February 2018

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From Glory to Glory The monthly newsletter of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Fr. Joseph Strzelecki Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos February 2018

1755 Des Peres Road Feast of the Holy and Glorious Hieromartyr Haralambos Town & Country, MO 63131-1405 February 10 Phone: 314-966-2255 The holy, glorious Martyr Haralambos lived at the time of the Emperor Kitchen: 314-966-6720 Septimus Severus (194-211) in the city of Magnesia on the River Meander near Web Site: www.assumptiongoc.org Ephesus. He was 107 years old and had ministered as priest to the Christians of the city for many years, devotedly instructing them in the way of truth and Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos preaching Christ to all, regardless of the threats of the pagans. Email: [email protected] When he was denounced as a dangerous mischief-maker and brought before Office Manager: Diane Sieckmann the tribunal of the Governor Lucian, he responded to his threats in these terms, Email: [email protected] “You little know what is for my good and well-being. Nothing could be more pleasing to me than to suffer for Christ. So don’t hesitate to put my old body to Secretary: Diakonissa Kristen Vogt the tortures you deem the worst, and you will learn that the power of my Christ Email: [email protected] cannot be overcome.” He was then stripped of his priestly robe by the tormentors, who tore his flesh with iron claws without being able to elicit a single cry of pain from him. On the contrary, he said, “Thank you, brothers. In

flaying my old body, you are renewing my soul and preparing it for everlasting February Important Dates blessedness.”

February 2 When the Governor saw the steadfastness of the old man, far from repenting Meeting of the Lord and giving glory to God, he hurled himself at him in uncontrollable rage, tearing at his skin with his bare hands. Then, by an act of God, his hands were suddenly February 9 severed and remained claw-like and lifeless on the Martyr’s body. Moved to pity St. Haralambos by the tyrant’s cries and supplications, Saint Haralambos gave himself to prayer and obtained his healing. This astonishing miracle and demonstration of the love February 10 of Christians for their enemies brought Lucian, as well as the tormentors First Saturday of Souls Porphyrius and Baptus, to believe in Christ God and to renounce the cult of

February 11 idols. Three women onlookers also rushed forward and fearlessly proclaimed their faith. The grateful Governor was immediately baptized by the Saint and a Meat Fare Sunday great many inhabitants of the province of Asia were won for Christ. February 17 When the Emperor Severus learned that the inhabitants of Magnesia and the 2nd Saturday of Souls surrounding country were abandoning idolatry and receiving holy Baptism from the old priest who had been condemned to death; that the blind were recovering February 18 their sight at his prayer and the crippled were walking, he was very troubled Cheese Fare - Forgiveness Sunday indeed. He immediately sent 300 soldiers to Magnesia with orders to bring the Saint, nailed and chained, to Antioch in Pisidia where he was residing. The February 19 soldiers treated the old man very badly on the road, until the horse on which they Clean Monday - Great Lent Begins had set him suddenly uttered a condemnation of the Emperor as an enemy of

February 24 God, and of his soldiers as slaves of the Devil—to the great terror of the military, 3rd Sunday of Souls who for the remainder of the journey did the Saint no harm. As soon as the venerable old man was brought before him, the Emperor had February 25 him thrown into a blazing furnace with a long skewer through his chest. Sunday of Orthodoxy However, the fire went out as soon as it touched the Saint who, to the Emperor’s astonishment, remained insensible to what he suffered. What was the secret of his invulnerability, the tyrant wanted to know. “The power of Christ!” replied the Saint. Severus then put this to the test and presented him with a man possessed

2018 Parish Council by a demon for thirty-five years. The Saint drove out the unclean spirit with a Fr. Joseph Strzelecki single word. Severus next produced the corpse of a young man about to be Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos buried. After addressing a fervent prayer to God, Saint Haralambos gave the Scott Thompson, President youth his hand and, to the Emperor’s amazement, raised him from the bier as Greg Simos, Vice President Elefteria Marcou, Secretary though from sleep. Gus Harris, Treasurer Then the Prefect Crispus shouted, “Your Majesty should put this sorcerer to Daniel Gantner Vasilios Simos death straight way!” At this, the Emperor’s hatred broke out again and he Carol Marshall Sotirios Sotiriou commanded Saint Haralambos to sacrifice to the idols. On his refusal, he Pam Martin Dr. Tom Stamos Samia Rabie Chris Tsoubanos ordered them to break his jaw with stones and to set his beard on fire. But God Dr. Farid Sadaka Nick Tsoubanos acted once again. The flames turned on the tormentors and the place where they Tonis Zafiropoulos stood was shaken by an earthquake. Acolytes Lifted up off his throne and suspended in the air, the Emperor was whipped Alban Mosher, John Nicholas for a good while by unseen angels. On learning of his predicament, his daughter Adult Orthodox Christians (18 years & older): Diane Sieckmann Galinia confessed Christ as Almighty and came to implore the holy Martyr to Assumption Angels (infant - 5 years) release her father from chastisement. This he did; but the Emperor’s amazement Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos at the power of God was short-lived, and he soon returned to his idolatrous Bible Study madness. Despite the remonstrances of Galinia, who reminded him of the divine Fr. Daniel Morton Bookstore blessings which had lighted on him, he kept Saint Haralambos in custody and Dr. Joseph Steineger, Diakonissa Kristen Vogt had him tortured anew. He also turned on Galinia and threatened her with death Chanters unless she sacrificed. She made as if to obey but, on entering the temple, she Steve Bellos threw the statues to the ground and broke them in pieces. Severus sent to the Choir foundry to have new statues cast, but she shattered these too, so that he became a Stephanie Saunders Church Tours laughing-stock. Janice Hazeltine Severus then made a last attempt to break the instigator of his daughter’s Friday Luncheon conversion. But Saint Haralambos withstood every device of his tormentors with Art Liyeos adamantine fortitude and all the onlookers were dazzled by the brilliance of Greek Festival Greg Simos, Art Liyeos Grace. He welcomed the death sentence with joy, and, on reaching the place of Greek School execution, he raised his hands and eyes to heaven. He thanked God for having Savas Kyramarios brought him to the issue of his contest, and he asked Him to grant salvation of Greek Dancers soul, health of body and abundance of good things in the name of His Martyr. A Kyklos: Stella Afentoullis voice from heaven was then heard. “Come Haralambos, valiant in fight, to share Armonia: Stella Afentoullis Ta Paidakia, Neo Kyma: Aliki Malek in the joy and splendor of the Martyrs and holy priests!” His head fell beneath GOYA (9th -12th Grade) the sword on February 10 and his body was buried by the blessed Galinia. Yvonne Alexopoulos, Dr. Jenny Kardaris The skull of Saint Haralambos is kept at the Monastery of St. Stephen at Greeters Meteora. The fragments of his holy relics, which are to be found in many places Eleni Murphy JOY (4 years - 4th Grade) in Greece and elsewhere, accomplish frequent miracles and have made Saint Jr. GOYA (5th - 8th Grades) Haralambos, the most aged of all the holy Martyrs, especially dear to the people Alki Lappas Case of Greece. Kafenio Adapted from The Synaxarion: The Lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church, Art Liyeos Vol. 3, compiled by Hieromonk Makarios of Simonos Petra and translated from Little Angels Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos the French by Christopher Hookway (Chalkidike, Greece: Holy Convent of the Orthodox Faith & Life: Annunciation of Our Lady, 2001) pp. 463-466. Dr. Farid Sadaka, Anna Sadaka Philoptochos Flora Dimitriou, President Premarital Classes If we choose to walk the humble and vulnerable path that Jesus accepted Susan Cassimatis when He was born in Bethlehem, it may seem like a difficult path, but it Prison Ministry is a path where we will learn to live with the Christmas spirit throughout Bill Goranitis Stewardship the year. We will live a life of wonder and joy precisely because we will Michael Afentoullis miraculously be transformed by the truth that “God is with us.” As Sunday School Archbishop Anastasios writes, “our lives will be transfigured in a joyous Diane Sieckmann feast breathing and moving in the atmosphere that “God is with us. The Vacation Church School (VCS) road may sometimes seem scary and vulnerable and difficult, yet we will Anna Sadaka Women’s Bookstudy see how God will work His wonders through us! Fr. Luke Veronis Presvytera Laura Morton Young Adult Ministry (18-30 yrs) Fr. Anastasios & Presvytera Elizabeth 2

The Historical & Personal Meaning of finish that list by the end of the day. The 40-Day Blessing In accordance with the practice of the Orthodox Christian faith, we bring our children to the Church, to be Jesus was brought to Temple on the 40th day. On presented to the Lord, for their own forty-day blessing. February 2, we celebrate the Feast of Ypapanti often We do so out of our thanksgiving to God. Let us continue translated as the “Presentation” of our Lord to the that spirit of thanksgiving by meeting with Him Temple, although a more accurate translation would be throughout our day and throughout our life. Let us keep the “Meeting” between Jesus and Symeon. Him - as we chant in the Hymn of the Feast of His The Gospel reading for the feast, Luke 2:22-40, tells Presentation - as our own “Sun of Righteousness,” us the story which is the origin of the holiday. Jesus was guiding us throughout our day and throughout our life for taken by His parents to Jerusalem, “to present him to the He has indeed, “conferred upon us the “Resurrection.” Lord.” Once they arrived at the temple, they were met by Fr. Anthony Stratis Symeon. Symeon was “righteous and devout,” upon Holy Trinity Cathedral whom was the Holy Spirit. It was revealed to Symeon New Orleans, Louisiana that “he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” When he met the baby Jesus, Symeon took Him into his arms, in accordance with the custom of The Forty Day Blessing usually takes place at the the Old Testament laws, and blessed Him. Symeon then conclusion of regular Sunday Divine Liturgy and said to God: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, essentially consists of prayers of joyful thanks for the safe according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your delivery of mother and child. salvation which You have prepared in the presence of all The service blesses the mother who has been absent peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for from the sacramental life of the Church for forty days and glory to Your people Israel.”. These word are recited by formally presents the newborn child to the Church family the priest as holds the baby at the conclusion of the Or- for the first time as the priest formally brings the infant thodox Christian 40-Day blessing. into the Sanctuary. But what about this “meeting”? What does it tell us? During the 40 days between the birth of the child, the First, it tells us something of the Jewish practice of mother and newborn should refrain from regular presenting a child to the temple. Jesus was brought, sacramental life/attending church services. according to the custom, forty days after His birth to the The blessing may be done exactly on the fortieth day of temple. Based on His example, we in the Orthodox the child’s birth or on the Sunday nearest to the fortieth Church also bring our children to Church for their forty- day. Both the father and the mother along with the new- day blessing. Although it is a brief service, it is indeed born must be present for the forty day blessing. If the powerful and a wonderful opportunity for parents to Godparent(s) have been selected this is also a time to be express their thankfulness to God for giving them their present. child, and thereby dedicating the child back to God. In imitation of Christ’s forty day blessing (Luke 2:22- This “meeting” of Jesus and Symeon also tells us 38), the parents of the newborn bring the baby to the that Symeon knew of the importance of Jesus, though we church in order for the child to be dedicated to the Lord. know that not everyone did. Symeon knew that Jesus is This beautiful tradition is practiced throughout the indeed our salvation. Not everyone understand this fact Orthodox world. The parents become a symbol of the today, even among all who claim to be Christians. When Virgin Mary and Joseph, while the priest symbolizes St. we present our children to the Church for their 40-day Symeon (in the at left) who held Christ in his arms at the blessing, we have and opportunity to be reminded of our time of the presentation own need to “meet” with Christ and to be thankful to God for our meeting. When can we meet with Him? We can meet with the Lord when we are in prayer, when we serve our r”, when we serve our “neighbor,” when we practice His com- mandments, and when we participate in the sacraments. We have opportunities throughout our day to meet with our Lord; however, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to inspire us. If we do that, we will find numerous opportunities to meet Him daily. All too often, as a consequence of our daily concerns, we place out meetings with the Lord at the bottom of our “to do list” and often fail to

Saturday of the First Week of Great Lent Koliva: A Symbol of The Resurrection of the Dead http://orthochristian.com/45261.html Opening Prayer Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy statutes. Give rest, O God, to On the Saturday of the first week of Great Lent, we commemorate Thy departed servants and place them in Paradise, where the choirs of an event which occurred in the year 356—a miracle of Great the saints and the just, O Lord, shine like stars. Give rest to Thy servants Martyr Theodore the Tyro ("the Recruit"), which continues to have who have fallen asleep, overlooking all of their transgressions. great significance for Orthodox Christians even today, perhaps Christ said, "Unless a wheat grain falls into the earth especially today. and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." Fifty years after the death of St Theodore, the emperor (John 12:24) Julian the Apostate (361-363), wanting to commit an When planted, the wheat is buried in the soil, but when outrage upon the Christians, commanded the city- the season is right, a new plant will grow. So we believe commander of Constantinople during the first week of that the Christian will be raised in a new body in the Great Lent to sprinkle all the food provisions in the market- resurrection. Wheat symbolizes the eternal cycle. People places with the blood offered to idols. St Theodore like wheat, must be buried to grow and have new life. appeared in a dream to Archbishop Eudoxius, ordering him Q. What is in Koliva? to inform all the Christians that no one should buy anything It is boiled kernels of wheat mixed with dried fruit and nuts. at the marketplaces, but rather to eat cooked wheat with It also can be sweetened with sugar and spices, and covered honey (koliva). with powdered sugar to resemble a tomb or grave. In memory of this occurrence, the Orthodox Church Q. When is it prepared? annually celebrates the holy Great Martyr Theodore the Preparation begins one day before the scheduled memorial Recruit on the first Saturday of Great Lent. The celebration service. Most services are at the end of the Sunday liturgy. of the Great Martyr Theodore on the first Saturday of Great Therefore, the wheat needs to be boiled and set to dry on Lent was set by the Patriarch Nectarius of Constantinople Saturday evening. Invite your family and friends to gather (381-397). and assemble the other ingredients; share stories and complete the preparation of the Koliva. The Life of Great Martyr Theodore the Tyro ("the Re- Q. Why is it important that we remember those who cruit") have fallen asleep? The Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Recruit (Tyro) It is important to remember and pray for those who have was a soldier in the city of Alasium of the Pontine district passed on, to keep their memory alive and to help us heal. (northeast province of Asia Minor, stretching along the As Orthodox Christians, we believe that intercessions on coast of the Euxine, i.e. the Black Sea), under the command behalf of the dead are possible through the fervent prayers of a certain Brincus. They commanded him to offer of those remaining on earth (see Matthew 25). We are a sacrifice to idols. St Theodore firmly confessed his faith in church made up of both the living and the dead. Christ the Savior in a loud voice. The commander gave him Q. When are memorial services usually observed? several days to think it over, during which time St The fortieth day after the death of a loved one and the first Theodore prayed. anniversary of the death are the most commonly observed They charged him with setting a pagan temple on fire, memorials. Memorials may also be observed on the third, and threw him into prison to be starved to death. The Lord sixth, and ninth months as well as the yearly anniversary. Jesus Christ appeared to him there, comforting and encour- The departed may also be remembered during the scheduled aging him. Brought to the governor, St Theodore boldly Soul Saturdays throughout the church calendar. and fearlessly confessed his faith, for which he was sub- Bible Reading jected to new torments and condemned to burning. The But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning martyr Theodore climbed onto the fire without hesitation, those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who and with prayer and gave up his holy soul to God. have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose This occurred in about the year 306 under the Roman again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in emperor Galerius (305-311). Unharmed by the fire, the Jesus. For this we say to you by the work of the Lord, that body of St Theodore was buried in the city of Euchaita, not we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord far from Amasium. His relics were afterwards transferred will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the to Constantinople, to a church dedicated to him. His head is Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with in Italy, in the city of Gaeto. the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And From:Official Website of the Orthodox Church in America. Koliva is the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and also prepared in the Orthodox Church for services to commemorate the dead, especially in the Greek tradition. It carries an important remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds symbolism of the resurrection of the dead, and a foretaste of Pascha. to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).

Prayers for the Eternal Memory and Repose

With the Saints, O Christ, give rest to the souls of They servants, Where there is no pain, sorrow, or sighing, but life everlasting

Orthodox Christians (Please list baptismal names, first names only)

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Non-Orthodox Christians

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2018-A Look Ahead Philoptochos Corner Saturday, February 3 - Cafe Night - 7pm - $10 The Assumption Ladies Philoptochos Sunday, March 11 - Soup Sunday Luncheon - $10 Society Saturday, April 21 - Greek Dance - $10

2018 Meeting Dates: February 11, Saturday, March 17, Baby it’s been cold outside! Looking for some indoor No Meeting in April, May 6 fun? Grab a friend and come inside from the cold. Please Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. We have join us on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at 7pm for a Café lots of fun fund raisers & activities planned every month. Night. The cost is $10 per person and includes wine, We look forward to seeing you coffee, light appetizers & dessert. Flora Dimitriou

National Chapter Challenge Philoptochos President Evelyn's House BJC Hospice 636-795-4602 We are busy working on our presentation. T - minus 4 [email protected] months!! The conference will be held July 1-5 in Boston, Massachusetts. We will also be putting together another 100 comfort bags for the Evelyn’s House families. The house has also told us that they will be in need of more crocheted lap blankets. If you have any interests in making a blanket please see Janice Kanteres for details. There is a size requirement for these lap blankets. If you would like any more information on this project please see Janice Kanteres or Flora Dimitriou, Nation- al Chapter Challenge Co-Chairs.

Acknowledgements We would like to thank Board Member Rose Harpole and friends for serving coffee hour for the month of February. Last month we thanked Dessie Bellos & Eleftheria Afentoullis for prepping the famous grilled cheese sandwiches for the Sunday School Christmas Pageant lunch, but we owe a HUGE thank you to Anthony Sieckmann & Charlton Dimitriou for cooking the sandwiches for us. Thank you to Lila Nicholas, Magda Dubis & Sophia Evangelopoulos for making the Vasilopites for Vasilopita Sunday. We would also like to thank all of you for your generous donations to St. Basil’s Academy. Because of the timing of these newsletters, it is not always easy to thank people for their help in a timely way. So fingers crossed that we had good weather for our January 21 Luncheon and I will thank the appropriate people in next month’s newsletter

February National Commitments Autism Assistance Fund - Heightens awareness of Autism with assistance and support Saint Photios Shrine - Provides assistance to preserve the Saint Photios National Shrine

Clean Monday Luncheon Monday, February 19, 2018 9am Orthros – 10:30am Great Compline Luncheon immediately following the service Cost $7.00 per person

Welcome to His Grace, Bishop Neofitos of Assumption Ladies Nyeri and Mount Kenya

Philoptochos Society We are pleased to announce that His Grace Bishop Lenten Food Items Neofitos will be visiting the St. Louis Metropolitan area the first week of Great Lent.

Schedule: Lagana Bread (λαγάνα) ...... $6.00 Saturday, February 17 Lagana (sometimes called Clean Monday Bread )is a Free admission and open to the public traditional flatbread usually baked for Clean Mission Retreat Meet & Greet Reception Monday, the first day of Great Lent before Easter. 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm followed by Hierarchal Great Vespers Last year we had a communication problem and the and a dinner reception bread we sold was St. Thomas Romanian Orthodox Church not the correct 6501 Nottingham Ave. size. This year St. Louis MO 63109 with, the help of Fifi Scarato, Sunday, February 18 we are able to His Grace will preside at the Divine Liturgy have a bread we Saints. Constantine and Helen are pleased to sell. Greek Orthodox Church The size is 405 Huntwood Rd. approximately 12” Swansea IL 62226 x 20”. If you were unhappy with the Wednesday, February 21 lagana last year, His Grace with celebrate please give us the Liturgy of the Pre- Sanctified Gifts another chance. We are sure you will not be Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. disappointed. 1755 Des Peres Rd. Town & Country, MO 63131 Taramasalta: (ταραμοσαλάτα) ...... $5.00 In Greece, taramasalata is associated with Clean His Grace is in need of 8 -10 more motorcycles. If you Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα), the first day of Great would like to contribute you may send to your donation Lent. made payable to either OCMC or the St. Louis Clergy

To Place Your Order: Brotherhood Please Contact Georgia Antonopoulos at 314-638-2835 or c/o Saints. Constantine and Helen the Church office at 314-966-2255. Orders MUST BE Greek Orthodox Church placed by Wednesday, February 14. 405 Huntwood Rd. Swansea IL 62226 Pick-up Date: Saturday, February 17 at the Apokreatioko Glendi or Sunday, February 18 during coffee Please note in the memo line of the check “Kenya - hour Motorbike Fund”.

We invite everyone to celebrate the beginning of the Lenten period Clean Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα) Monday, February 19 10:30 am Compline Service And then immediately following we will host a Lenten Luncheon for all $7.00 per person

Save the Date! Orthodox Camps

AC2 Location Location: Assumption Church Location: Hellenic College, Holy Ionian Village Camp St. Iakovos Retreat Center Cross Greek Orthodox Campgrounds

(Kansasville, WI) School of Theology Bartholomeo, Greece

Brookline, MA or Dates: North Park University, Dates: Dates June 17-23 Chicago, IL June 15 – July 4 July 9-13 June 24– 30 July 15—August 3 9:00 am—12:00 pm July 8-14 Boston Dates: Aftercare July 15-21 June 16-26 Ages: 12:00 pm –3:30 pm (Transportation will be July 2-12 Entering 9th Grade, to provided from St. Louis Chicago Dates: Graduating Seniors only the week of June 17- July 21-31 Ages: Pre K—8th Grade 23) Ages: Cost: 5000 + Travel to Currently in Ages: New York (Scholarships Cost: Entering 6th-11th Grade Grades 11 and 12 are available) $15 until June 30th

Cost: $850+ Travel to ($20 after) Cost: $500 Apply at: Boston or Chicago Additional fee for Pre-Register with www.ionianvillage.org/ Apply at : After Care Fr. Anastasios by summer-camp www.crossroadinstitute.org February 28 Application Opens Application forms Registration Date: March Application Deadline: March 1st at 12:00 noon coming soon! 6th 12:00PM at February 1st and usually fills fanari.org within 1 Hour!

Location: Ss. Constantine & Hellen Greek Orthodox

Church, Palos Hills, IL (bus transportation provided)

Dates: Memorial Day weekend (May 25-28)

Ages: 8-18 Years Old

Cost: $170 for the first Child $150 for additional

Application packet coming soon! Don’t forget St. Louis Hellenic Camp!

[email protected]

Births Funerals Congratulations to: Memory Eternal to:

Gabriel and Sandi Brand on the birth of their son, Kenneth William Kiriakidis, 47, of Leasburg, Missouri passed away Grayson, on November 10, 2017. The happy grandparents on Saturday, December 23, 2017. He is the son of Damos are Joseph and Maria D’Angelo. Kiriakidis. Interment was at Lea Cemetery in Leasburg,

MO. Matthew and Menal Beckham welcomed their new son, Luka on August 21, 2017. The happy grandparents are Despina Peppes , 85, reposed peacefully on Wednesday, Hanna and Nadya Awwad. December 27, 2017. She is the mother of Victoria (Sid)

Michael and Lauren Cassimatis gave birth o their son, Ambort. The funeral was at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Noah Micahel, on January 11, 2018. The happy Church with interment at St. Matthew Cemetery. grandparents are Nick and Susan Cassimatis. Avgerini Tsingogias resposed on Thursday, January 11, Weddings 2018, mother of Cristos Tsingogias. The funeral was at the Congratulations to: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church with interment at St. Matthew’s Cemetery Lawrence and Athena Earhart who blessed their marriage Anne N. Souris, wife of George Souris, died peacefully on with the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony on Saturday, Friday, January 12, 2018. The funeral was at St. Nicholas December 30, 2017. The Orthodox sponsor was Karen Greek Orthodox Church with interment is at St. Matthew’s Kiriakos. Cemetery.

Important

Please inform either Fr. Joseph or Fr. Anastasios immediately when you or any member of your family is sick or hospitalized, so that appropriate prayer and visitation may be scheduled. In Our Prayers: Hospitals do not notify clergy of patients, even if

Nora (Elaine) Bangert, Tom Dubis, Seraphima Henderson, you list yourself as a Church member. Thekla (Rebecca) Kagaris, Achilles Kirkou, Michael Labis, George and Janice (Ioanna) Paradissis, Tom (Anastasios) Masa, Elaine Scott, Despina Zeris.

Memorials: Memory Eternal

January 7 1-year Memorial for Jean (Katherine) Kotakis January 21 February 11 1-year Memorial for A. Glen Beck 19-year Memorial for Mary Labis 4-year Memorial for Dorothy Beck February 18 8-year Memorial for Steve Evangelopoulos 40-day Memorial for Avgerini Tsigogias January 28 1-year Memorial for Peter Ellis 3-year Memorial for Katherine Dubis February 25 40-day Memorial for Angelo Pelekanos 1-year Memorial for Constantine (Dean) S. Bellos 16-year Memorial for Antonia Pipina Pelekanos March 4

February 4 1-year Memorial for Christophoros Dafnides 40-day Memorial for Despina Peppes

The Assumption Orthodox Faith and Life Committee presents Fr. Theodore Dorrance and Eikona for our February Retreat February 9 - 11, 2018

Fr. Theodore Dorrance

Fr. Theodore Dorrance Eikona was born in Pueblo, (pronounced ee- Colorado and raised in ko-na), is a three- Englewood. He grew up sister in a Roman Catholic ensemble who family. Fr. Theodore chant Byzantine- learned about the styled Hymns and Orthodox Church during sing his undergraduate years Contemporary and became Orthodox in Christian Music. 1983. He graduated from Rooted in the the University of Greek Orthodox Church, their music preserves, shares and Colorado in 1985 with a promotes centuries’ worth of rich, musical tradition of B.S. Degree in Business hymns and psalmody. Their angelic voices have been Administration. Upon graduation, he worked in the heard in services and homes around the world and corporate world for a couple years. He was married in continue to inspire, encourage, and excite the newest 1985 to his high school sweetheart, Stacey Maniatis. generation of Greek Orthodox and Christian music fans. They decided to attend Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Before there was Eikona, there were three sisters: Stacey, School of Theology in 1986 to study theology and Marika and Chrysanthy Maniatis. Together with their prepare for the priesthood. Fr. Theodore earned his parents, Dr. Jim and Connie Maniatis, they grew up in Master of Divinity in 1990. After graduation, he and Denver, Colorado, and attended the Assumption Greek his wife and first daughter spent seven months in Orthodox Cathedral where their father is the choir director Greece in further preparation for ordination. Fr. of fifty years, and their mother, the organist. There is a Theodore was ordained in 1991 and served the rich tradition of Orthodox and Greek music at the lovely Ascension Cathedral in Oakland, CA for two years as Cathedral of the Mile High City. Eikona is their an assistant priest, St. Katherine in Redondo Beach, opportunity to share their love of music, to promote Greek CA as the proistamenos for four years and founded the Orthodox Theology and Hymnology, and to preserve their parish of St. John the Baptist in Portland, OR, which he inherited Sacred Christian Musical Traditions. They have served these past twenty years. He has four children: been singing now for over 20 years as a ministry, and want three girls and a boy. He has served the Metropolis of to continue making worship more alive, more meaningful, San Francisco as a member of the Metropolis Council, and more beautiful. Years of Junior and Senior Choir, Vicar of the Northwest region of the Metropolis and music studies, and church services eventually led to the Director of the Metropolis Ministry of Missions, creation of Eikona, Greek for image, as all are called to be Evangelism and Parish Mentoring. When he gets the ‘little icons’ of the living God. Eikona has brought the chance, he enjoys the beautiful outdoors, fly fishing, sisters increasingly closer to each other, to their Faith and skiing and hiking in the mountains. He is currently the to appreciate the wealth of beauty and grace contained in Director of Missions and Evangelization for the Greek the church services of the Greek Orthodox Faith. It has Orthodox Metropolis of Denver and is serving as the also helped them become more proficient chanters and Associate priest at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox choir directors of their respective churches. Church in Greenwood Village, Colorado

The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Orthodox Faith and Life Committeepresents

Giving Yourself for the Glory of God February 9 - 11, 2018 With Fr. Theodore Dorrance and

Retreat Schedule

Friday, February 9 Saturday , February 10 Sunday, February 11 6:30 pm Paraklesis St. Haralambos 8:30 am Orthros chanted by Eikona 8:15 am Orthros 9:45 am Divine Liturgy Followed by refreshments 9:30 am Divine Liturgy & Saturday chanted by Eikona in the Philoptochos Room of the Souls Memorial Service 12:00 noon Coffee hour with 8:00 pm 1st session 11:00 am Registration & Fr. Theodore and the Eikona sisters Making the Most of Your Time and Continental Breakfast Talents 11:30 am 2nd Session Youth Discussion groups How Your Life Can Work for the GOYA (Grades 9-12) Church: Nurturing the Treasures of Jr. GOYA (Grades 5-8) our Holy Orthodox Faith JOY (Kindergarten - 4th grade) 1:00 pm Lunch Little Angels (Infant - 4 years old 2:00 pm 3rd Session with their parents ) You are the Church’s Best Resource 3:30 pm (approximate time) Eikona Concert 5:00 pm Great Vespers

Location: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 1755 Des Peres Rd., Town & County, 63131 Cost Friday Evening - Voluntary Offering Saturday - $20.00 per person If you would like to make a donation to support this ministry, please send a check to the Assumption Church with “retreat” in the memo. To register or for more information, please call the Church office at 314-966-2255 or email [email protected]

Scenes from the Holidays The Christmas holidays are long over but here are some good memories of gatherings that happened.

GOYA Christmas Party hosted by Goya President Stella Erickson and her family. They also toured the Tiles Park Winter Wonderland. YAL at historic St. Charles for the annual Christmas Wonderland.

The College ministry Christmas party hosted by Celine and Zaid Khashram’s family.

The proceeds Jr. GOYA’s Christmas Party. hosted in the Philoptochos from the Room Sunday School Ice Cream Social filled the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hosptial toy locker for the holidays. Thank you to Aisha Bangert for taking on The Rhodian Ladies Society still going strong keeping the this worthy tradition of hosting their Christmas party and brining in new project. generations.

GAME ON! You’re Invited to the Assumption Super Bowl Potluck Party! Sunday, February 4 4:00 pm

Hosted by: Rich & Eleni Murphy, 2030 Sundowner Ridge Dr. Ballwin MO 63011

Please call Eleni Murphy at 636-821-1651 to RSVP and let her know what dish you are bringing to share.

Godparent & GOYA Breakfast Godchild Sunday Sunday, February 11

February 11 Following Divine Liturgy

Please share a Sunday of celebration Adults $8.00 Children under 12 $5.00 with your Godchild or Godparent. Please come and support our Come to the Divine Liturgy GOYANS together, receive Holy Communion together and honor the special relationship of love and faith

Kids Korner

Acquiring the virtue of . . . LOVE! What is love? A lot of people think about romance and stuff like that, but true love Ways to show love: is much deeper and has very little to do  Forgive someone who has upset you with the Valentine’s Day stuff. Love is a  Ask forgiveness from someone who you have upset virtue because we have to work on loving  Visit or call someone who is sick to people, and it is not always easy. We have check on them to put aside our own feelings and think of  Volunteer to do a chore for a sister or others in order to love them. And, the hard brother part is, that God has commanded us to love  Visit an elderly neighborhood everyone. But once we love, we are filled  Be a friend to someone who is lonely  Smile at people with God’s love because God is love!  Say a kind word to someone Love is patient and kind; love is not  Listen carefully to people who are talk- jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant ing to you or rude. . . .  Do any kind act for anyone! I Corinthians 13:4-8

The best example of true love is that of God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ. God gave His only-begotten Son to us and allowed Christ to die on the Holy Cross in order to save our souls. This is the most powerful love - complete sacrifice. The best thing we can do in return is to love God first in our lives, and obey His commandment to love one another.

IOCC Banquet The Daughters of Epiros On Sunday November 12, the Metropolitan St. Louis invite you Committee celebrated IOCC’s 5th anniversary at the As- sumption Greek Orthodox Church. to their The evening began with vespers followed immediately by the banquet meal. After dinner Katrina Staker, IOCC Annual Director of Development and Communications, the key- note speaker, spoke about the good work provided by the IOCC to over 60 countries by providing over $625 million Apokreatiko Glendi in services and aid to those in need. Due to the generosity of donors, this banquet was able to add over $70,000 to the IOCC to continue their good works. Following is the thank you note received by Scott Thompson, Parish Council President. He wanted to share it with the community.

To the Members of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Please convey our thanks to all the members of your community for supporting the work of IOCC. You have been a generous contribution for many, many years. The St. Louis IOCC committee is so happy to have the new members from Assumption join us. Thank you, Fr. Joseph for helping Saturday, February 17,2018 recruiting these find people. In Christ, Mary Angelides, President. 6:00 p.m.

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 1755 Des Peres Road Town & Country, MO 63131

Friday Lunch and Festival Baking Don’t miss out on this fun tradition Every year after the Festival the very hard working, dedicated ladies of our parish and family night!! take the summer off from baking. It’s time again to prepare delicious Tickets foods and desserts for our Friday Luncheons $30.00 and for the Festival. 12 and under $5.00 The baking has begun. You can find a kitchen full of our dedicated bakers every Music by Wednesday. There is a lot to be done and we need your help. Pericles Productions If you are interested and have some free time, please come and join the fun. Tickets any member of the If you have any questions, please call Daughters of Epiros Amalia Karakasis at 314-495-0305. for reservations

Donations for Great Lent and Holy Week-2018

Five Friday evening Salutation (Xairetismi) services Flowers for Icon of the Bridegroom, Nymphios, of Palm Sunday evening 1st Friday, March 3 Mrs. Sofia Evangelopoulos Flowers - Vangel & Lila Nicholas 33 Gardenias for the Epitaphios Coffee hour - Lila Nicholas Sofia & Paraskevie Liyeos , Niko, Aristotelis and Evan 2nd Friday, March 10 Vojcic in memory of their papou, Steve Evangelopoulos Flowers - Dimitrios & Bessie Theodorou Rose petals for the First Resurrection service Coffee hour - Lenten Dessert Potluck Donor Needed 3rd Friday, March 17 Flowers for medium-sized Icon of the Resurrection Flowers - Kosta & Chrisoula Panopoulos Bill and Freda Simos Coffeehour - Sunday School Flowers for large-sized Icon of the Resurrection 4th Friday, March 24 Anonymous in Memory of Bill Leon Flowers Athanasios & Kalliope Deros Rosebud vases for Palm Sunday Coffee - Choir Donor Needed 5th Friday, March 31 Rosebud vases for Easter Sunday Flowers Marika Karagiannis In Memory of their grandson Mason Dale by Donna & Coffee hour - Philoptochos Victor Roesch Flowered Wreath of the Crucified Lord Br. Charles S. Anthony & Mrs. Irene Anthony In loving memory of the Monk

Candles Flowers for the Epitaphios ($1,000.00 needed) Priest’s Resurrection Pure Beeswax Candles Donors Needed Elaine & James Scott Easter Lilies or Chrysanthemums (24 needed) 7 Candles for Holy Wednesday Holy Unction Donors Needed Angie & John Koulouriotis 12 candles for 12 Twelve Holy Gospels of Holy Thursday evening In Memory of Nick & Jean Kotakis Other Items 3 candles of the Cross (Stavromenos) Good Friday Mike & Oksana Labis Antho nero (rose water) for Holy Week 4 Candles for the Epitaphios Mrs. Valasia Aslan Donor Needed White Sheet for the Body of Christ Palm Sunday Altar Vigil Candles Jim & Elaine Scott in Memory of George & Mary In Memory of Amy Simos by Greg Simos, and Chris & Petrides Nicole Simos; Eggs for Easter Sunday Easter Sunday Altar Vigil Candles Anonymous in Memory of Bill Leon Mrs. Photini Vlachos Toulle for Easter eggs Anonymous in Memory of Bill Leon Holy Wednesday Holy Unction - Olive oil, flour, cotton balls Flowers Byron & Darlene Magafas Daffodils (Sunday of Holy Cross), March 15 Maria Sakellariou Incense for use during Holy Week Flowers for the Icon of the Annunciation, March 25 Anonymous donor In memory of Evangelos & Kleanthie Theodorou Palms & Daphne (Palm Sunday) Mageritsa (Paschal Soup) Sid & Victoria Ambort In memory of Mari Makridis by Michail Samaras, Lazos Flowers for the Mystical Supper Icon, Holy Thursday & Eleftheria Makridis Despina Zeris Rose petals for the Epitaphios Palm Sunday Luncheon, April 9 Jim & Elaine Scott Donor Needed

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

February 2018 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

February 2 February 9

Beef Kapama over Noodles ...... $8.00 Roast Leg of Lamb with Greek Potatoes...... $10.00 (hand-cut braized beef in a red sauce) Baked Fish with Sugar Snap Pea Corn Medley ..... $7.00 Baked Fish with Mixed Vegetables ...... $7.00 Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $7.00 Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $7.00 Gyro Sandwich ...... $5.00 Gyro Sandwich ...... $5.00 (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce) with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce) Fasolatha (Bean) Soup…………………...…..Sm. $3.00 Vegetable Beef Soup..…………………….....Sm. $3.00 ………………………………………………..Lg. $5.00 ………………………………………………...Lg. $5.00 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)…….……...2 for $3.00 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)……………2 for $3.00 Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3.00 Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3.00 Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3.00 Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3.00 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5.00 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5.00 Dessert ...... $3.00 Dessert ...... $3.00 Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake, Cheesecake Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake, Cheesecake

February 16 February 23

Fish Platter ...... 9.00 Shrimp Saganki over Rice ...... $9.00 (Fried Cod, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, slaw & Hush Baked Fish with Mixed Vegetables ...... $7.00 Puppies) Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $7.00 Baked Fish with Stewed Green Beans ...... $7.00 Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $7.00 Gyro Sandwich ...... $5.00 (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread Gyro Sandwich ...... $5.00 with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce) (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce) Lobster Bisque…………………………...…..Sm. $4.00 Lobster Bisque …...…………………………..Sm.$4.00 ………………………………………………..Lg. $6.00

………………………………………………...Lg. $6.00 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)…….……...2 for $3.00

2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)……………2 for $3.00 Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3.00 Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3.00 Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3.00 Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3.00 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5.00

Greek Salad with olive oil dressing...... $5.00 Dessert ...... $3.00

Dessert ...... $3.00 Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake, Cheesecake Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake, Cheesecake

Sat

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4 11 18 25 8:30 am Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy Divine am 9:45 School Sunday and Party Bowl Super pm 4:00 Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy Divine am 9:45 Philoptochos pm 12:00 Sunday Forgiveness Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy Divine am 9:45 Forgiveness pm 6:30 Orthodoxy Orthros am 8:30 & Liturgy Divine am 9:45 Procession Pan pm 5:00

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

The Gospel of St. Luke 11: 9-13

9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12“Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

11:9 We ask in prayer, seek through study, and knock through righteous living. 11:13 Evil is used here in the general sense of all human beings being weak and sinful. If Jesus promises to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him, how is it that we ask? The Church, since the early days, has provided this prayer: “O Heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who are in all places and fill all things, the Treasure of good things, and Giver of life, come and abide in us, cleanse us from every stain and save our souls, O Good One.”

2019