From Glory to Glory the Monthly Newsletter of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Fr

From Glory to Glory The monthly newsletter of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Fr. Joseph Strzelecki Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos July 2019

Two New Saints from Finland 1755 Des Peres Road Canonized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate Town & Country, MO 63131-1405 According to the official communiqué of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Phone: 314-966-2255 Ecumenical Throne on November 29, 2018: “The Holy and Sacred Synod, in Kitchen: 314-966-6720 unanimously accepting the proposal of the Autonomous Church of Finland under Web Site: www.assumptiongoc.org the Ecumenical Patriarchate, recorded in the Hagiologion of the Orthodox Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos Church the Venerable John of Valaam (1873-1958), and the Holy Martyr and Email: [email protected] Confessor John of Ilomantsi (1884-1918), both of whom lived and worked there.” Office Manager: Diane Sieckmann Venerable John of Valaam (1873-1958) John was Email: [email protected] born on February 14, 1873 in the Tver province of Office Secretary: Janice Hazeltine Russia into a peasant family. He graduated from the [email protected] parish school of the village of Il’inskoe. In 1889, he entered Valaam Monastery. After spending four years in the Skete of Saint Herman of Valaam, he Dates to Remember was conscripted into the army for another four years. Released from military service, he temporarily July 1 returned home before returning, in 1901, to Valaam. Unmercenaries Kosmas & Damianos John was given obedience for two years at the metochion of the Valaam Monastery in St. July 11 Petersburg. Later, he wrote that the city had a bad Great Martyr Euphemia influence on him and that he, weak in spirit, could not accommodate the urban bustle. In 1906, John July 12 became a novice at Valaam Monastery and, on May 22, 1910, he was tonsured a St. Paisios of Mt. Athos monk with the name of Hyacinth. After repeated petitions, Hyacinth returned to the monastery and lived initially in Prophet Elias Skete, then later in the Skete of July 14 Saint John the Baptist. On October 19, 1921, he was appointed abbot of Saint Fathers of the 4th Council Tryphon of Pechenga Monastery. Then on November 13, he was ordained a hierodeacon and on November 15 a hieromonk. At that time, the monastery was July 17 within the territory of the newly independent Finland. In 1932, Hyacinth Great Martyr Marina returned to Valaam and, in 1933, he was tonsured in Great Schema with the name John and began to live in seclusion in the Skete of Saint John the Baptist. July 20 In 1938, he was elected the spiritual father of the monastery. In 1940, Fr. John Prophet Elias was evacuated with the other brethren to Finland during the Winter War between the Soviet Union and Finland. The elder reposed on June 5, 1958, in the New July 25 Valaam Monastery in Finland. Repose of St. Anna Holy Martyr and Confessor John of Ilomantsi (1884-1918) Johannes Karhapää was born to a farmer’s family in Sonkajanranta village, Ilomantsi, July 26 North Karelia. He was a member of the local youth section of the Brotherhood Righteous Paraskeve of Saints Sergius and Herman adopting a deep Eastern Orthodox faith in his early childhood. In 1906, Karhapää requested by then-archbishop of Vyborg and July 27 all Finland Sergius (Stragorodsky) to open a religious school in his home village, Great Martyr Panteleimon as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland had launched a campaign for Lutherizing the traditionally Orthodox Karelia. The 1908 the completed school

2019Parish Council was built by Karhapää and the Karelian Brotherhood, an organization established in Fr. Joseph Strzelecki Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos Olonets to oppose the Lutherization. Karhapää now Scott Thompson, President started working as a domestic missionary across Greg Simos, Vice President Karelia with the monks of Valaam Monastery. Since Elefteria Marcou, Secretary 1914, he was a traveling religion teacher in Kuopio Gus Harris, Treasurer Peter Regopoulos, Assistant Treasuer Province. Karhapää was also active in the Daniel Gantner, Carol Marshall, Pam Martin, completion of the Church of Anna the Prophetess, Samia Rabie, Vasilios Simos, Greg Simos, inaugurated in Tuupovaara in 1915. The church was Sotirios Sotiriou, Tom Stamos, Chris Tsoubanos, built by the Karelian Brotherhood and financed by a Nick Tsoubanos, Tonis Zafiropoulos wealthy Saint Petersburg businessman. Due to his

Acolytes activities, the Finnish nationalists accused Karhapää John Nicholas for supporting the Russification of Finland and promoting the the ″Russian Adult Orthodox Christians (18 years +): faith″ (Finnish:″Ryssän usko″, the word ryssä is a racist slur for Russian), Diane Sieckmann calling him a collaborator of the Russian secret police Okhrana. The nationalist Bible Study Fr. Daniel Morton press accused Karhapää of ″anti-Finnish″ politics. He was called the ″dark Bookstore force of North Karelia″, as the nationalists claimed the Karelians were not Christos Tsiaklides, Diakonissa Kristen Vogt aware of their true religion and ethnicity. Instead of defending himself against Chanters the accusations, Karhapää focused on his religious work. According to the Steve Bellos Church historian Kauko Pirinen, Karhapää’s work was only influenced by his Choir Stephanie Saunders deep faith but not any kind of politics. After the 1917 Russian Revolution, the Church Tours Karelian Brotherhood owned schools and churches were closed, and the Janice Hazeltine harassment on Karhapää became even more intense. The Finnish right-wing Friday Luncheon nationalists called him a Bolshevik, although he had supported the Tsarist Art Liyeos Greek Festival regime. Karhapää was finally expelled of his teacher’s vacancy just before Greg Simos, Art Liyeos Finland gained its independence in December 1917. As the Finnish Civil War Greek School broke out in January 1918, Karhapää was soon called to join the White Army, Savas Kyramarios but was arrested at the conscription meeting, and transferred to Joensuu where Greek Dancers he was placed in a prison camp set up for the Reds. After a while, Karhapää Kyklos: & Armonia Stella Afentoullis Ta Paidakia, Neo Kyma: Aliki Malek was executed by a firing squad and buried in a mass grave. The exact date of GOYA (9th -12th Grade) Karhapää’s death is not known. According to his wife, Karhapää was executed Yvonne Alexopoulos, Dr. Jenny Kardaris in 8 March, but the War Victims of Finland 1914–1922 database says he was Greeters shot in 7 March. Karhapää’s body was finally handed over to his wife in Mary Pitliangas JOY (4 years - 4th Grade) December 1918, and buried in Ilomantsi, where a large crowd of local Ortho- Jr. GOYA (5th - 8th Grades) dox and Lutherans attended the funeral. Karhapää’s gravestone was stolen Alki Lappas Case, Dr. Debbie Cosmopoulos twice and thrown in the nearby lake until it was cast in concrete. Kafenio Art Liyeos Little Angels (infant - 5 years) You cannot be too gentle, too kind. Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos Shun even to appear harsh in your Orthodox Faith & Life: Dr. Farid Sadaka, Anna Sadaka treatment of each other. Joy, radiant joy, Philoptochos streams from the face of him who gives Flora Dimitriou, President and kindles joy in the heart of him who Planned Giving Committee Amy Johnson receives. All condemnation is from the Prison Ministry devil. Never condemn each other. We Bill Goranitis condemn others only because we shun Stewardship Michael Afentoullis knowing ourselves. When we gaze at our Sunday School own failings, we see such a swamp that Diane Sieckmann nothing in another can equal it. Vacation Church Camp (VCC) That is why we turn away, and make Anna Sadaka Women’s Bookstudy much of the faults of others. Instead of condemning others, strive to Presvytera Laura Morton reach inner peace. Keep silent, refrain from judgment. This will raise you Young Adult Ministry (18-30 yrs) above the deadly arrows of slander, insult and outrage and will shield Fr. Anastasios & Presvytera Elizabeth your glowing hearts against all evil. - St. Seraphim of Sarov

New Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, Celebration!

Happy Birthday On Wednesday, June 12, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate filled the vacancy of the Archbishop of the Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain. Metropolitan Nikitas (Lioulias) of Dardanelles, Director of the Patriarch Athenagoras To Fr. Joseph who celebrates his birthday on Orthodox Institute (PAOI) in Berkeley, California, was July 2 voted unanimously, after three candidates were proposed, by the vote of the members of the Holy Synod held in the and Patriarchal Church. At the same time, the Holy Synod decided to express its Happy Anniversary delight to the former Archbishop of Thyateira and Great to Britain, Gregory, for his many years of ministry and offering to the faithful people of this important Fr. Joseph and Presvytera Ranae ecclesiastical Province of the Mother Church. who celebrate their Metropolitan Nikitas (Lulias) of Dardanelles, Exarch of All wedding anniversary Hellespont, was born in Tampa, Florida, United States in July 12. 1955. He studied at the University of Florida, from which he received his degree in Religion (1976). He then attended the Theological School of the Holy Cross of Boston, where Ask the Elders -On he graduated in 1980 and then completed postgraduate studies at the Theological School of the Aristotle University Serving God and of Thessaloniki (1982) He was ordained a Deacon in 1985 by Archbishop Jacob of Neighbor America and in the same year he became a Presbyter. But it is so hard to find that peace He served in Saints Constantine and Helen (Merriville, IN) in my crazy, busy life. Church, and, in 1987, in the Holy Diocese of Chicago as Our plans and interests often Secretary [Chancellor]. interfere with our lives. We make In 1988 he received the Archimandrite’s officium and all these plans, believing that we became a Protosyncellus at the same Bishopric. will never succeed in anything In St. Petersburg, Russia, he completed his studies in unless we arrange everything meticulously. We truly must History and Russian language. try to do everything as our conscience tells us, but we must He taught selected courses on Orthodoxy at the Loyola not do anything in haste. It is when we are in a hurry that University of Chicago. the enemy traps us. In haste we cannot be aware of On December 2, 1996, he was unanimously elected as whether we have ignored him, because we have no time to Metropolitan of Hong Kong and ordained on the 14 of the think of him; we are too busy with plans inside our head. same month at the Patriarchal Church of St. George. In this manner it is easy to sin against our neighbor. And His enthronement took place at St. Luca Cathedral in Hong when we sin against our neighbor, we are actually sinning Kong on January 12, 1997 and became the first regular against God, for God is everywhere. He dwells in the soul priest of the newly-established Hong Kong Metropolis, and of each and every one of us. Our relationship toward our then he was appointed at the Dardanelles Metropolis in fellow men defines our relationship toward God. 2007. It seems that we do not understand one thing: it is not good It is finally worth mentioning that Metropolitan Nikitas is when we return the love of those who love us, yet hate the Director of the Berkeley USA Patriarchal Orthodox those who hate us. We are not on the right path if we do Institute “Patriarch Athenagoras” in Berkeley, USA. this. We are the sons of the light and love, the sons of God, His children. As such ewe must have His qualities and His attributes of love, peace, and kindness toward all.

Archbishop Luke impoverished over time but Saint Luke remembers that he received his religious inheritance from his pious father. His of Simferopol and first true understanding of the Christian faith came from the Crimea Officially New Testament given to him at his high school graduation Canonized by the by his principal. Ecumenical Education He had an outstanding secular training. Having exceptional Patriarchate. drawing abilities, he graduated the Kiev Academy of Fine Although Archbishop Arts.[note 1] He decided however against pursuing art in favor Luke of Simferopol and of a career where he could help people who suffer, and Crimea, popularly known chose to be a physician. as Saint Luke the In 1903 at the age of 26, he graduated from Great Prince St. Surgeon, was canonized Vladimir Medical School at the University of Kiev, and for by the Russian Orthodox a long time worked as a local district physician. An Church on Mary 25, 1996 extraordinary medical student, he excelled at anatomy. His following the exhumation superior knowledge of anatomy served him throughout his of the his sacred relics, he surgical career. was not officially listed among the Saints by the Out of compassion to the blindness that beggars were Ecumenical Patriarchate, despite his popular veneration experiencing due to trachoma, Saint Luke studied among the Greeks in Greece with churches and shrines ophthalmology at the Kiev ophthalmologic clinic. In a very dedicated to him there. This is a common custom, as each short time he acquired a significant amount of independent Church has its own list of saints and calendar ophthalmologic training. His knowledge of this subspecialty for commemoration. Since canonizations only take place helped him treat not only his trachoma patients, but many after a request has been made by a Bishop, Archbishop other serious eye conditions as well. Luke of Simferpol and Crimea was officially canonized on Marriage June 13, 2019 after a request was made by the newly Another important event in Valentine’s life was the enthroned Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kiev and All marriage to his wife Anna, a nurse. They had four children. Ukraine. Therefore he is now officially listed among the The family was transferred frequently to various regional Saints by decision of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical health care facilities and from the very beginning Valentine Patriarchate. never requested funds from his patients, nor would he turn anyone away because of his ethnic background or personal The Life of St. Luke, Bishop of Simferopol beliefs. When his wife died, God in setting the path for and Crimea, the Blessed Surgeon. Valentine’s Sainthood provided the family with Sofia

Saint Luke, Bishop of Simferopol and Crimea, the Blessed Sergeevna who would be the joyful surrogate mother of his Surgeon, was born Valentin Felixovich Voino-Yasenetsky children during the harsh times ahead. Valentine never (Валентин Феликсович Войно-Ясенецкий, polish remarried. spelling Wojno-Jasieniecki; April 14, 1877 and died June Career 11, 1961. During his early career he published many scientific Doctor of Medicine, Professor, and State Prize winner, treatises and eventually became the head surgeon and pro- since 1944 he was the Archbishop of Tambov and fessor of surgery at the hospital in Tashkent in March 1917. Michurinsk, and later of Simferopol and the Crimea. While In October, Lenin took over the government and civil war he was serving the church as an Archbishop, he was also erupted in Tashkent in January 1919. Lenin’s government practicing as a surgeon and taught and published many disfavored any religious witness. Valentine was under books and articles on regional anesthesia and surgery. He constant threat, especially when treating party members but is now known to be a world-famous pioneering surgeon. he refused to operate under any circumstances without the In November of 1995 he was announced as a Saint by the Icon of the Mother of God. His results were outstanding. Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and was officially glorified “I ought to tell you that what God did to me as amazing and by the Patriarchate of Russia May 25, 1996. He is incomprehensible...My pursuing surgery completely satis- commemorated by the church June 11 the anniversary of fied the goal I always had to serve the poor and the suffer- his falling asleep in the Lord. ing, to dispose all my strength for the comfort of their pains, Life and to help them in their needs.” Born with the name Valentine Felixovitch These are some of the introductory comments from the Voino-Yassentsky on April 27, 1877 in Kerch (east memoirs of Saint Luke, that were kept by his secretary, E.P. Crimea), his family members were civil servants to Leikfeld. His words are not vainglorious, but a commentary Lithuanian and Polish Kings. The family was on how God's plan was fulfilled through the life and

4 example of Saint Luke. Living in the Ukraine during the As a capable hierarch he strengthened the parishes and oppressive period of communism, St. Luke stood out supported priests and church councils. As Saint Luke’s among his fellow physicians both as a surgeon and as a surgical and pastoral popularity would increase, the Christian. Even the communists coveted his talents for communist authorities would transfer him. When blatant healing the body. injustices would be committed against Christians and Ordination and Persecution fellow political prisoners he would initiate hunger strikes. Despite the dangers from the Lenin regime he fearlessly In 1937, Vladyka was arrested, and spent more than two attended theological discussions arranged by Archpriest difficult years undergoing tortuous interrogation and Mikhail Andeev. During this period when clergymen and humiliation.[note 4] Nonetheless, resting his hope in the Lord, pious people would prove their faith in blood, providence he courageously endured those trials, not only refusing to led the Archpriest to invite Valentine to the priesthood. agree to false accusations against him, but engaging in Thus in 1921 at the age of 44 Valentine was ordained a active protests – refusing to eat, and sending complaints to priest. For two years, this exceptional individual was active the highest authorities against the prosecutors’ illegal not only in his pastoral work but in public and scientific actions. He would say to his fellow prisoners, activity. “They demand that I remove my ryassa. I will never do so. Eventually Fr. Valentine was arrested and put on trial, It, my ryassa, will be with me to my very death… I help falsely accused of giving inappropriate surgical care to people as a physician, and I help them as a servant of the injured Red Army soldiers. At his trial in his characteristic Church….” fearless way he denounced the prosecutors claims by The people who met him during his ordeals bore witness to explaining: his true character. As a physician he was Unmercenary and “I cut people to save them. You, Mr. Public never asked for money treating all his patients with Prosecutor, whyPARTY do you cut their heads off?” immense love. He shared his patients’ pain and anguish for Certainly the charges were never proven but since the Party he saw each person as an image of God, unique and had to be infallible Fr. Valentine was convicted to sixteen unrepeatable. years imprisonment. In 1940, Bishop Luke was sentenced to five years of exile FebruaryDoctor, Scientist, Bishop, Imprisonments in the Krasnoyarsk area. At the beginning of the Great Noting Fr. Valentine’s spiritualAT gifts, 4:00 prior to PMhis departure Patriotic War (World War II), Bishop Luke offered the from Tashkent (arrest and exile to Siberia), in 1923 Bishop authorities his services as a doctor, and in 1941 was of Ufa Andrew (Ukhtomsky) administered monastic appointed consultant to the hospitals of Krasnoyarsk. tonsure and facilitated his consecration as Bishop.[note 2] In 1942, Vladyka was elevated to the rank of Archbishop Almost immediately Saint Luke was sent to the first of his and appointed to the Krasnoyarsk kathedra, which at the three imprisonments. time did not have a single church. Through Archbishop Due to his3 talent as a surgeon there would always be Luke’s efforts, in 1943 a church was opened in a suburb of placement2019 at a remote medical facility where the attending Krasnoyarsk. He wrote to Patriarch Sergius: colleagues would be astounded that a professor with such “All of Eastern Siberia, from Krasnoyarsk to the Pacific impeccable academic credentials would be subservient to Ocean, gave no sign of church life…If churches in various the whims of the local civil authorities. Despite the parts of the Krasnoyarsk area are not opened in the near criticisms of lesser surgeons Saint Luke would practice his future, there is a risk that the people will lapse into reli- medical skills. With the grace of God he amazed his gious savagery....” colleagues with excellent medical outcomes in In 1944, the archbishop was appointed to the kathedra in ophthalmologic and surgical cases that others deemed Tambov. In 1946, for outstanding scientific work in the area incurable. of medicine, he was awarded the “Stalin Award” for all his In 1926, Bishop Luke returned to Tashkent, but in 1930 scientific publications. He donated almost all of the money was again arrested and sentenced to three years of exile. to help children who had suffered as the result of the War. Upon his release, he once again returned to Tashkent, and Also in 1946 Vladyka was appointed to the kathedra of spent his time in medical practice. As a physician and Crimea, where at first he combined archpastoral service professor he trained many students and colleagues in the art with medical assistance to the people, but later dedicated of surgery, and as a scientist he found the time to publish himself to Church service, zealously working to build up many articles. A fruit of this work was the appearance in Christ’s vineyard, something that, under the conditions of 1934 of his book "Notes on Purulent Surgery",[note 3] which life under Communist authorities, then demanded great laid the foundation for an entire medical specialty. For that courage and faith. work, Bishop Luke was awarded the degree of Doctor of As a Bishop he preached incessantly not only about the Medical Science in 1936, and his work continues to be used need to live Orthodoxy but against the perils of the “Living in medicine to this day. This monograph and the Church”. subsequent revisions was the “gold standard” reference for https://orthodoxwiki.org/Luke_(Voino-Yasenetsky)_of_Simferopol_and_Crimea his colleagues at the time. 5

Father’s Day On June 16, we announced our Father and Man of Year. Congratulations to

Byron Magafas, Father of the Year and Dr. Demetrios Lappas, Man of the Year.

May God grant them many years. After the presentations we were able to personally congratulate the recipients at a very nice reception prepared by Pete Regopoulos and Chris Tsoubanos.

2019 Father of the Year

Byron Magafas

2019 Man of the Year

Dr. Demetrios Lappas

Spiritual Aspects of Fatherhood in responding to our call to follow the Spirit of Jesus in By Al Rossi, Ph.D taking many initiatives in our families, especially that of boundless forgiveness for our children.

When a father takes responsibility for his own spiritual life, for the way he prays, goes to church, and practices virtue in the family, he gives good example. Then his leadership in the family is authentic, based on his own solid relationship with God, and he is less likely to be concerned about any resistance his children may give him. He can lead family prayer. When I suggest that we stand in the living room and pray before a trip or that we pray in a restaurant, I often feel an initial resistance in my children. But quiet cooperation and peacefulness soon follow. Sometimes the children will even tell me that they prayed A conference participant once asked the speaker, “What is in a restaurant when I wasn’t there. the best way for a father to love his children?” The speaker replied, “The best way for a father to love his children is to At times the father’s role of leading the family to great love their mother.” I reflect often upon that superbly forgiveness and prayerfulness is an unpopular one. But as accurate statement. And I think the reverse is equally true: a man grows in his own spiritual life, he becomes more the best way a mother can love her children is to love their sturdy and willing to accept responsibility. Although all father. this is impossible for us fathers to do alone, God can do all things. God can even bestow the awesome spiritual power More than anything else in the world, children need a of fatherhood upon us. loving family and parents who support each other, even if the parents are apart through separation or divorce. Christ https://oca.org/the-hub/the-church-on-current-issues/spiritual-aspects- of-fatherhood challenges us to love one another, and that challenge becomes even more compelling within our own families. Even in the best of families, there is brokenness. And that is why the man’s call to fatherhood is so important. We fathers are called to show our families strong, manly love and forgiveness, virtues modeled powerfully in the father of the prodigal son (Lk 11:32).

This father is stable, loving, and generous. In his fairness, he avoids violating the freedom of either of his sons. When the prodigal demands his inheritance and decides to leave, the father does not attempt to withhold the money. He does not pressure the son to stay by trying to make him feel guilty. And the father is wise enough not to send care packages to relieve the son’s distress. The father allows both of his adult sons to make their own mistakes and to Our Church’s feast day celebration learn from their failures, an appropriate form of discipline for older adolescents and young adults. Panagia’s Panegyri The prodigal’s father demonstrates manly leadership by taking loving initiatives, and he takes many such initiatives. He maintains a thriving business to provide the generous Sunday, August 18, 2019 inheritance. He creates and supports a loving family for the prodigal to run from and for the older son to remain with. Immediately following And there is his last generous, joyful initiative as he runs out to embrace the returning son, kiss him, and put on him the best robe, ring, and shoes. He celebrates the return of Divine Liturgy his son with a feast. And in a scene all of us fathers can recognize, he opens up the conversation with the sulking older son. More information to follow

The father takes the initiative in bringing about forgiveness and reconciliation in the whole family. He is a model for us 7

Children’s Medical Fund Philoptochos Corner We have RAFFLE TICKETS FOR SALE!! Check out the The Assumption Ladies Philoptochos amazing prizes you could win. 1 ticket for $10 or 3 tickets Society for $25, find a Philoptochos member during coffee hour to purchase your chance to win.

Happy July! Half of our summer vacation is almost over. Please support our youth – National Philoptochos Hope you are making the best of it. Your new Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund “Kids Helping Kids” at our Board has been busy planning out the rest of their 2019 Panagia Panegyri, Sunday, August 18th. Our youth will be calendar. We know that many of you are traveling to behind the bar selling punch, iced tea & lemonade. All Greece or other exciting places. Please be smart, be safe. proceeds will benefit the CMF Sponsorship/Grant Program. Check in with us during coffee hour, we’ll be waiting for you when you get back! We need your support in order to help our Chicago Diocese host this most worthy event. Our Chapter We had our 2019-2021 Executive Board Elections on June A Look Ahead 2nd and here are the results: Weekend of August 16th, 17th & 18th Bring a friend and President – Flora Dimitriou work a shift! Sign up for The Festival of the Little Hills, St. 1st Vice President – Helena Brown Charles. See Helena Brown for more information. nd 2 Vice President – Keve Gialouris Don't see "Downton Abbey” without us!!! We are making Recording Secretary – Rose Harpole plans to rent a movie theatre at the Marcus Des Peres Cine Corresponding Secretary – Patricia Aaron for a private screening of the movie. Ticket sales will start Treasurer – Angie Koulouriotis in August. The ticket price is $15.00 per person. More in- Assistant Treasurer – Diane Sieckmann formation to follow regarding date and time. Adviser – Soula Marcou Sunday, September 8th – Annual Gyro Luncheon Board Members: Yvonne Alexopoulos, Dessie Bellos, Popi Deros, Amalia Karakasis, & Bessie Theodorou Sunday, November 3rd - Philoptochos Name Day Artoclassia

Saturday, November 16th – National Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon hosted by the Metropolis of Chicago

Sunday, December 1st - Philoptochos Christmas Party

Evelyn’s House – BJC Hospice We are stocking the snack pantry at the hospice house. If you would like to make a donation, please see Flora Dimitriou for a list of items needed. Also, Evelyn’s House continues to need of more crocheted lap blankets or pillow cases. If you have any interest in making the blankets or pillow cases, please let us know. There is a size requirement for these items. If you would like any more information on this project please see Flora Dimitriou or Diane Sieckmann.

2019 Meeting Dates: No Meeting in July; August 4; September 15; October 6; November 10; No Meeting in December

Acknowledgements We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting! We would like to thank Board Member Diane Sieckmann Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. and friends for serving coffee hour for the month of July. Flora Dimitriou Thank you to everyone who made a jewelry donation to us Philoptochos President for our May Festival Sale. All proceeds will benefit the [email protected] National Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon chapter 636-795-4602 expenses and sponsorship programs.

Congratulations to our area AHEPA 53 2019 Scholarship Recipients

The awards were given out this past Sunday, June 2, at the AHEPA 53 Apartments. The St. Louis AHEPA Chapter has been awarding scholarships since 1950 to hone the recipients for their outstanding academic achievements. This year AHEPA 53 awarded 15 scholarships. Receipents from the Assumption were:

Demetri Case Athena Stamos George Sakelis The ceremony was emceed by Chapter President, Mi- chael Kontominas and the scholarship awards were presented by Basil Pappas. AHEPA’s goal is to see these young students succeed to the highest degree possible and not to forget their Hellenic heritage. Applications for both Chapter and District level scholarships can generally be picked up in February from the Church offices or online.

Fanari 2019 Our Fanari campers left on June 16 for a week of learning and fellowship on the grounds of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Kansasville, Wisconsin. Fanari is wonderful experience. Ask any of our campers who went.

Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Corner The Orthodox Mission Team of St. Louis The Orthodox Mission Team of St. Louis works to nurture an awareness within our local churches of the need to evangelize, catechize, and support missionary efforts and programs globally." Celebrating 10 Years Since the Dedication of OCMC's Headquarters! by Niko Birbilis

This May, OCMC was thrilled to celebrate our 10-year-anniversary since the dedication of our current missionary training and administration building! May 21, 2009 marked a great day, not only for us at OCMC, but for Orthodoxy around the world. The roots of OCMC go all the way back to Athens, Greece in the 1950s, and to the influence of two young theologians: Fr. Deacon Anastasios Yannoulatos and Fr. Deacon Demetrios Trakatellis. Deacon Anastasios would eventually go on to become His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, and Deacon Demetrios would soon go on to become His Eminence Archbishop Geron Demetrios of America.

Inspired by the missionary fervor and vision of these brilliant young men, the Mission Center would begin as a committee of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (GOA) of America. As it continued to grow and develop, however, the GOA's mission center soon moved to its own location in St. Augustine, Florida, and Fr. Dimitrios Couchell (now His Grace Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos) was appointed as its first Executive Director. In 1987, the mission center sent the first short-term mission team to Kenya, and these teams would continue into the present day as some of the most fruitful ministries of the mission center.

By 1994 the GOA graciously handed its mission center over to become the pan-Orthodox mission center, representing the combined missionary efforts of all Orthodox jurisdictions in the US. At this point, it was finally labeled the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC).

Fr. Martin Ritsi took over as Executive Director in 1998, and by the late 2000s, OCMC was already involved in thirty countries around the world. OCMC continued growing, and soon it was time to expand to a new location. It was at this point that, due to many incredibly generous supporters, OCMC was able to construct its current home: the Archbishop Anastasios and Archbishop Demetrios Training and Administration Building. This new OCMC headquarters building was dedicated on May 21, 2009. Since then, it has increasingly been the source of countless ministries, striving to carry out Christ’s great commission and spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

In the past 10 years since the dedication, OCMC has sent a total of 1,181 team members on 159 mission teams to 18 different countries. This past year alone, OCMC: Has continued to support 375 indigenous clergy worldwide through the SAMP program Has continued to support 23 long-term missionaries Provided medical care to 1,199 people Reached 815 children Catechized 1,400 people Sent 4 healthcare and counseling teams Built a church in Indonesia Carried out 7 projects for students and orphans

We’ve had a wonderfully exciting and fruitful history and we thank you all for walking this journey with us. With your support, we are enabling countless people around the world to know the Gospel of Christ and to experience His love. Please continue to keep our work in your prayers, to volunteer your time and talents on our mission trips, and to donate to our ministries. Now we look forward to all that the next 10 years will bring!

As always, if you have any questions, would like to be part of the Mission Team St. Louis, or if you would like to help our missionaries, please feel free to contact Rosie Hartley, 618-447-9688. Thank you for your continued support!

Births - Congratulations to: Memorials - Memory Eternal George and Melinda Abuqubou on the birth of their son, Christopher, who was born on August 26, 2018. June 2 5-year Haralambos Pelekanos 5-year Fr. Constantine Regopoulos Baptisms - Many Years to: June 9 Isabella Mavra Xenos Zewki, daughter of Shivan and 9-mon Van (Evangelos) Evangelopoulos Tatiana Zewki. Isabella was baptized on May 19, 2019 1-year Tom (Athanasios) Dubis and her Godparents are Antonios Xenos and 1 year Mike Labis Anastasia Mezinis. 1-year Elaine Scott 2 year Danica Mandrapa Anna Sophia Theodoropulos, daughter of Fr. Anastasios 8 year Ljubica Terzic and Presvytera Elizabeth Theodoropoulos. Anna was 10-year Kostando Liakata baptized on June 1, 2019 at Saints Peter and Paul in 13-year Fr. Gerasimos Annas Glenview, IL and her Godmother is Julie Stefanski. 24-year Andrea Liakata

Peirce James Farmakis, son of Mike and Shannon July 28 Farmakis. Pierce was baptized on June 1, 2019. and his 1-year Despina Zeriss Godfather is Kostantinos (Dino) Deros. 2-year Chris Zeris

August 4 Eleni Polixeni Psara, daughter of Spiro and Colleen Psara. 21-year Athanasios Stratos Eleni was baptized on June 2, 2019 and her Godparents are are Panteli Pappas and Alona October 13 Teliatnykova. Departed Members Brotherhood of Alexander the Great

Sophia Shea Hayden, daughter of Bob and Natalie Important Hayden. Sophia was baptized on Saturday, June 22 at Please inform either Fr. Joseph or Fr. Anastasios Saints Pete and Paul in Glenview IL and her Godgather is immediately when you or any member of your family is Peter Sparacio. sick or hospitalized, so that appropriate prayer and visitation may be scheduled. Hospitals do not notify Funerals - Memory Eternal clergy of patients, even if you list yourself as a Church member. Anastasia “Annie” Markovich reposed on June 5, 2019. The funeral was June 10 at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church with interment Mt. Hope In Our Prayers Nora (Elaine) Bangert Seraphima Henderson Dorothy Nancy Graeff reposed on June 6, 2019. The Thekla (Rebecca) Kagaris Dean Kases funeral was on June 11 with interment at St. Mathews Janie (Zafera) Kyramarios George Lambos Cemetery.

Nick Niarchos of Palos Hills, Ill, brother of Eugenia (Alex) Pavlopoulos reposed on June 6th. The funeral was College Addresses June 10 at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox In an effort to keep in touch with, and minister to, our Church Palos Hills Il, Interment at Evergreen Cemetery of college students, we ask anyone with a daughter or son in Evergreen Park in Il. college to contact the Church office with the address, phone, & email. Lehman Bennett, grandfather of Jenny Bennett, passes way on June 15. The funeral and burial were on June 19 in Dallas, TX

Women’s Summer Book Study

Our plans for our Summer Book Study session are complete.

The book we are reading is

Everyday Wonders: Stories of God's Providence By V. Rev Michael J. Oleksa Hellenic Culture Camp 2019 and we will meet for our summer pot luck lunch and July 15-19 book discussion Open to all children entering 2nd grade Saturday, August 17 through 8th grade in Fall 2019 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday – Thursday Hosted by Keve Gialouris 8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 17828 Greyabbey Ct. St. Nicholas Family Life Center Chesterfield, MO (Please bring a lunch and drink Monday- Wednesday. Greek lunch will be provided If you have any questions, please contact on Thursday) Presvytera Laura Morton at 314-303-1784.

Friday 8:45 a.m. – noon Vetta Sports: Manchester

Hellenic Culture Camp is a wonderful opportunity to expose our children and grandchildren to culturally enriching activities and friendships within our community!

Activities include:

Greek Cooking

Extra Virgin Olive Oil $20/bottle History Geography Missouri Flag $96.00 Greek Dancing Patriarchal Flag $289.00 Greek Language

Holy Water bottles…………..$308.00 Greek Arts and Jewelry Making

Icon of St. Porphyrios Sports

Icon of the Annunciation Cost: $100 for one child, $90 for second Icon of Elder Amphilochios Makris child, $80 for third child (Financial Assistance

Icon of Elder Iakovos (Tsalikis) of Evia Available) Dimitri and Rebecca Kagaris For questions, please contact Barbara Corrigan at [email protected] or 314.960.6258 visit Please call the church office if you would like to donate https://www.sngoc.org/news/hellenic-culture-camp any of these items.

Περί εἰδώλων εἰδωλολατρία. Δέν ὑπάρχει ἀμφιβολία ὅτι τό καθένα Αγ. Ἰουστίνου Πόποβιτς ἀπ’αὐτά φονεύει ὅ,τι κάνει ἄνθρωπο τόν ἄνθρωπο, Τό ἀνθρώπινο γένος δοκιμάζει, καθημερινῶς, στόν φονεύει δηλαδή ὅ,τι θεοειδές, θεονοσταλγικό, κόσμο μας τήν ἐμπειρία νά ὁδηγοῦνται οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἀθάνατο, θεῖο, αἰώνιο. Γι’αὐτό καί ὁ ἅγιος Ἀπόστολος στήν ἀπώλεια εἴτε λόγῳ τῆς ἄγνοιας, εἴτε τῆς μή νουθετεῖ καί ἐντέλλεται στούς χριστιανούς: «Διόπερ, ἀναγνωρίσεως τοῦ μόνου ἀληθινοῦ Θεοῦ καί ἀγαπητοί μου, φεύγετε ἀπό τῆς εἰδωλολατρείας». Οἱ Κυρίου, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Μέ ἄλλα λόγια ἐκπίπτουν, ἄνθρωποι, διά τῶν ποικιλόμορφων εἰδωλολατρειῶν, ἐξαιτίας εἴτε τῆς ἀθεΐας εἴτε τῆς εἰδωλολατρείας. ἔμμεσα ἤ ἄμεσα, θυσιάζουν τούς ἑαυτούς τους στὀν Αὐτή ἡ ἄγνοια ἤ ἡ μή ἀναγνώριση τοῦ Κυρίου διάβολο, προσφέρονται ὡς θυσία στόν διάβολο. Σέ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐπιφέρει τήν ἄγνοια ἤ τήν μή τελευταία ἀνάλυση, κάθε εἰδωλολατρία εἶναι ἀναγνώριση τοῦ μόνου ἀληθινοῦ ἀγαθοῦ σέ αὐτόν σατανολατρία καί κάθε εἰδωλο-διακονία εἶναι σατανο- τόν κόσμο: τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Αὐτοί οἱ διακονία. Μήπως δέν λατρεύει, δέν διακονεῖ, δέν ἄνθρωποι ζοῦν «ἐν ἀσελγείαις, ἐπιθυμίαις, προσφέρει θυσία τήν ψυχή του στόν διάβολο ἐκεῖνος οἰνοφλυγίαις, κώμοις, πότοις καί ἀθεμίτοις πού ζεῖ στά πάθη καί στήν ἡδονή, ὅποιος ὑπηρετεῖ εἰδωλολατρείαις». Ναί, «ἀθεμίτοις εἰδωλολατρίαις», ὁποιονδήποτε καί ὁ,τιδήποτε, ἐκτός ἀπό τόν μόνον γιατί ἡ εἰδωλολατρεία εἶναι πάντοτε σέ πληθυντικό ἀληθινό Θεό καί Κύριο, Ἰησοῦ Χριστό; Αὐτό εἶναι ἀριθμό. Ὁ ἄνθρωπος, ὁ ὁποῖος δέν ἀναγνωρίζει τόν τόσο ξεκάθαρο γιά κάποιον πού μπορεῖ, μέ φρόνηση, μόνο ἀληθινό Θεό, θέλοντας καί μή ἀναγνωρίζει νά κρίνει. Γι’αὐτό καί ὁ θεόσοφος Ἀπόστολος λέγει ἕνα ἀναρίθμητο πλῆθος ἄλλων, μικρότερων στούς πρώην εἰδωλολάτρες Κορινθίους: «ὡς θεοτήτων, ψευδῶν θεῶν, εἰδώλων. Πρόκειται γιά τίς φρονίμοις λέγω…οὐ θέλω δέ ὑμᾶς κοινωνούς τῶν ἐπιθυμίες καί τά πάθη πού δέν ἔχουν οὔτε ἀριθμό δαιμονίων γίνεσθαι. Οὐ δύνασθε ποτήριον Κυρίου οὔτε τέλος. Ὅταν ὁ ἄνθρωπος δελεάζεται ἀπό μία πίνειν καί ποτήριον δαιμονίων· οὐ δύνασθε τραπέζης τέτοια μικρή, μικρή θεότητα, τότε αὐτή τόν Κυρίου μετέχειν καί τραπέζης δαιμονίων». παρασύρει στίς ὑπόλοιπες ἐπιθυμίες καί τά πάθη καί Ἀναμφίβολα, ὁλόκληρο τό Εὐαγγέλιο τοῦ Σωτῆρος τότε εἶναι πού τόν κατακομματιάζουν καί τόν ἔγκειται στό ὅτι «τό σῶμα τῶ Κυρίῳ, καί ὁ Κύριος τῶ κατασπαράζουν οἱ ἀναρίθμητοι ψευδεῖς καί σώματι». Ἔτσι γνωρίζουμε τό αἰώνιο μυστήριο τοῦ ἀδηφάγοι θεοί. Καί ὁ ἄνθρωπος δέν εἶναι σέ θέση ἀνθρωπίνου ὄντος: πώς ὁ Κύριος Ἰησοῦς Χριστός νά ἀμυνθεῖ σέ αὐτήν τήν ἀγέλη τῶν τρομερῶν εἶναι ὁ Σωτήρας ὁλοκλήρου τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ὄχι μόνο θηρίων καί τῶν δελεαστικῶν πειρασμῶν. Τό τῆς ψυχῆς ἀλλά καί τοῦ σώματός του. Γι’αὐτό καί τό μικρότερο πάθος ὁδηγεῖ σέ μεγαλύτερο καί ἔτσι σῶμα τοῦ χριστιανοῦ ὀφείλει νά εἶναι ναός ἅγιος, στόν σταδιακά, βυθίζεται σέ ὅλο καί μεγαλύτερα πάθη, ὁποῖο ζεῖ ἡ ἁγία ψυχή στόν κόσμο μας καί στόν ὁποῖο ὥσπου, ἐν τέλει, δέν μπορεῖ νά ἀναδυθεῖ ἀπ’αὐτά. πρόκειται νά ζήσει καί μετά τήν κοινή ἀνάσταση τῶν Καί κάθε πάθος ἐμπεριέχει ἀναρίθμητα εἴδωλα καί νεκρῶν. Τά σώματα τῶν χριστιανῶν, διά τοῦ ἁγίου κάθε ἐπιθυμία φέρει ὅλο καί περισσότερα εἴδωλα, Βαπτίσματος, τῆς Θείας Μεταλήψεως καί τοῦ πού δέν ἔχουν τελειωμό. Τά εἴδωλα εἶναι σάν τή εὐαγγελικοῦ τους βίου, ἔγιναν ἀναπόσπαστα μέρη τοῦ δυνατή φωτιά, μέσα της κατακαίγονται καί ἡ Θεανθρώπινου σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Τά σώματα συνείδηση καί ἡ ψυχή καί ἡ καρδιά καί τό θέλημα αὐτά δέν ἀνήκουν πλέον στούς ἴδιους, ἀλλά σέ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου. Γι’αὐτό καί ὁ ἅγιος Ἀπόστολος τῆς Ἐκεῖνον. Ὅ,τι ἔγινε μέ τό ἅγιο σῶμα Ἐκείνου ἀγάπης παρακαλεῖ τούς χριστιανούς: «Τεκνία, πρόκειται νά συμβεῖ στά σώματα τῶν χριστιανῶν. φυλάξατε ἑαυτούς ἀπό τῶν εἰδώλων». Ἀπό τά Για την αντιγραφή: Δημήτρης Κάγκαρης εἴδωλα προέρχονται ὅλα τά κακά, καί τά μικρά καί τά μεγάλα. Καί κάθε ἄνθρωπος εἶναι εἰδωλολάτρης, ἐφ’ὅσον δέν πιστεύει στόν μόνον Ἀληθινό Θεό, But I say to you," the Lord says, "love your enemies, do στόν Κύριο Ἰησοῦ Χριστό. Διότι, ὁπωσδήποτε σέ good to those who hate you, pray for those who κάτι πιστεύει, εἴτε ὄν εἶναι αὐτό εἴτε πράγμα, εἴτε σέ persecute you." Why did he command these things? So ὁρατά εἴτε σέ ἀόρατα εἴδωλα, ὅπως εἶναι ὁ ἥλιος, ἡ that he might free you from hatred, sadness, anger and grudges, and might grant you the greatest possession of σελήνη, οἱ ἀστέρες, οἱ ἄνθρωποι, ὁ πολιτισμός, ἡ all, perfect love, which is impossible to possess except τεχνολογία, ἡ φυλή, ἡ κοινωνική τάξη, τά πάθη, οἱ by the one who loves all equally in imitation of God. ἡδονές καί […] τό ὄνομά τους «Λεγεών». Ἀπό τό πρῶτο ὥς τό τελευταῖο ὅλα τά παραπάνω εἶναι St. Maximus the Confessor

(Elijah) the dirt and all the water. Saint Elijah had shown them all Prophet Elias the true and only God! When King Ahab told his wife Jezebel what Elijah had done, she angrily promised to kill the prophet. Fearing for his life, Elijah fled to Beer-sheba in The Old Testament prophet Elijah the Tishbite lived during the land of Judah. There, he sat down under a broom tree, the time when King Ahab ruled Israel. Ahab's wife Jezebel so miserable and fearful that he asked God to take his life. was a foreigner who did not worship the One True God of Instead, God sent an angel to encourage him and to prepare Israel, but the false god Baal. She persecuted prophets, and him for a long journey. Following the angel's instructions, deceitfully tried to force the people of Israel to turn away he walked for forty days and forty nights until he came to a from God and worship Baal. Elijah's fiery personality often cave. There God spoke to him in a gentle breeze, telling brought him into conflict with Ahab and Jezebel, because he him to bless helpers who would spread the true faith. One was absolutely determined that the people would stay of those Elijah blessed was Elisha, who was plowing his faithful to God. God rewarded Elijah's devotion with the gift father's field. When Saint Elijah saw him, he threw his of prophecy. Once, when Elijah knew a serious drought was cloak over him, and soon Elisha was accompanying Elijah coming soon, God instructed him to leave his home and go as his helper. As Saint Elijah's earthly life neared its end, east of the Jordan River, promising that he would be fed by God sent him to Bethel, Jericho and the Jordan. When he a raven. Just as God promised, the raven came to the Jordan, Elijah rolled up his cloak and touched brought Elijah food, and he was able to the water. The water immediately parted and Saints Elijah drink from a stream. When the stream ran and Elisha crossed over on dry land. As they continued to dry God told him to go to the city of walk, a fiery chariot driven by fiery horses came and took Zarephath. In the city he met a widow Saint Elijah in a whirlwind up into the sky. Elisha took up who was gathering sticks. He asked her the great prophet's cloak. Elijah's story doesn't end there. for bread, but she replied, "I have no He was one of two Old Testament saints who appeared with bread baked, and there is only a small Jesus at His Transfiguration. Saint Elijah was there to amount of flour and oil left for my son represent the Old Testament prophets who foretold the and me." There was not enough, she said, to share with coming of the Son of God. He is a wonderful example of another person. Saint Elijah told her not to worry or be someone who loved God with all of his soul, all of his heart afraid but to make the bread and give him a little loaf. She and all of his mind. In some churches, on the feast of Saint did so, and a great miracle occurred. The widow had enough Elijah, the priest blesses cars, bicycles, roller skates, scoot- flour and oil to last a whole year! Sometime later, when her ers (chariots!) and any other method of transportation with son died, Elijah prayed over his body and the boy came wheels! back to life. The widow was overjoyed and said to Elijah, http://dce.oca.org/assets/files/resources/Saints-Animals.pdf "Now I know that you speak God's word." After many years of drought, God sent Elijah to see King Ahab. By this time, Troparion (Tone 4) there was famine as well as drought in the land. While An angel in the flesh and the cornerstone of the prophets, searching for food and water, Ahab's advisor Obadiah met The second forerunner of the coming of Christ, Glorious Elijah on the road. He told King Ahab that the prophet was Elijah sent grace from on high to Elisha, To dispel diseases back, and Ahab went out to meet him. He said to Elijah, "Is and to cleanse lepers. Therefore, he pours forth healings on it you, you troubler of Israel?" Saint Elijah told King Ahab those who honor him. that he, the king, was the one who was troubling Israel because he was not living his life according to God's laws, Quote and should not be following the false god Baal. Then he said I have been very zealous for the Lord Almighty… to the king, "Tell the people of Israel and the four hundred - Elijah, about himself 3 Kingdoms 19:10 fifty prophets of Baal to meet me on Mount Carmel." When everyone had arrived, Saint Elijah told the people, "If the Date Born Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is, then follow him." Tishba of Gilead into the Levite tribe 900 years before the He challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest. He told Incarnation of Christ them to put their sacrifice on one altar and he would put his on another altar. Neither one would start a fire to burn their Date Died sacrifice, but would call on God and Baal to start the fire. Elijah's death is described in 2 Kings 2: 9-13 (4 Kingdoms The false prophets of Baal hopped around and yelled to their 2: 9-13 OSB). The date is not certain god to come and light the sacrifice. Saint Elijah laughed and said that maybe Baal was napping and needed to be Commemoration Date awakened. The false prophets yelled even louder, and still July 20 and the Sunday of the Holy Fathers nothing happened. Elijah calmly made a large trench around

Jr Olympics Wrap Up Thank you to Alki Lappas Case for coordinating our team at the 2019 Metropolis of Chicago Jr. Olympics hosted by Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Palos Hills, IL over the Memorial Day Weekend.

The medal results for our team were: 9 gold (10k, individual and relay swimming), 9 silver (table tennis, individual and relay swimming), and 2 bronze (individual swimming) Congratula- tions to all!!

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 1755 Des Peres Rd., Town & Country, MO 63131 (Just north of Des Peres 14 Cine)

July 2019 FRIDAY LUNCHEONS Menu subject to change 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Kitchen Phone: 314-966-6720 Web Site: http://www.assumptiongoc.org/friday-lunch Cash, Checks and Credit Cards accepted: Master Card, VISA, Discover, American Express

July 12 Lamb Shank over Rice ...... $14 Baked Fish with Macedonia Peas ...... $8 NO LUNCHEON Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $7 Gyro Sandwich ...... $5 JULY 5th (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce)

Have a Safe and Healthy Chicken Avgolemono Soup...……..…….Sm. $3....Lg. $5 4th of July Weekend 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)………..………2 for $3 Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3 Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5

Dessert ...... $3 (Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, Walnut Cake, Cheesecake)

July 19 July 26 Shrimp Saganaki over Rice ...... $9 Baked 1/2 Chicken over Rice ...... 8 Baked Fish with Stewed Green Beans ...... $8 Baked Fish with Roasted Brussel Sprouts ...... $8 Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $7 Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole)...... $7 Gyro Sandwich ...... $5 Gyro Sandwich ...... $5 (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce) tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce)

Split Pea Soup………………………….Sm. $3…..Lg. $5 Lobster Bisque……...... ……………...….Sm. $4....Lg. $6 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)………..………2 for $3 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)………..………2 for $3 Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3 Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3 Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3 Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing...... $5 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5

Dessert ...... $3 Dessert ...... $3 (Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, Walnut Cake, (Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, Walnut Cake, Cheesecake) Cheesecake)

Sat

Prophet Elias Prophet Martyr Great

13 20 27 Vespers Great pm 5:00 Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Vespers Great pm 5:00 Panteleimon Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Vespers Great pm 5:00

6 Vespers Great pm 5:00

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St. Paisios of Mt.of Paisios St. Righteous Paraskeve Righteous

12 26 Athos Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Luncheon amFriday 11:00 Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Luncheon amFriday 11:00

5 19 LUNCHEON FRIDAY NO Weekend July 4th of Happy Luncheon amFriday 11:00

Feast Days are Boxed are FeastDays

Fast Days are Shaded are FastDays

Thu

Divine Liturgy Times are Approximate are Times Liturgy Divine

Repose of St. ofAnna St. Repose

Great Martyr Martyr Great

Independence Day Independence

11 18 25 Euphemia Orthros am 8:00 Liturgy Divine am 9:00 Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00

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Great Martyr Martyr Great

17 Marina Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Kafenio pm 2:00

3 10 24 31 Kafenio pm 2:00 Kafenio pm 2:00 Kafenio pm 2:00 Kafenio pm 2:00

July2019

Tue

2 Vespers pm 6:30

9 16 23 30 Vespers pm 6:30 Vespers pm 6:30 Vespers pm 6:30 Vespers pm 6:30

Assumption Greek Assumption OrthodoxGreek Church

Mon

Unmercenaries Unmercenaries

1 8 15 22 29 Kosmas & Damianos Kosmas Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00

Sun

Fathers of the 4th 4th of the Fathers

7 14 21 28 8:30 am Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy Divine am 9:45 Council Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy Divine am 9:45 Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy Divine am 9:45 Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy Divine am 9:45

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 1 John 4: 12-16; 20-21

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

If someone says “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

For Consideration

The greatest teachers of the Church endeavored to teach great truths to men not only by words but also by visual examples. Thus Abba Isaiah, in order to teach the monks that no-one would receive a reward from God who did not toil in this life for Him, led his disciples to a threshing floor, where a labourer was gathering the threshed wheat. ‘Give me some of that wheat!’, Isaiah said to the labourer. ‘Have you been reaping as well, Father?’ ‘I haven’t’, replied the elder. ‘Then you’ve got a hope of some wheat, if you’ve not gathered it!’ To this, the elder said: ‘There’s no wheat for him who has not gathered it?’ ‘No’, replied the labourer. Hearing this reply, the elder went away in silence. When his disciples asked him to explain his actions to them, he said: ‘I did that deliberately, in order to show you that no-one will receive the reward from God who has not labored in asceticism.’

The Prologue from Ochrid: Lives of the Saints and Homilies for Every Day in the Year, vol. 3 by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic. Translated by Mother Maria Lazarica Press, Birmingham, 1986. p.99.