the future. come up with a project, connect with other organizations in As I have said before, together we can do many our community and execute the project, with the hope that things! I would love to see more of our ladies come and it can be continued and also replicated by other chapters. participate in meetings and events. I understand sometimes We are also tasked with putting together a presentation so it’s hard to sit through a meeting but they are important. we can report what we did and how it went at the 2018 We must remember that we are all individuals with many National Convention. This is exciting and what great ideas and much knowledge and when we put that Philoptochos is all about, we need all members to help in together I don’t think we would have a problem achieving this project; we are also to include our whole parish to anything we want. Sometimes we have different thoughts work together as one family! After much consideration we and ideas and need to “hash” them out, that’s what the have narrowed down the focus to helping children in need. meetings and committees are for. If we all thought alike Over the next few months we hope to narrow our focus to life would be boring. We must approach each other with exactly what part of this population we want to serve. We love, respect and patience and together we can accomplish would like input from all of you in this and with any ideas much! you may have. Here are some dates to remember: We have begun a Jewelry fund raising project; Janice Philoptochos meetings: Sept 18th (we will have a special Kanteres is chairing this committee with the help of Pam fun project during this meeting), Oct. 16th and Nov 20th Bohling and Anthoula Schuchardt. Bring your gently used Philoptochos Nameday Nov 6th,Christmas Party Dec. 4th jewelry you no longer want and come buy “new” gently used jewelry! With agape, Elefteria (Soula) Marcou, President

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New Iconography Other Needs

Additional Icons are needed to complete the final phase of the Church iconography. The choir loft balcony Purple Cover for Lectern wall will have 150.00

2 Angels $4,000.00 each Holy Water Blessing Cross 1) Maggie Zografakis, in memory of her parents 2) Eleftherios and Aleka Karagiannis in memory 2 Votive Stands Vasiliki G. Kolivaki $1,800.00 each 1 - Greg and Janice Kanteres 12 Busts $3,500.00 each

1. St. Alexander Nevsky, in Memory of Danny Taylor Priest’s Liturgical Book by John Surgant Liturgy of St. Basil the Great 2. St. of Trebizond, in memory of Adamantia and Anonymous Donor James Menas, by John Surgant 3. TBD by John Surgant For the Library 4. TBD by John Surgant Evlogeite! A Pilgrim’s Guide to Greece 5. TBD -Anonymous 9. Donor needed $40.40 6 TBD -Anonymous 10. Donor needed 7. Donor needed 11. Donor needed 8. Donor needed 12. Donor needed Please call the Church Office at 314-966-2255 if you would like to donate any of these items. Please coordinate your request with Fr. Joseph and 314-966-2255.

Flags St. Agne The winter and spring took a St. Anthimos of Chios toll on our flags. New flags have St. Argyrios been ordered and will be installed St. Athanasios of Parios soon. St. Barlaam St. Dimas, the Good Thief If you would like to donate St. Ephraim the Syrian the one of our flags, please call St. Ioasaph the Church office at 314-966-225. St. the Syrian The costs are as follows: St. John the Faster St. Justin Popovich United States Flag St. Justinian the Great $65.65 St. Longinos, the Centurion Millie Saeger in memory of St. Makarios of Corinth Evangelia Georges St. Mark of Ephesus St. Methodia of Kimolos Missouri Flag St. Mercurios $97.65 St. Moses the Ethiopian St. Nicodemos of Mt. Athos St. Nifon of Constantia Flag of Greece St. Nikephoros of Chios John and Chris Warmbrodt St. Photios the Great St. Porphyrios of Kapsokalivia Flag of the Ecumenical St. Prokla, the Wife of Pontus Pilate Patriarchate. St. Ruth Anonymous Donor St. Savvas the New St. Telemachos All donations are greatly St. Theodore the Studite appreciated.

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Births

Congratulations to Christian and Jennifer Xanthopoulos on In Our Prayers: the birth of their son, Demetrios George on June 12, 2016. The proud grandparents are George and Lynn Ollie (Alexander) Aslan Xanthopoulos. Nora Bangert Tom Dubis Seraphima Henderson Jean Kotakis Michael Labis Weddings George and Janice Paradissis Elaine Scott Congratulations to Issa and Athar David who were united Elizabeth Despina Tsaoussis in Holy Matrimony on July 23, 2016. The Orthodox Chris & Despina Zeris sponsor was Andrew David.

Congratulations to Roger Heffner and Alexandra Pelekanou who were united in Holy Matrimony on July 30, 2016. The Orthodox sponsor was Maria Tsiaklides. Donations for Assumption Feast Day

Flowers for the 2 Dormition Icons Icon 1 - Anonymous Funerals Icon 2 - James and Chrysanthy Cawood Memory Eternal to:

Timothy Panongios, brother of Chrysoula Panopolis, re- 4 - 1 pound bags of incense posed in the Lord on June 28 in Corinth, Greece. May his memory be eternal! 4 - boxes of charcoal

Odisseus (Otis) Hadjianastasiou reposed in the Lord on Flowers in front of the icon of the Theotokos July 26, 2016. The Funeral was held on Monday, August in Repose 1, 2016. Thank you to Byron and Darlene Magafas in Memory Katherine Kapros (nee Karras) reposed on Saturday, July of Marie Gofin Magafas. 30, 2016. Beloved wife of the late George Kapros. The funeral was held on Friday, August 5, 2016. Internment at Feast Day Luncheon on August 15 St. Matthew’s Cemetery. Thank you to Michail Samaras and Lazaros and Eleftheria Makridies in Memory of Mari Makridis

Please call the Church office at 314-966-2255 if you would like to donate any of these items. Memorials : Memory Eternal

Aug 14 3-year Betty Harris 3-year Anna Koclanes 7-year Kyriaki Zafiropoulos 8-year Nicholas Koclanes 22-year Vasilios Zafiropoulos 27-year Nicholas Harris Aug 21 6-year Hrysoula Vithoulkas

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Θλίψεις και Δομικασίες Γιατί; Διότι η παρηγοριά του θα μας στρέψη (Πρ. ΣΤΕΦΑΝΟΥ Κ. ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) στην προσευχή, στη νηστεία, στην παράκλησι,

Η παρούσα ζωή του χριστιανού είναι ένα στην Εξομολόγησι, στη θεία Κοινωνία, στην γυμναστήριο ή μάλλον ένα συνεχές αγώνισμα. κατά Θεόν βοήθεια. Είναι χυτήριον, όπου λειώνουν τα μέταλλα∙ Όμως, είτε βρεθή είτε δεν βρεθή η ανθρώπινη είναι βαφείον αρετής. Ο Θεός, δηλαδή, επειδή παρηγοριά, εσύ που πονάς και θλίβεσαι, επιθυμεί να μεταβάλλη την ψυχή του καθενός στρέψε τα μάτια σου στον ουρανό και «εν των από μας και να την κάμη ενάρετη και αγαθή, θλίβεσθαί σε» κράξε και φώναξε προς τον Θεό γι’ αυτό και την περνά από το χωνευτήρι των της ευσπλαγχνίας. Κι Εκείνος οπωσδήποτε θα θλίψεων και παραχωρεί να παραδίνεται στη σε ακούση. Με δυνατή θέρμη ύψωσε τη ψυχή σκληρή δοκιμασία των πειρασμών. Όμως τόσο, σου, με πίστη σταθερή κάμε την προσευχή σου όσο αντέχουν οι «ώμοι» της ψυχής. Και όλα και με ελπίδα αντιμετώπισε τα βάσανά σου. αυτά με σκοπό να διορθώση και να φωτίση Ο στοργικός ουράνιος Πατέρας περιμένει να τους ατάκτους, να τονώση και να αφυπνίση ακούση τη φωνή του παιδιού Του, για να το τους αδιάφορους και τους χλιαρούς,τους παρηγορήση και να του δώση λύσεις, που εκλεκτούς , τους αγίους, τους δικαίους, τους όντως θα είναι για το συμφέρον του. Κι ας μην ευσεβείς,να τους κάμη να γίνουν εκλεκτότεροι ξεχνάς ότι ο πανάγαθος Κύριος που και ακατάβλητοι στις επιβουλές και στις σταυρώθηκε για σένα, ιδιαιτέρως συμπαθεί παγίδες των πονηρών δαιμόνων,και όλους, εν και προσέχει τον πονεμένο και θλιβόμενο γένει, μικρούς και μεγάλους, να τους κάμη πιστό χριστιανό. κατά πάντα άξιους, ώστε να δεχθούν τα μέλλοντα αγαθά της Βασιλείας των ουρανών. Γι’ αυτό ο ιερός Χρυσόστομος λέγει: Τώρα που ήλθαν οι πολλές θλίψεις πάνω σου, μην Διότι λέγει η Αγία Γραφή: Άνθρωπος που δεν αποκάμης, μην ολιγοψυχής, μην απελπίζεσαι, δοκιμάζεται από πόνους, θλίψεις και αλλά σήκω πάνω, ανορθώσου, και προπαντός πειρασμούς είναι αδόκιμος, δηλαδή απόβλητος ήλπισε, γιατί στον καιρό του πόνου η και απορριπτέος. Έτσι, ο πόνος και η θλίψις προσευχή σου γίνεται περισσότερον αγία και η αναγκάζουν τον άνθρωπο πολλές φορές να ευλογία του Θεού μεγαλυτέρα. γονατίζη και να προσεύχεται, να παρακαλή και να ζητά βοήθεια, επιβεβαιώνοντας τον Είτε λοιπόν οι θλίψεις προέρχονται από την θεόγραφο λόγο που λέγει: « Κύριε, εν θλίψει αδικία και την πονηριά των συνανθρώπων που μου εμνήσθην σου», δηλαδή στις θλίψεις Σε μας περιβάλλουν ,είτε προέρχονται από την θυμήθηκα, Θεέ μου. κακία των δαιμόνων, είτε από τα δικά μας λάθη και τον δικό μας κακό χαρακτήρα, από Πολλές φορές όταν μας δέρνουν η μοναξιά και τις αδυναμίες και τα πάθη μας, εμείς θα η εγκατάλειψι, η ασήκωτη αρρώστια, ο γονατίζουμε και θα προσευχώμαστε. Θα θάνατος προσφιλών προσώπων, ακόμα και η φωνάξουμε παρακαλώντας τον Θεό να μας περιφρόνησι των συγγενών, των φίλων.. και επισκιάση, να μας σκεπάση με τη Χάρι Του, να γενικά κάποιοι σκληροί πειρασμοί, τότε μας λυτρώση και να μας ελεήση. στενοχωρούμαστε πολύ, πονάμε πολύ και Για την αντιγραφή: Δημήτρης Κάγκαρης υποφέρουμε. Τότε, θέλουμε κάποιο να μας πη ένα γλυκό λόγο, να μας προσφέρη λίγη παρηγοριά. Κι αν μεν βρεθή κάποιος ευσεβής χριστιανός να μας προσφέρη λίγη ανθρώπινη συμπαράστασι , είναι πολύ-πολύ ευλογημένη. 13

"The Orthodox Mission Jesus Christ and in the love of God the Father, in order to Team of St. Louis works to experience the communion of the Holy Spirit in the nurture an awareness within our local churches of the need Church. “For the mystery of salvation is for those who to evangelize, catechize, and desire it, not for those who are being coerced” (Maximus support missionary efforts Confessor PG 90.880). The re-evangelization of God’s and programs globally." people in contemporary secularized societies, as well as the

evangelization of those who have not yet come to know Excerpt on Missions from the Encyclical Christ, is the unceasing duty of the Church. of the Holy and Great Council of the To view the entire Encyclical, go to https://www.holycouncil.org/-/ Orthodox Church encyclical-holy-council?inheritRedirect=true. by Orthodox Christian Mission Center (7/21/2016) ------As always, please feel free to contact Didi Kafka, 618-920- The following is an excerpt on the Orthodox 9838, if you have any questions, would like to be part of the understanding of missions from the Encyclical of the Mission Team St. Louis, or if you would like to help our Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, missionaries. Thank you for your continued support! recently held in Crete.

II. The mission of the Church in the world - The apostolic work and the proclamation of the Gospel, also known as mission, belong at the core of the Church’s Fall Session of the Women’s Book Study identity, as the keeping and observation of Christ’s com- Begins Thursday, September 15 mandment: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28.19). This is the “breath of life” that the Church Morning Session Evening Session breathes into human society and makes the world into 10:00 am-11:30am. 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Church through the newly-established local Churches Hosted by Hosted by everywhere. In this spirit, the Orthodox faithful are and Victoria Ambort Nina Seitz ought to be Christ’s apostles in the world. This mission 925 S. Bemiston 8806 Woodpark Dr. must be fulfilled, not aggressively, but freely, with love Clayton, MO 63105 St. Louis, MO 63126 and respect towards the cultural identity of individuals and peoples. All Orthodox Churches ought to participate We will read the Gospel of John. Please use the in this endeavor with due respect for canonical order. Orthodox Study Bible and the Commentary of the Gospel Participation in the holy Eucharist is a source of of John by Blessed Theophylact missionary zeal for the evangelization of the world. By If you have ever thought about attending the book participating in the holy Eucharist and praying in the study this would be a great time for you to come and try Sacred Synaxis for the whole world (oikoumene), we are it. The Gospel of St John is a rewarding bible study and called to continue the “liturgy after the Liturgy” and to you will be glad you came. offer witness concerning the truth of our faith before If you have any questions please contact Presvytera Laura God and mankind, sharing God’s gifts with all mankind, Morton at 314-303-1784. in obedience to the explicit commandment of our Lord before His Ascension: “And you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1.8). The words of the Divine Liturgy prior to Communion, “Dismembered and distributed is the Lamb of God, who is dismembered and not divided, ever eaten, yet never consumed,” indicate that Christ as the “Lamb of God” (John 1.29) and the “Bread of Life” (John 6.48) is offered to us as eternal Love, uniting us to God and to one another. It teaches us to distribute God’s gifts and to offer ourselves to everyone Important in a Christ-like way. Please inform either Fr. Joseph or Fr. The life of Christians is a truthful witness to the Anastasios immediately when you or any member renewal in Christ of all things – “If anyone is in Christ, of your family is sick or hospitalized, so that he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, all appropriate prayer and visitation may be scheduled. things have become new” (2 Cor 5.17) – and an Hospitals do not notify clergy of patients, even invitation addressed to all people for personal and free if you list yourself as a Church member. participation in eternal life, in the grace of our Lord

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Or you may register or donate on line at https://9586.thankyou4caring.org/pages/st-louis-banquet-10-23-16

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September 16 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 1755 DES PERES ROAD Chicken Santorini over Rice ...... $8.00 (Just north of Des Peres 14 Cine) Baked Fish with Stewed Green Beans and Potatoes ..... $7.00

Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $6.00 FRIDAY LUNCHEONS Gyro Sandwich ...... $5.00 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki sauce)

September 2016 Chicken Avgolemono Soup…………..Sm. $3.00 Lg. $5.00

Menu subject to change 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)………………..2 for Kitchen Phone:314-966-6720 $3.00 Web Site: assumptiongoc.org Spanakopita (spinach pita) or Tyropita (cheese pita) .... $3.00 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5.00 Cash, Checks and Credit Cards accepted: Dessert ...... 3.00 Master Card, VISA, Discover, American Express (Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake)

September 2 September 23

Stuffed Peppers and Tomatoes...... $8.00 Shrimp Saganaki over Rice ...... $8.00

Baked Fish with Mixed Vegetables ...... $7.00 Baked Fish with Sautéed Mushrooms ...... $7.00

Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $6.00 Moussaka ...... $7.00

Gyro Sandwich...... $ 5.00 (eggplant, potato, zucchini and ground beef casserole)

(seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with tomatoes, Gyro Sandwich ...... $5.00 onions, tzatziki sauce) (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce) Butternut Squash Soup ………..…..Sm. $3.00 Lg. . . $5.00

Lobster Bisque………………………...Sm. $3.00 Lg. $5.00 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)………………..2 for 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)………………..2 for $3.00 $3.00 Spanakopita (spinach pita) or Tyropita (cheese pita) .... $3.00 Spanakopita (spinach pita) or Tyropita (cheese pita) .... $3.00 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing...... $5.00 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5.00 Dessert ...... $3.00 Dessert ...... $3.00 (Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake) (Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake)

September 9 September 30 Roast Leg of Lamb with Greek Potatoes ...... $10.00 Spaghetti and Meatballs with Garlic Bread ...... $8.00 Baked Fish with Spinach & Rice ...... $7.00 Baked Fish with Roasted Red Potatoes ...... $7.00 Moussaka ...... $7.00 Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $6.00 (eggplant, potato, zucchini and ground beef casserole) Gyro Sandwich ...... $5.00 Gyro Sandwich...... $ 5.00 (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with tomatoes, tomatoes, onions, tzatziki sauce) onions, tzatziki sauce Fasolada (Bean) Soup………………...Sm. $3.00 Lg. $5.00

Meatball Avgolemono Soup ……..….Sm. $3.00 Lg. $5.00

2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)………………….2 for 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)………………..2 for $3.00 $3.00 Spanakopita (spinach pita) or Tyropita (cheese pita) .... $3.00 Spanakopita (spinach pita) or Tyropita (cheese pita) .... $3.00 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5.00 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing...... $5.00 Dessert ...... $3.00 Dessert ...... $3.00 (Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake) (Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake))

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Sat

3 10 17 24 Vespers Great pm 5:00 Retreat Boy amAltar 10:00 Vespers Great 5:00pm Vespers Great 5:00pm Festival Tree Green Vespers Great 5:00pm

Fri

2 9 Lunch amFriday 11:00 Lunch amFriday 11:00

16 23 30 Lunch amFriday 11:00 Festival Tree Green Lunch amFriday 11:00

Thu

Nativity of the the of Nativity

Ecclesiastical New Year Year New Ecclesiastical

9:00 amOrthros 9:00 amOrthros 9:00 amOrthros 9:00

9:00 amOrthros 9:00 amOrthros 9:00

1 8 15 Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Theotokos Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00

22 29

Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00

Wed

Elevation of the Holy Holy of the Elevation

Procession

9:00am Orthros 9:00am

Liturgy in Madison, IL in Madison, Liturgy Kafenio pm 2:00

2:00pm Kafenio Kafenio 2:00pm

14 Cross and Liturgy Divine 10:00am

7 21 28 Kafenio pm 2:00 Divine Vesperal pm 6:00 Kafenio pm 2:00

Tue

Opening Assembly Opening

September2016

27 School Greek 5:45pm Vespers 6:30pm Studies Orthodox 7:20pm

6 13 20 School Greek pm 5:45 Vespers pm 6:30 Studies Orthodox pm 7:20 School Greek 5:45pm Vespers 6:30pm Studies Orthodox 7:20pm School Greek pm 5:45 Vespers pm 6:30 Studies Orthodox pm 7:20

Assumption Greek Assumption OrthodoxGreek Church

Feast Days are Boxed are Days Feast Mon

Fast Days are Shaded are FastDays

Falling Asleep of St. of St. Asleep Falling

Labor Day Labor

Liturgy atGirardau, Cape Liturgy

MO

5 12 19 26 Church Office Closed Office Church Theologian the John Divine & Orthros am 8:30

Divine Liturgy Times are Approximate are Times Liturgy Divine

Sun

Park

Sunday School Sunday School Sunday

8:30am Orthros 8:30am and Liturgy Divine 9:45am Procession School Sunday MO Girardeau, Cape

8:30am Orthros 8:30am and Liturgy Divine 9:45am

4 11 18 25 8:30 am Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy Divine am 9:45 Picnic Parish pm 12:00 Love Festival Tree Green Orthros am 8:30 & Liturgy Divine am 9:45 at Vespers Great pm 6:00

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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 1755 Des Peres Road NONPROFIT ORG Town and Country, MO 63131-1405 U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit No. 4628 Address Service Requested

From the Orthodox Study Bible

Ephesians 4:31-32

31 + 31 Let allall bitterness,bitterness, wrath,wrath, anger,anger, clamor,clamor, and and evil evil speaking speaking be be put put away away from from you, you, with with all all malice. malice. + 32 And bebe kindkind toto oneone another, another, tenderhearted, tenderhearted, forgivingforgiving one one another, another, even even as as God God in in Christ Christ forgave forgave you. you. + +

4:31, 3232 “Cut “Cut of of clamor clamor and and you you will will clip clipthe wingsthe wings of anger of anger . . . There . . . isThere but one is butthing one in thingwhich init iswhich useful it to is cry useful aloud to - cryin aloudpreaching - in and preaching in teaching.” and in (St. teaching.” John Chrysostom) (St. John Chrysostom) 4:32 WeWe cannot cannot be be content content only only to root to root out theout weeds the weeds mentioned mentioned in v.31; in we v.31; must we plant must good plant fruit good as well. fruit as well.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Of the Bible. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

For Consideration For Consideration

TheIf Prologuewe begin from with Ochrid: firm Lives intention, of the Saints to and live Homilies according for Every to Day God’s in the YearLaw,, vol. we 2 bymust Bishop not Nikolai fear Velimirovic. any sort Translatedof attack by by Mother those Maria. who do Lazaricanot understand, Press, Birmingham, for to 1985. him who has truly begun to live according to God’s Law, all that happens to him at the hands of men, happens for his help and to the glory of God. It is especially necessary not to fear a move from a place we like to a place we dislike, a place of fear and of a depressed uncertainty about God’s intentions towards us. Did the wicked- ness of Joseph’s brethren do him harm? Was not rather his involuntary departure for Egypt the means of his rise to glory, the saving of his brothers from famine and the establishment of the conditions for all the wonderful works of God through Moses in Egypt and in the wilderness? Pagans and heretics often chased Orthodox Christians into bar- barian regions. What happened then? Did this annihilate Orthodoxy? No; it rather confirmed in it the souls that were exiled and scattered among the barbarian peoples. The evil heretics Lucius drove the famous Macarius and several of the Tabennisiot hermits out of Egypt to a barbarian island, where all the inhabitants were idol-worshippers. But these holy men, by their teaching and example, quickly succeeded in baptizing the whole island, and it later became known as the Isle of Repentance.

The Prologue from Ochrid: Lives of the Saints and Homilies for Every Day in the Year, vol. 2 by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic. Translated by Mother Maria. Lazarica Press, Birmingham, 1985. p. 357.

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