THE VOICE

THE VOICE — December 2012 - Volume No. 268

TABLE OF CONTENTS Hymn of Note Father’s Article ...... 1,2 As the conclusion of another year approaches we nostalgically begin to Stewardship ...... 3 recollect important events that have occurred during this time and file Cherubs...... 4 them into memory. Some of those memories fade into time. Others leave Archangels ...... 5 Sunday School ...... 6 permanent marks on our character and on our future. Youth Ministry ...... 7 In the Orthodox way of life, remembrance is vitally important. When P.T.A. News ...... 8 Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist by offering bread and Advent Retreat ...... 8 Philoptochos ...... 9 Dinner Dance ...... 10-12 Announcments ...... 12-13 Κοινοτικά Νέα ...... 14 Feast Day of our Liturgical Schedule ...... 15 Patron Spyridon Community Events ...... 16

ST. SPYRIDON Tuesday, December 11th HELLENIC ORTHODOX Hierarchical Great Vespers—7 p.m. CHURCH

12307 S. RIDGELAND AVE. PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463 Wednesday, December 12th Orthros & Hierarchical WWW. SAINT-SPYRIDON.ORG Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m. The Voice - H ΦΩNH wine as His flesh and blood at the Mystical Supper, He said to His disci- Official Monthly ples: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). Every day we offer Community Publication of names of both the living and the departed to be remembered in the Di- St. Spyridon vine Liturgy. We offer memorials for those who have moved on to eter- Hellenic Orthodox Church nal life. We pray the words of the thief on the cross when we approach 12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue for Holy Communion: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Palos Heights, IL 60463 kingdom” (Luke 23:42). REV. FR. TILEMAHOS We notice this theme of remembrance as well in our Hymn of Note, the ALIKAKOS th IERATIKOS 4 Eothinon in our series, based on the gospel reading from Luke 24:1-12. PROESTAMENOS The doxastikon which you can hear chanted in Greek at http://www.ec- patr.net/en/sounds_htm/eothina.htm is the following: Church Office Hours: ...... Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. It was deep dawn and the Women came to your grave, O Christ; but the body Phone: ...... 708-385-2311, 2313 or 0787 they longed for was not to be found; and so those who in shining garments stood Fax: ...... 708-385-0166 E-mail: [email protected] by them in their perplexity said: Why do you seek the living with the dead? He Web: www.Saint-Spyridon.org has risen as he foretold. Why have you forgotten his words? Persuaded by them Parish Council Officers they proclaimed what they had seen, but the good tidings seemed but raving; so Taso Panagiotopoulos...... President dull were the Disciples still; but Peter ran and having seen glorified to himself James Korbakes ...... 1st Vice-President Konstantinos Labrakis ...... 2nd V. President your wonders. Tom Zentefis ...... Secretary Larry Kekempanos ...... Assistant Secretary One of the many arguments for the veracity of Christ’s rising from the Nicholas Chibucos ...... Treasurer Gus Kolyvas ...... Assistant Treasurer dead is that those who closest to Him did not anticipate the resurrection. Even though Jesus had repeatedly foretold of His Passion and Resurrec- Auxiliary Officers Stylianos Bonanos ...... Chanter tion the disciples and the myrrh-bearers were so overwhelmed and Toula Georgiopoulos ...... Philoptochos frightened by the horrific events of the crucifixion that all memory of Georgia Theoharis ...... P.T.A. Kiki Kazazakis ...... Kentro hope had left them. Only His enemies had remembered Jesus’ prophecy Lambrini Stavrou ....Plutarchos Greek School of His resurrection, and therefore placed a guard on His tomb, ironically Anna Angelos ...... Archangels Academy Zoe Kopanis ...... Sunday School Director giving further proof of His rising. Nicky Glikis ...... Choir Director Dana Vasilakos & Nick Mataragas The myrrh-bearers are met by an angel at the tomb who is perplexed as ...... G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. Joanne Spinos ...... Cherubs to why these women are looking for Jesus in the grave. He does not un- Presbytera Georgia ...... HOPE derstand how the words of the Lord that spoke of His Resurrection were Fr. Tilemahos ...... Byzantine Music Panagiotis Mihalopoulos ...... so easily forgotten. In their forgetfulness, these faithful women were Fr. Tilemahos ...... Bible Study looking for the living among the dead. Vicki Drikos ...... Handmaidens Nick Chibucos & Nick Mataragas Altar Boys In our forgetfulness, we also seek to find life among things that are dead. John Angelos ...... Athletics Often overwhelmed by the business of the life, all memory of the eternal leaves us. We so easily become attached to things that have no perma- nence, no essence, and therefore no life. For example, we remember where we saw the perfect Christmas gift, or when the Bears game starts, or what the best place for a winter getaway is, but none of these memo- ries, as useful or virtuous as they may be, help us make an essential mark on our character or person. All of these things however, may become essential and positive memo- ries when they are centered on the memory of Christ’s words. When all “And what does the Lord require of our activities in life are based on the remembrance of Jesus’ commands to you? To act justly and to love mercy love one another, to show mercy and compassion, to partake of His flesh and to walk humbly with your God.” and blood, to stay apart from sin, to pray unceasingly, to deny oneself and simply follow His example, then all our memories will become eter-

2 The Voice nal in nature. The football game, the Christmas gifts, the family vacation, every holiday from New Year’s Day to Christmas, when they are lived with Christ’s words in mind, they will become memories that remain eternal. And they are eternal for no other reason that our loving Father, Who watches over us, will indeed place them in His memory because He will be there. Or have you also forgotten His promise: “When two or three are gathered in my name, I am there with them”(Matthew 18:2), and that “I shall be with you always unto the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) During this Christmas Season, the memory of the holy night in Bethlehem lives on as our present because God is present. The moments we spend in remembrance of His love become eternally imprinted in His memory. This is the message of hope that was declared by the angels. This is why the Christ Child came to us on Christmas Day. Let us then live in constant remembrance of Christ so that every day of our life may be spent in pursuit of eternal memories yet to come. Amen. In the love of the Incarnate Lord, Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos

STEWARDSHIP 2012

The Stewardship Committee thanks our 348 Stewards who have fulfilled their pledge for the 2012 year. We Stewardship 2012 Progress Report wish to express our gratitude for your commitment to the Lord’s work through our Church of Saint Spyri- As of November 26th, 2012 don and we encourage everyone to offer their stew- Pledged Stewards: 348 ardship for the good of the Church. Average Stewardship: $378 There is still time to pledge for 2012 and make our goal of 400 stewards for the year. To you who have Amount donated: $124,523 not yet pledged, we ask of you to commit yourself and Stewardship 2012 Goal: your family to the ministry of our Church and the glo- ry of His name. 400 Stewards

The 2013 stewardship packets and the new 2013 calen- dars will be available by Christmas Day. Please help us save money on postage by picking up your stewardship packet & calendar in the fellowship hall or the church office by January 6th, and let us work together to make 2013 another year of growth and renewed blessings for our beloved parish of Saint Spyridon.

ΓΙΝΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝΑ Το Χριστιανικό πρόγραμμα της Εκούσιας Εισφοράς μας δίνει την ευκαιρία να ανταποκριθούμε στην αγάπη του Χριστού με το να διαιωνίσουμε την αποστολή της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας μας. Ευχαριστούμε πολύ τις 348 οικογένειες που εκπλήρωσαν τις υποχρεώσεις τους για την φετινή χρονιά. Όλοι παρακαλούνται να ανανεώσουν την συνδρομή τους προς την Εκκλησία μας με το δώρο της αγάπης τους, στο γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας. Εις τέλος, μπορείτε να λάβετε απο το γραφείο τις νέες κάρτες και το νέο ημερολόγια για το 2013 από τα Χριστούγεννα εως τα Θεοφάνεια.

STEWARDS 2012-OCTOBER 26TH—NOVEMBER 27TH

Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Flaburis Mrs. Christina Nikolopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Don Hardy Mrs. Violet O’Donell Mrs. Irene Kavooras Mr. Peter Panagiotaros Ms. Athena Tsinoukas Ms. Tina Kliros Mr. & Mrs. George Tsikouris Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Schultz Mr. & Mrs. Nick Karamagianis Mr. John Tsikouris Mr.& Mrs. Demosthenis Hioureas Fr. & Pr. Anargyros Stavropoulos Mrs. Nectaria Meyer Mrs. Sophie Speros Ms. Irene Giardina Mr. Alex Mazarakos

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 3 UPDATE ON THEOFANIS

As many of you remember, last year, the Archangels Academy's Parents held a bake sale to benefit Theofanis Yianas. Theofanis was diagnosed with Stage IV, high risk Neuroblastoma in May 2011 at the young age of 6. In an effort to help the family cope with the med- ical expenses, a bake sale was held at St. Spyridon with resounding success. Everyone's generosity and prayers were a blessing for the family. The- ophanis’ family was truly touched by our community reaching out to them with so much love and generosity. Theofani had even displayed the hand- made cards from the Archangels students in his hospital room! On August 15th 2012 ,the day which commemorates the Assumption of our Virgin Mary, the family received the long awaited news from the medical staff that Theofanis was officially in remission from his cancer!! Theofanis earned his "Purple Heart" Courage Our prayers were answered! Everyone’s efforts, with God’s grace helped Bead which represents the Theofani and his family through this ordeal. Theofani’s famiy also had add- end of his 15 month-long ed reason to celebrate in welcoming their newest addition, baby Christina battle to cure him of Neu- Maria! roblastoma Thank you again to everyone who supported Theofani and please continue to keep him in your prayers so that he will remain cancer-free forever!

CHERUBS

This month, we had our first Cherubs celebration of the year, with Platon Velesiotis celebrating his Namesday. Hronia Polla Platon! The cherubs had fun in November creating beautiful angels for the Archangels Feast Day and colorful turkeys for Thanksgiving. It's hard to believe the holidays are upon us and the children will be making ornaments and decorations for Christmas! On behalf of Cherubs, I'd like to wish everyone a blessed and joyful Christmas!  Joanna Spinos, Cherubs Advisor

4 The Voice

Last month was all about being thankful, and we definitely have many things to be thankful for. Our class celebrated the feast day of our school, we learned about the different jobs people have in the community and had two very special visits. Students made Thanksgiving hats listing what they were thankful for.

The Palos Heights Fire Department came by and talked to the class about fire safety and what to do in case of a fire. We practiced the rule: STOP, DROP & ROLL. Then we went outside to see the fire truck and the kids got to climb inside. Thank you to the PHFD! Also as part of our community helpers unit, Officer Taso Malamis, (Zafiri’s dad), came and discussed the job of a police officer and taught our kids to call 911 if they are even in trouble. The big excitement was that the students got to try on his vest and the handcuffs. Thank Officer Taso for your visit!

We are thankful for our amazing volunteers who donate their time and talents… Joanna Spinos who runs our Cherubs program. Mrs. Spiros for making the artos for our feast day. Jennifer Vlahos for coming in everyday to be our library helper. Irene Farsatis, Nancy Primbas, and Daisy Kladis for being sound moms. Demetria Kottaras and Effie Triantafylou for- co chairing the grad- uation committee. The entire graduation committee! Maria Baltsas, Irene Farsatis and Yianna Halikias our parade committee. 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR St. Spyridon continues to bless our community with a bi-lingual preschool that is second to none. Registra- tion for next year will open in January. Applications will be made available in the office and on our website. Please contact Mrs. Anna at [email protected] or 385-2311 to set up a visit and check out our school; you will not be disappointed. Our preschool accepts students who will be three years old by Sep- tember 1st, 2013. The class for both 3 and 4 year olds runs from 9am to 12noon Monday through Thursday.

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 5

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

IOCC WALK On Saturday, November 3rd, over eighty parishioners and friends par- ticipated in the walk for the IOCC at Swallow Cliffs Woods, in Palos Park. Many thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Frank and Zoe Kopanis for organizing the walk which turned out to be a wonderful day for everyone and which also raised $2,000 for the IOCC.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT The Religious Education staff and stu- dents will present the Christmas Pag- eant on Sunday, December 23rd, with a pageant rehearsal taking place on Saturday, December 22nd Please make plans to attend. After the Christmas break, Sunday School will resume on Sunday, January 13th with a vasilopita celebration in each classroom. Any parent that wishes to make the vasilopita for the class may contact their child’s teacher. The dedicated staff of our Religious Education School wishes all our students and their families a joyous Christ- mas and a blessed New Year.

YOUTH MINISTRY GOYA & Jr. GOYA NEWS On Saturday, November 10th, the Goyans from St. Spyridon joined Goyans from St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn, for a trip to the St. John Chrysostom , in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The kids venerated the of St. Arsenios who celebrated that day along with the relics of St. Demetrios and St. Mamas. Then they raked a ton of leaves as the monastery was cleaning the grounds for their feast day. Finally, the kids enjoyed a nice lunch and re- ceived the blessing of Gerontissa Melanie. On November 28th, the Goyans made 75 scarves which will be given to people in need. Thanks to all who came to make the scarves. The Goyans will be holding a couple of fundraisers in the month of December selling fasting spinach pies and pizza puffs. One of their goals is to eventually gather enough mon- ey so that they could sponsor an in our iconography project. To that end, the Goyans will be going for Christmas Caroling to the homes of our parishioners on three different dates: Friday, December 14th—6:30 p.m.—9:00 p.m. Friday, December 21st—6:30 p.m.—9:00 p.m. Sunday, December 23rd—2:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m. If you wish the GOYANS come to sing at your home, please call the church office to reserve a date and time. Finally, we wish a speedy recovery to our Goya advisor, Mrs. Dana Vasilakos. Get Well Soon Mrs. Dana! Submitted by Konstantine Alikakos, Jr. GOYA & GOYA President

6 The Voice YOUTH MINISTRY

Altar Boys- During the month of November, the Altar Boys only had a couple of meetings, due to the Advent Retreat and the Thanksgiving holiday. On the other dates, the boys had fun going into our forest in the east end of our church lot, and slowly cleaning it and lighting a bon fire. Gathered in the forest we speak about different as well as oth- er topics brought up by the kids. December is a very important month for our altar boys. On Saturday, December 8th, we will hold a mandatory meeting at 11:00 a.m. in preparation for our Saint Spyridon feast day. We will be practicing our lines and formations for the Great Vespers which will take place on Tuesday, December 11th at 7:00 p.m. It is very important that all our altar boys be in attendance. Furthermore, on Wednesday, December 12th, any current or past altar boys are asked to assist in the feast day liturgy. If any altar boy needs a letter excusing him from school, they will be made available to them. Finally, the feast of St. Stephen, on December 27th, has become the official “Altar Boy Feast Day”. All the altar boys are asked to attend the Divine Lityrgy followed by a pizza party and relay games. Most importantly, we will take our official 2013 altar boy photo immediately after the service. All the altar boys are asked to attend.

Handmaidens - We have had a fantastic start to Handmaidens this year! The girls have shown their ex- citement and eagerness to learn about and serve in their community. Our first adventure was here in our Com- munity Hall where the girls learned how to make Halva and served it to their parents and peers. They also served at the Philoptohos’ Angels for Angela luncheon. It was also great to see how many girls and their families participated in St. Spyridon’s 4th Annual IOCC Walk. Our next meeting, on December 8th, will be delayed until 11:00 due to liturgy. December 10th we will be decorating icon of St. Spyridon during Greek School parent- teacher conferences. The Handmaidens will be hosting coffee hour on December 16th (Lenten), 23rd (Lenten) and 30th. We will also have a Barbie Doll Bowling outing over Christmas break. Our goal is to help collect Barbie dolls to send to the girls orphanage in Calcutta, India.

HOPE - Our HOPE group had limited action in November due to the retreat and Thanksgiving. However, they continue YOUNG ADULTS OUTING to meet on Saturday mornings with fun projects and crafts for Thursday, December 27th—8pm @ children in Pre-K & K grades. Jullianis Pizza Athletics - The new Basketball year got under way on All our college students and young college Sunday, November 18th, with our season opener with the team from St. John the Baptist in Des Plaines. Combined with grads who are enjoying a relaxing St. Nicholas Church in Oak Lawn, our St. Spyridon youth Christmas break, are invited for a have three teams: A new biddy league team for kids in 5th & St. Spyridon Young Adults evening at 6th grade, our Junior High Division for kids in 6th-8th, and Julliani’s Pizza in Palos Heights, our High School Boys Team. on Thursday, December 27th at 8:00 p.m. Upcoming games are: Please call the church office (708) 385-2311 Sunday, December 2nd at St. Demetrios Hammond or send an e-mail to Sunday, December 9th at Sts. Peter & Paul in Glenview [email protected] by December 26th Saturday, December 15th at St. Nicholas vs. St. Demetrios of to let us know you are coming. Elmhurst Sunday, December 16th at St. Nektarios in Palatine Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Please plan to attend and cheer on our teams!!!

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 7 P.T.A. NEWS The Parent Teacher Association wishes to once again thank all the donors and volunteers who made this year’s Dinner Dance a great success, with about $4,000 of proceeds from the raffle and adbook that will help in our ministries to our schools. On November 4th & 5th we had a very successful Cake Pops Fundraiser. Thank you to all that supported us! Our Next P.T.A. meeting is on Monday, December 10th. School Spirit day is on Friday, December 14th. The P.T.A. is looking forward to the Saint Spyridon Feast Day, the Christmas Pageant, and the Vasilopi- ta events to start the new year. The Sunday School vasilopita will take place on Sunday, January 13th, and the Greek School vasilopita on Monday, January 7th. Anyone interested to make the vasilopita for their child’s classroom please contact your child’s teacher. Our Greek School students are participating in the Agrafon essay contest in early December with the awards being presented at the Hellenic Letters Luncheon on Sunday, January 27th at the Chateau Ritz in Niles, IL. All our Greek School families are invited to attend the luncheon. Georgia Theoharis, P.T.A. President ADVENT RETREAT

On Saturday, November 17th, our Parish of St. Spyridon hosted the JOY Advent Re- treat for our Chicago Metropolis, with the theme: Prepare the way of the Lord. Our main speaker was Sylvia Leontaritis, author of Orthodox children’s books. We also had two of our own as speakers: Mrs. Artemicia Stamus and Mrs. Angela Evangelopoulos. Twenty sev- en families from throughout the Metropolis attended our retreat and enjoyed the talks and the fellowship. Many thanks to all our volun- teers and donors that made this retreat possi- ble.

8 The Voice PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Philoptochos, Our Philoptochos members and friends, together with the Parish Councilmen, have been very busy prepar- ing for our Annual Christmas Craft Show that will take place on December 1st and 2nd. We are asking for pastry donations from all of you for this event and your active participation in helping us during the two days will be very much appreciated.

FEED THE HUNGRY PROGRAM Our Philoptochos ladies on November 13th participated in the Feed the Hungry program at the Annunciation Cathedral. We all experi- enced the joy of serving and helping our brothers and sisters who are in need. The food that we prepared was delicious and everyone appreciated and thanked us for this offering. This year we initiated a winter clothing drive for those in need. We thank you for bringing the warm clothing and we thank all our la- dies who served and who helped pass out the warm clothing to our homeless friends.

PHILOPTOCHOS SCHOLARSHIP On November 4th the Ladies Philoptochos Society presented the $1,000 dollar Scholarship to Mr. Angelo Angelos. He is the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Angelos. Angelo impressed us, not only with his excellent academic achievement but more im- pressive was his involvement and his dedication to his Church. He grew up at St. Spyridon and is a graduate of Plutarchos Greek School and Sunday School. He has also served as an al- tar boy from the age of six years old. In 2008 he received 1st place in the Iconography Division of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. He was also the recip- ient of the Cook County Sheriff’s Youth Service Medal of Hon- or. Angelo is currently attending Harper College and is pursuing a degree in Business Law. We congratulate Angelo and wish him much success in his educational endeavors.

ST. SPYRIDON FEAST DAY Our community will celebrate the feast day of our Saint Spyridon with Great Vespers on Tuesday, De- cember 11th and Divine Liturgy on Wednesday December 12th. In order to successfully host the recep- tion for both days we are asking for Lenten pastry donations. Your kindness and generosity will be ap- preciated. Toula Georgiopoulos, Philoptochos President

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 9 ANNUAL DINNER DANCE

10 The Voice ANNUAL DINNER DANCE

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11 PARISH FELLOWSHIP

On Sunday, October 28th, our parish of St. Spyri- don celebrated its 95th Anniversary with its Annual Community Dinner Dance. In attendance was His Eminence, Metropolitan Iakovos, accompanied by Mr. Chris Avramopoulos, our Chicago Metropolis Youth Director, and many of our area clergy. Over 400 people enjoyed great food so generously ca- tered by Mr. Dean Eliacosts and crew, and the live music offered by the Hellenic Five. The honorees for this year’s Dinner Dance were Mr. & Mrs. Alex and Carol Pappas, Mr. & Mrs. Christoforos and Al- exandra Koulogeorge, and Mrs. Ida Trakadas, all of whom were featured in three short video presenta- tions. Many thanks to the Dinner Dance Chairman, Mr. James Korbakes, and his committee, to our Parish Council Presi- dent, Mr. Anastasios Panagiotopoulos, and all the Parish Council members, Philoptochos and P.T.A. members, and countless generous donors and dedicated volunteers who made this evening a record success..

Where is the best place ANNUAL to ring in 2013? CHRISTMAS CARD ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΗ ΚΑΡΤΑ

St. Spyridon’s Save time and postage by joining the New Year’s Eve Bash! St. Spyridon family to wish all your friends and family a Merry Christ- mas. Community Card forms have Monday, December 31st been mailed to all the parishioners. Please submit your completed form St. Spyridon Community Hall with a check for $25. The deadline is December 12th. 12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Palos Heights An evening of fun for the whole Για την συμμετοχή σας στην family! Ετήσια Χριστουγεννιάτικη Κοινοτική Κάρτα παρακαλούμε Dinner and Dancing να στείλετε το όνομά σας με begin at 9:30 p.m. δωρεά $25 στο γραφείο της

Εκκλησίας μας μέχρι τις 12

Adults: $45 Δεκεμβρίου. Σας ευχαριστούμε για την υποστήριξή σας καί τις Children 12 & under: $15 ευχές σας για έναν ευλογημένο For Reservations Call 708-385-2311 εορτασμό των Χριστουγέννων.

12 The Voice ANNOUNCEMENTS

FLOWERS FOR ST. SPYRIDON CHRISTMAS CARD FELLOWSHIP HOUR & CHRISTMAS & APPEAL During the month of December, If anyone is interested in do- Express your wishes for the the P.T.A. will be hosting the Fel- nating towards the purchase of Christmas season to all the pa- lowship hour following the Divine flowers for the adornment of rishioners and friends through Liturgy. our Church and for the the community Christmas card. feast day of St. Spyridon and Donation for having your family SACRAMENTS included in the card is $25. We the Christmas season, please BAPTISMS contact the Church office. also kindly ask that you do not The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Aris forget the church in your Christ- Halikias was baptized on Novem- GREEK SCHOOL mas gift list. Please send your ber 11th and given the name Mari- On Monday, December 10th at 5:00 Christmas gift for the parish to am Christina. Mr. & Mrs. Nick p.m. a Greek School Parent-Teacher the church office. Karamagianis were the sponsors.

Conference will be held. Report Cards will be given at this time. FOOD PANTRY The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Peter Greek School class will be held as We wish to thank all our parish- Poulos was baptized on November usual from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ioners and friends of St. Spyridon 18th and given the name Eleni Students will not be dismissed ear- for remembering our Food Pantry Athena. Mr. & Mrs. John Makris ly. If for any reason you are not for Thanksgiving (17 families). were the sponsors. able to attend the Conference, The following Christmas Dinner Να σας Ζήσουν! please notify your child’s teacher. food items are needed to supply MEMORIALS The last class before Christmas Va- our families food for their Holi- Sunday, November 4th cation will be on Friday, December day Dinners: turkey, ham, †40 days for Vasilis Simandirakis 21st Classes will resume on Friday, ground beef, potatoes, sweet and †6 months for Katerina Vil- January 4th, 2013. potatoes, vegetables (canned), lanueva.

Καλά Χριστούγεννα και cranberry sauce, apples and or- anges (fresh), pies (fresh or fro- Sunday, November 11th ευλογημένο το Νέο Ετος! †3 years for Chysanthi Haralam- zen), dressing (stuffing), marga- rine or butter, onions, celery, bos, †10 years for Ioannis Bisbikis METROPOLIS OPEN HOUSE and †13 years for Anastasia Bisbi- fresh veggies and fruit, cake mix kis. His Eminence Metropolitan and frosting, flour, sugar and oil. Iakovos, will once again joyously If anyone wishes to donate any Sunday, November 18th open the Metropolis home at 40 of the above mentioned items, or †1 year for Vasiliki Kotsiviras, and East Burton Place in Chicago, Illi- any other items for this special †8 years for Ioannis Papadatos. nois, to the clergy, faithful and delivery, please contact Effie at Sunday, November 25th many friends of the Greek Ortho- the church office. All donations †1 year for Paula Fotsis, †4 years dox Community during the should be at Church by Decem- for Stavros Tsitsopoulos, †15 years Christmas holiday season. This ber 16th. for Irene Papas and †26 years for year, the Metropolis Open House Daniel Pappas. will be held on Sunday, December 16, 2012 beginning at 5:00 p.m.

VASILOPITA CELEBRATION PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS The Community Vasilopita will be on Sunday, January 13th, after the Sunday, December 16th, 2012 Divine Liturgy. We ask that all pa- Following the Divine Liturgy rishioners and friends join us for this very special beginning for the Applications of Candidacy New Year. due by Monday, December 10th, 2012

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 13 ΚΟΙΝΟΤΙΚΑ ΝΕΑ

ΓΙΝΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝΑ Το Χριστιανικό πρόγραμμα της Εκούσιας Εισφοράς μας δίνει την ευκαιρία να ανταποκριθούμε στην αγάπη του Χριστού με το να διαιωνίσουμε τις διδασκαλίες του Κυρίου και την αποστολή της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας μας. Η Εκούσια Εισφορά θέτει την ευθύνη για την υποστήριξη της Εκκλησίας εκεί που ανήκει, δηλαδή σε μας τους ίδιους. Ευχαριστούμε πολύ τις 348 οικογένειες που εκπλήρωσαν τις υποχρεώσεις τους για την φετινή χρονιά. Ολοι παρακαλούνται να ανανεώσουν την συνδρομή τους προς την Εκκλησία μας, συμπληρώνοντας την Κάρτα Υποσχέσεως και επιστρέφοντάς την, μαζί με το δώρο της αγάπης τους, στο γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας.

ΛΟΥΛΟΥΔΙΑ ΠΡΟΣ ΣΤΟΛΙΣΜΟ Εαν θέλετε να δώσετε χρήματα για την αγορά των Λουλουδιών για τον στολισμό του Ιερού Ναού μας κατά την εορτή του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνα, καθώς και την εορτή των Χριστουγέννων, ή αν επιθυμείτε να δωρείσετε για τα μπουκαλάκια αγιασμού, παρακαλούμε να επικινωνήσετε με το Γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας. ΠΡΩΤΟΧΡΟΝΙΑΤΙΚΗ ΡΕΒΕΓΙΟΝ –2013 Προσκαλούμε όλους τους φίλους και ενορίτες του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνα να γιορτάσουμε τον ερχομό του Νέου Έτους όλοι μαζί σαν μία οικογένεια. Φαγητό, μουσική και χορός για να γιορτάσουμε το Νέο Έτος. Για κρατήσεις θέσεων σας παρακαλούμε να απευθυνθείτε στο γραφείο της ενορίας μας.

ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΕΣ ΕΥΧΕΣ Ο πατήρ Τηλέμαχος, ο πατήρ Νικηφόρος, ο πρόεδρος και τα μέλη του Κοινοτικού μας συμβουλίου, η πρόεδρος και τα μέλη της Φιλοπτώχου Αδελφότητας, η πρόεδρος και τα μέλη του Συλλόγου Γονέων και Διδασκάλων, οι Διδάσκαλοι του Ελληνικού, του Κατηχητικού Σχολείου και της Ακαδημίας των Αρχαγγέλων, και ολόκληρο το προσωπικό της Κοινότητας του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνα σας εύχονται:

ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ & ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΕΝΟ ΤΟ ΝΕΟ ΕΤΟΣ!

THANK YOU We wish to extend a special thank you:  To Mr. & Mrs. George Markopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Artemicia Stamus, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Mastorakos, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kopanis, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Karamagianis, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Panagiotopoulos, and to all the anonymous doners for their donations to our Iconography Project.  To all those that anonymously deposited their donations to the Iconography Box in the Church.  To the Anonymous donors of our Food Pantry.  To Mrs. Alana Bechrakis for preparing and distributing Thanksgiving Baskets for 19 needy families.  To all the volunteers and donors in our Advent Retreat.  To our cooking crew for the Advent Retreat.  To Hills Funeral Home for donating this year’s Ecclesiastical Calendars.  To all the parishioners who participated in the “Feed the Hungry” program.  To all the parishioners and donors who assisted in our Christmas Craft Show.  To all the Dinner Dance Ad Book Advertisers and Donors.  To all who responded so far to our Christmas Appeal.  To all who baked prosfora, and brought wine, oil, and ‘kolyva’ for our ‘Sarantaleitourgo’.

14 The Voice

Schedule of Divine Services Saturday, December 1st St. Philaret, Orthros, Divine Liturgy & Agiasmos—8:00 a.m. Sunday, December 2nd 14th Sunday of Luke, Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m. Monday, December 3rd Orthros & Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross —8:00 a.m. * Paraklesis—6:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 4th Orthros & Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross —8:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 5th Orthros & Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross—8:00 a.m. Great Vespers at St. Nicholas—7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 6th Orthros & Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn—9:00 a.m. Friday, December 7th Orthros & Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross —8:00 a.m. Saturday, December 8th Orthros & Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross —8:00 a.m. Sunday, December 9th 10th Sunday of Luke , Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m. Monday, December 10th Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m. * Paraklesis—6:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 11th Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m. Feast Day of Saint Spyridon, Hierarchical Great Vespers—7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 12th St. Spyridon the Wonderworker, Orthros & Hierarchical Divine Liturgy—8 a.m. Thursday, December 13th Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m. Friday, December 14th Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m. Saturday, December 15th St. Eleftherios—Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m. * Great Vespers—6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 16th 11th Sunday of Luke, Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m. Monday, December 17th Orthros & Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross —8:00 a.m. * Paraklesis—6:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 18th Orthros & Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross —8:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 19th Orthros & Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross —8:00 a.m. Thursday, December 20th Orthros & Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross —8:00 a.m. Friday, December 21st Orthros & Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross —8:00 a.m. Saturday, December 22nd Orthros & Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross —8:00 a.m. Sunday, December 23rd Sunday before Nativity, Orthros & Divine Liturg y— 8:00 a.m. Monday, December 24th Great Hours & Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil—8:00 a.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25th CHRISTMAS DAY—Orthros & Divine Liturgy —8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 27th St. Stephen the First Martyr—Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 p.m. Sunday, December 30th Sunday after Nativity, Orthros & Divine Liturgy— 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 1st New Years Day, Our Lord’s Circumcision * Saint Basil the Great, Orthros, St. Basil’s Divine Liturgy and Doxology for the New Year —8:00 a.m. Friday, January 4th Royal Hours of Theophany—8:00 a.m. Saturday, January 5th Orthros, Divine Liturgy & Agiasmos—8:00 a.m. * Vespers—6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 6th Theophany—Orthros, Divine Liturgy of St. Basil & Agiasmos—8:00 a.m.

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 15 December 2012 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Christmas Bazaar

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sunday School Archangels Academy Archangels Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Greek School—4:30 p.m. Altar Boy Mtg 11 am Christmas Bazaar Greek School-4:30 pm Cherubs—10:30 a.m. Byzantine Music—6:30 Handmaidens 11 am B-ball at St. Demetrios Greek Bible Study- 7pm Parish Council Meeting— GS B-ball—6:30 p.m. HOPE—11:00 a.m. Hammond—2:15 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Pee-Wee Ball 11:00 a.m. Iconography—6:00 p.pm.

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Sunday School Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Feast of St. Spyridon Archangels Academy Greek School—4:30 p.m. Altar Boy Mtg 10 am B-Ball at Sts. Peter & Paul Greek School-4:30 pm Cherubs—10:30 a.m. Orthros & Divine Byzantine Music—6:30 Handmaidens 10 am in Glenview—2:15 p.m. (Parent -Teacher Feast of St. Spyridon Liturgy @ 8:00 a.m. GS B-ball—6:30 p.m. HOPE—10:00 a.m. Conference) Hierarchical Vespers Archangels Academy GOYA Caroling—6pm Pee-Wee Ball 11:00 a.m. Greek Bible Study- 7pm @ 7:00 p.m. Iconography - 6 pm B-ball at St. Nicholas, GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm Oak Lawn—2:15 p.m.

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Sunday School Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Iconography - 6 pm Archangels Academy Greek School—4:30 p.m. Christmas Pageant Parish Council Elections Greek School-4:30 pm Cherubs—10:30 a.m. GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm GOYA Caroling—6pm Rehearsal Metropolis Open House Greek Bible Study- 7pm Bible Study— 7:30 p.m. HS B-ball— at St. B-ball at St. Nektarios, Nicholas—8 p.m. Palatine—2:15 p.m.

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Christmas Pageant Christmas Day Office Closed Altar Boy Day GOYA Caroling—2—6pm YAL Outing—8:00 p.m.

31 30 New Year’s Eve Family Worship Dinner Dance Set-up for Community New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ Σάββατο 1 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία & Αγιασμός—8:00 π.μ. * Εσπερινός –6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 2 Δεκεμβρίου 14η Κυριακή του Λουκά -Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 3 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Τιμίου Σταυρού) * Παράκληση—6:00 μ.μ. Τρίτη 4 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Τιμίου Σταυρού) Τετἀρτη 5 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Τιμίου Σταυρού) * Μέγας Εσπερινός στον Ι.Ν. Αγίου Νικολάου Πέμπτη 6 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—9:00 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Αγίου Νικoλάου) Παρασκευή 7 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Τ. Σταυρού) Σάββατο 8 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Τιμίου Σταυρού) Κυριακή 9 Δεκεμβρίου 10η Κυριακή του Λουκά -Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 10 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. * Παράκληση –6:00 μ.μ. Τρίτη 11 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Αρχιερατικός Εσπερινός Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος –7:00 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 12 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Πέμπτη 13 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Παρασκευή 14 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 15 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Ελευθερίου -Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. * Εσπερινός – 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 16 Δεκεμβρίου 11η Κυριακή του Λουκά -Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 17 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Τ. Σταυρού) * Παράκληση— 6:00 μ.μ. Τρίτη 18 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Τιμίου Σταυρού) Τετἀρτη 19 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Τιμίου Σταυρού) Πέμπτη 20 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Τιμίου Σταυρού) Παρασκευή 21 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Τιμίου Σταυρού) Σάββατο 22 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ.΄(Ι.Ν. Τιμίου Σταυρού) Κυριακή 23 Δεκεμβρίου Κυριακή προ των Χριστουγέννων—Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 24 Δεκεμβρίου Ακολουθία Βασιλικών Ωρών και Εσπερίνή Θεία Λειτουργία του Μ. Βασιλείου—8 π.μ. Τρίτη 25Δεκεμβρίου ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ –Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία –8:00 π.μ. Πέμπτη 27 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Στεφάνου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Κυριακή 30 Δεκεμβρίου Κυριακή μετά των Χριστουγέννων—Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία—8π.μ. Τρίτη 1 Ιανουαρίου Η κατά σάρκα περιτομή του Κυρίου και Σωτήρος ημών Ιησού Χριστού, & του Αγίου Βασιλείο—Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία, Αρτοκλασία και Δοξολογία για το Νέο Έτος — 8:00 π.μ. Παρασκευή 4 Ιανουαρίου Βασιλικές Ωρες των Θεοφανείων –8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο, 5 Ιανουαρίου Ορθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία & Αγιασμός –8:00 π.μ. * Εσπερινός –6:00 μ.μ.

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 17 St. Spyridon Hellenic Bulk Rate Orthodox Church U.S. Postage 12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue PAID Palos Heights, IL 60463 Permit #52 Palos Heights, IL.

Address Correction Requested

Attend Church Regularly with Your Family!

Vasilopita Community — 13th Jan.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance Dinner Eve Year’s New — 31st Dec.

4:00 p.m. 4:00 - noon 12

Philoptochos Christmas Party Christmas Philoptochos — 27th Dec.

2nd December Sunday,

Outing YAL

&

Day Boy Altar — 27th Dec.

4:00 p.m. 4:00 — a.m. 9:00

DAY CHRISTMAS — 25th Dec.

Saturday, December 1st 1st December Saturday,

Pageant Christmas — 23rd Dec.

House Open Metropolis

Greek Food Food Greek

Elections Council Parish — 16th Dec.

Crafts, Greek Pastries, Pastries, Greek Crafts,

Caroling Goya — 23rd & 21st 14th, Dec.

Day Feast Spyridon’s St. — 12th & 11th Dec.

ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW CRAFTS & ARTS

Meeting PTA & Conferences

Annual Philoptochos Annual

Teacher Teacher — Parent Plutarchos — Dec.10th

Meeting Council Parish — 4th Dec.

Christmas shopping at the the at shopping Christmas

Show Craft Christmas — 2nd & 1st December

Come do your your do Come

EVENTS OF CALENDAR