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 January 2019

1755 Des Peres Road Saint Anthony the Great as a Model for our Lives Town & Country, MO 63131-1405 By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas Phone: 314-966-2255 Kitchen: 314-966-6720 Saint Anthony, the professor of the desert, is one of the few who has received Web Site: www.assumptiongoc.org the epithet "Great". Truly he was a great athlete of spiritual athletics and triumphant in his struggles against delusion, sin, the devil and the many-formed Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos passions. His life, which was authored by another with the epithet "Great", his Email: [email protected] contemporary Saint Athanasius, the Archbishop of Alexandria, is beyond Office Manager: Diane Sieckmann wondrous and enviable. The study of it should be food for all those who crave to Email: [email protected] experience the grandeur of life in Christ. Anthony the Great, with his asceticism and unceasing prayer, reached the Secretary: Diakonissa Kristen Vogt pinnacle of spiritual life and acquired true wisdom. He calls himself "idiot" and Email: [email protected] was uneducated, but he had as a teacher the wisdom from above by the Spirit. From this wisdom, enlightened and inspired, he gave the most wise responses to various Christians who sought to benefit their souls, as seen in many parts of the Dates to Remember in January book called Gerontikon. Apart from these he also left the "One Hundred and Seventy Chapters", which are included in the Philokalia and offer great benefit to January 1: those that read them. Circumcision of Christ Asceticism is the effort a person makes to apply the will of God in their life. St. Basil the Great It is an effort to transform their passions, to be purified of their passions, that they

January 5 may love "with all their soul and heart" both God and mankind. For it is Eve of Theophany impossible to love anyone truly while dominated by the passions and especially by selfishness, which oppresses man and makes life difficult. Self-love is the January 6 irrational love for ourselves and from this, as from a mother, is born all the Theophany passions, such as pride, vanity, sensuality, avarice, etc. In our days, we often talk about love, peace and friendship between people January 7 and nations, and other things like this. All this is good, but the question is how St. John the Baptist can we love others and be at peace with them while we are enslaved to the passions and cannot attain peace even with ourselves? Love, according to Saint January 17 Maximus the Confessor, is the grandchild of dispassion. It is born and nurtured St. Anthony the Great within a heart which has been purified, or at least is struggling persistently and January 18 laboriously to be purified from the passions. Then love is selfless and resilient in Athanasios & Cyril, adversity and difficulties. It does not have an expiration date, but lasts beyond the Patricians of Alexandria grave, it is "coeval with the ages". In contrast, passionate love is false and lasts as long as it is able to serve and feed or be fed from the passions. And how is it January 20 possible to have strength and durability, as conditions of life change, interests Righteous Efthemios change and the human body wears out and is altered? The biggest problem of transition societies are human passions. Passionate January 25 people cause huge problems in the family and social environment, but also wars St. Gregory the Theologian and messiness around the world when it comes to people who hold office and power. As emphasized by His Eminence our Metropolitan Hierotheos: "Sin has January 30 social implications. Sick people make social institutions sick and then social in- Three Hierarchs stitutions make people more sick." Therefore, the change of human societies for the better, or rather their humanization, requires the spiritual regeneration of their

2018 Parish Council citizens, which can happen through asceticism, prayer, the sacramental life and Fr. Joseph Strzelecki general obedience to the Church and ecclesiastical institutions. Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos Saint Anthony, by his spiritual struggles against the spirits of wickedness and Scott Thompson, President pride, acquired lofty humility. However, God revealed that there was a Greg Simos, Vice President Elefteria Marcou, Secretary shoemaker in Alexandria who surpassed him in the spiritual life, which was Gus Harris, Treasurer sent to teach him his spiritual way of life. And as Elder Sophrony Sakharov Daniel Gantner, Carol Marshall, Pam Martin, notes: "He learned from this to think inwardly: 'Everyone can be saved, but I Samia Rabie, Pete Regopoulos, Vasilios Simos, alone am separated'." These words can only be endured by those who have Greg Simos, Sotirios Sotiriou, Tom Stamos, Chris Tsoubanos, Nick Tsoubanos, Tonis conquered the extreme height of humility. Zafiropoulos Humility is the mother of love and all the other virtues. The Venerable One Acolytes loved everyone sacrificially and prayed for the entire inhabited world. Alban Mosher, John Nicholas Characteristic is the way he communicated with people, and especially with the Adult Orthodox Christians (18 years +): afflicted people. With his princely love he truly comforted and supported them. Diane Sieckmann Bible Study Once a theologian/writer visited him, named Didymus, who was blind, but as it Fr. Daniel Morton appears the eyes of his soul were opened and, among other things, Anthony Bookstore said: "Do not be upset or troubled, Didymus, by the fact that you are missing Christos Tsiaklides, Diakonissa Kristen Vogt your physical eyes, because you lack such eyes with which flies and mosquitoes Chanters Steve Bellos can be seen. You have such eyes that are possessed by the angels, which God Choir has determined and His Light occupies." This incident shows the pastoral way Stephanie Saunders of the Saints. They do not disappoint people nor drive them to despair, but Church Tours rather they increase their love for life, and the life in Christ, and repel from the Janice Hazeltine soul the mist, increase their joy, strengthen their faith and increase hope. Friday Luncheon Art Liyeos I would like to conclude this article with the advice/exhortation of Saint Greek Festival Anthony: "It is needed that we run to be healed of the passions of the soul, Greg Simos, Art Liyeos because in the future we will be judged before the face of God, so that we do Greek School not find ourselves (there) losers and embarrassed." Savas Kyramarios https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2014/01/saint-anthony-great-as-model-for-our.html Greek Dancers Kyklos: & Armonia Stella Afentoullis Ta Paidakia, Neo Kyma: Aliki Malek GOYA (9th -12th Grade) Yvonne Alexopoulos, Dr. Jenny Kardaris Greeters Eleni Murphy JOY (4 years - 4th Grade) Jr. GOYA (5th - 8th Grades) Alki Lappas Case Kafenio Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Art Liyeos Philoptochos Ladies’ Society Presents Little Angels (infant - 5 years) Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos The Annual Cutting of the Vasilopita Orthodox Faith & Life: Dr. Farid Sadaka, Anna Sadaka Philoptochos Sunday, January 13, 2019 Flora Dimitriou, President For the benefit of St. Basil’s Academy Planned Giving Committee Amy Johnson “Come see who gets the coin.” Premarital Classes Susan Cassimatis Prison Ministry Bill Goranitis Stewardship Michael Afentoullis Sunday School Diane Sieckmann Vacation Church Camp (VCC) Anna Sadaka Women’s Bookstudy Presvytera Laura Morton Young Adult Ministry (18-30 yrs) Fr. Anastasios & Presvytera Elizabeth

Chicago Metropolis Mission, Vision, Values and Why Statements

A group of 86 volunteers participated in a Strategic Planning Retreat on November 2-4 and achieved consensus on the following statements of identity and purpose:

“Why” Statement (why we exist): To receive and share unconditional love, mercy, healing and peace, so that life has greater meaning and purpose.

Mission Statement: The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is a Christ-centered community that loves, guides, engages, and serves all people.

Core Values: Christ-centered Integrity Service Humility Love Merciful Spiritual Development Adaptable

Vision Statement: In 3-5 years, we will grow our Metropolis family through greater:

Fellowship & Welcoming Accountability Ministries & Education Innovation Leadership Involved Youth & Emerging Adults Engagement on Critical Issues Stewardship

We need your help! Please visit http://chicago.goarch.org/strategic-planning, review the materials and participate in a Strategic Planning Task Force by clicking the “Register to Participate” tab.

IOCC Holiday Season Schedule BANQUET Tuesday, January 1, 2019 NEWS New Year’s Day – Circumcision of Christ St. Basil the Great The International 9:00 am Orthros Orthodox Christian 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Charities November banquet was a great success. Thank all of you who Friday, January 4, 2019 attended and donated to this wonderful organization that 9:00 am Great Hours & Typica helps so many suffering families here and abroad. Saturday, January 5, 2019 We were blessed to have as our speaker Dimitrije Djukie, Eve of Theophany - Fast Day the IOCC Middle East specialist, who spoke 9:00 am Orthros compassionately about his recent work in Syria, Jordan, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy and Great Blessing of the Waters Greece, and elsewhere. Nick Kasemeotes, IOCC Gift Of- 5:00 pm Great Vespers ficer, also spoke to us of his work here in the US. Both speakers commented on the generosity of the entire St. Sunday, January 6, 2019 Louis Orthodox community. Holy Theophany 8:30 am Orthros We want to thank our host church St. Thomas the 9:45 am Divine Liturgy and Great Blessing of the Waters Apostle Romanian Orthodox Church and Fr. Theophan 1:30 pm Pan-Orthodox Blessing of the Waters will take Koja for the lovely evening. place at Lake 1 in Wilmore Park.

Monday, January 7, 2019 Synaxis of John the Baptist Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a 9:00 am Orthros sinner. One may pray standing, sitting or lying. Those 10:00 am Divine Liturgy, Coffee Hour & Sunday School who are strong in health and physique pray standing and sitting. The weak can pray even lying, because in this prayer it is not the effort of the body that is Blessing of the Homes: paramount, but the effort of the spirit. The body Please call Fr. should be given a position that allows the spirit full Joseph or freedom to act properly. Fr. Anastasios to schedule an St. Ignatius Brianchaninov appointment to have your home blessed.

The Holy Monastery of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Ormylia, Greece has a Philanthropic center called "Panagia Philanthopini - Our Lady who Loves Mankind," whose mission is to comfort and alleviate the suffering of the poor and working class public without preference to race, religion, gender, or creed. The Center is dedicated to spreading the message of God’s love and saving grace through medical, educational, scientific research, charitable and spiritual services and ministries. The director of this center is Charles Anthony, a former parishioner of the Assumption. During the upcoming holy season, we will take a col- lection to help the children's programs at this center. If you would like to give a donation for this cause, please make a check payable to “The Assumption Church” and mark it for “The Ormylia Foundation” and mail or drop it off at the church office. Thank you for your support.

Putting Your Trust in God from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself.” Learning How to Simplify Life (Matthew 14:13) But when He realized that the multitudes were following Him and they were hungry after a long day, About a year ago, when I was He didn’t say, “Leave me; I want to be alone now,” even standing in the hallway of the X- though His disciples thought it would be best for Him to do ray department waiting for my so. Instead we see Christ’s empathy for the people, how He father to come out of the looked beyond Himself and His own needs. In His mercy examination room, my eyes caught He healed the sick among them, and He fed them with the sight of a framed photo with a miracle of the five loaves and two fish. So did Christ verse that made an impression on willingly accept the unexpected? Did He put His wishes me and has stayed with me ever aside for the sake of others? Yes, of course He did. This since. It read, “Life’s not about may have seemed easy to do, a nice little story, but His waiting for the storms to pass. It’s whole life was truly an act of love, of selflessness, and of about learning to dance in the surrendering His will. rain.” Likewise, within our own families, whatever joys, conflicts, Most of us would agree that or even illnesses we may experience, they are there to help dancing in the rain isn’t mend our spiritual infirmities and lift up our hearts to God, exactly our idea of a good time; after all, it means we have who will take them as His own, relieving us of our burden: to submit to getting wet and maybe cold too. How we wish “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I we could just avoid the rain, either by holding an umbrella will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from or running quickly to our destination point! How many of Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find us willingly allow ourselves to get wet? Even as we look at rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is all that is new in the welcoming season of spring, how light” (Matthew 11:28–30). many of us accept all of the changes? Don’t we wish we could just skip over the rain and the insects and just have Learning To Be Simple warm, bright sunshine, knowing all along that flowers, So how can we trust more in God? One important way is by trees, grass, and all that lives need water to grow learning to be simple. This is not easy to do, but it does effectively? make life easier by relieving us of unnecessary anxiety, which can have effects as harmful as those of radiation. It is Trusting God an ascetic exercise to release the control we falsely believe The seasonal weather changes are comparable to the that we have over our own lives and the lives of our family seasons of life. “There is a season for all things . . . a time members, especially our children. When they are young, we to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to worry excessively about their safety, and as they grow older pluck up what is planted; . . . a time to break down, and a we can easily become obsessed with what and who they time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a will become. We inadvertently teach them to become time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:2–4). anxious due to our own anxieties. Releasing control is a Yet do we welcome all that life brings? Do we trust necessary step in trusting God. After all, as parents, we enough in God? I dare say no, at least not wholeheartedly, must always remember that, even though God has entrusted though maybe if we did, we would find joy and inner us with the sacred task of caring for our children, they peace. The “seasons” of our lives have many parts, includ- ultimately belong to Him. ing our day-to-day relationships with family members, In fact, it is in and through the eyes of a child that we can friends, and co-workers, as well as the unexpected events learn how to simplify our own lives. As adults, if we’re that occur and the people whom God allows us to honest, we’ll admit that children can teach us a lot about encounter. How do we react or respond, especially to what life is truly about. They have few expectations; when things that are out of our control? Do we have love in our they wake up in the morning, they are ready to take on the hearts for our neighbour? coming day, and when it comes to the changing seasons, Let us consider Christ and how He welcomed all people, they just look around in awe. Have you ever observed the all circumstances, and everything that may have been un- joy in a child’s face as it splashes around in a puddle in the expected. He engaged each person; He never turned rain or makes snow angels on a winter’s day? Children just anyone away regardless of how He was treated. And when take the changing weather as a part of life, as if they it came time for Him to be arrested, He accepted this too; instinctively know that God is taking care of everything. He trusted God in all things. What an example for us! They are much more insightful than we are in accepting What did Christ do when He heard the sad news that His God’s will. I will never forget my experience at a children’s friend St. John the Baptist had been killed? “He departed hospital where I had the blessing to work for two years. I was able to observe the children, many with terminal

illnesses, walking or playing in the hallways with smiles on Venerable Xenia of Rome their faces, pulling along their IV poles without a single and her two female servants complaint. This was remarkable to me. If a child can Commemorated onJanuary 24 endure, who are we to complain?

The seasons of our life provide the perfect opportunity for Saint Xenia of Rome, in the world Eusebia, was the only each unique soul to remember the simplicity of a child and daughter of an eminent Roman senator. From her youth she become vigilant in its efforts to love and trust God. Then loved God, and wished to avoid the marriage arranged for we can affirm what is happening in and around us; we can her. She secretly left her parental home with two servants surrender our desire to take charge and instead accept in devoted to her, and set sail upon a ship. Through the what He allows, trusting in His loving embrace and receiv- Providence of God she met the head of the monastery of the ing strength during our times of weakness. In this way, holy Apostle Andrew in Milassa, a town of Caria (Asia when the storms pass, we can rejoice and give thanks to Minor). She besought him to take her and her companions to Him who is the Author of Life. Milassa. She also changed her name, calling herself Xenia

“Be content with such things as you have. For He Himself [which means “stranger” or foreigner” in Greek]. has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews At Milassa she bought land, built a church dedicated to 13:5). Saint Stephen, and founded a woman’s monastery. Soon after this, Bishop Paul of Milassa made Xenia a deaconess, Presvytera Ourania Chatzis is a licensed pharmacist in Windsor, because of her virtuous life. The saint helped everyone: for Ontario, Canada. She is married to Fr. Stavros Chatzis, who is the destitute, she was a benefactress; for the grief-stricken, a the priest at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Windsor, and comforter; for sinners, a guide to repentance. She possessed a they have two children, Anna and Evangelos Michael. She is a graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and deep humility, accounting herself the worst and most sinful currently enjoys raising her children and offering her time in the of all. parish as Sunday school coordinator and teacher; she also man- In her ascetic deeds she was guided by the counsels of the ages the church bookstore ministry with a mission-minded focus. Palestinian ascetic, Saint Euthymius. The sublime life of In the summer of 2001, she served on a short-term mission team Saint Xenia drew many souls to Christ. The holy virgin died to Romania, where her profound experience led her to serve the in 450 while she was praying. During her funeral, a luminous Church with greater conviction: she returned to school to earn a wreath of stars surrounding a radiant cross appeared over the master’s of theological studies from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox monastery in the heavens. This sign accompanied the body of School of Theology. the saint when it was carried into the city, and remained until the saint’s burial. Many of the sick received healing after TO A NEW LIFE – TO A NEW YEAR touching the relics of the saint. If any one is in Christ, he is a new creation. II Corinthians 5: 17

When someone meets you – you who may be encrusted with fears, worry and bitterness, with envy and jealousy – and helps to set you free, he is a true Christian. When he helps you love yourself for what you really are, the only one of its kind that God has made, and helps set you free Grumbling is caused by misery, and it can be put from all that would keep you from being yourself, he aside by doxology (giving praise). brings you the Good News! When a person helps you to Grumbling begets grumbling and doxology begets accept yourself – the real you – knowing that you are a doxology. wonderful creation, made to love and to be loved, to labor, to create, to achieve, to forgive, to trust - then you can When someone doesn’t grumble about a problem know that you have been the recipient of the Gospel. When troubling him, but rather praises God, then the devil another helps you to discover that you are never alone, that gets frustrated and goes off to someone else who God is the ground of your being, involved in all that you do grumbles, in order to cause everything to go even and concerned in every affair of your life, then that person worse for him. has been for you a Christian. When you find a power that You see, the more one grumbles, the more one falls can make you know that you are really a lovable creature, into ruin. and can free you from all that makes you unloving, you have been visited by God. +Elder Paisios Father John Androutsopoulos

Parish Council Election Results OCMC Congratulations to the newly elected 2019 Parish Council members: Banquet

Gus Harris, Pam Martin, Pete Regopoulos, Greg Simos, and Scott Mayan Orthodoxy: Thompson. Mission Guatemala

Our sincere thanks to the continuing members of the Supporting Thomas and Elizabeth Manuel, parish council: long term missionaries to the Orthodox Daniel Gantner, Carol Marshall, Elefteria Marcou, Churches in Guatemala. Tom and Elizabeth Samia Rabie, Vasilios Simos , Sotiri Sotiriou, will be at the banquet to speak about their Dr. Tom Stamos, Chris Tsoubanos, Nick Tsoubanos, missionary service. Tonis Zafiropoulos

Our grateful appreciation and best wishes to the departing Thursday, January 10, 2019 member of the parish council: Farid Sadaka Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 1755 Des Peres Road “…will fulfill faithfully and sincerely the duties and Town & Country MO 63131 obligations required of a member of the Parish Council….” 6PM Vespers 7PM Dinner and Program

Tickets are available from your parish OCMC team representative, by mail or email

OCMC Banquet Reservation: Name:______Address:______Phone:______Email:______

Number of tickets______@ $30 = $______

Sunday, January 20, 2019 I am not able to attend, but would like to make a donation in the amount of $______the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church will Make checks payable: Mission Team - St. Louis celebrate Grandparents Sunday. OCMC Banquet

Make plans now to share in Divine Liturgy MAIL TO and prepare to receive Holy Communion with 4770 Maryville Rd. Granite City, IL 62040 the special grandpeople in Or email to [email protected] your life. Mission Team St. Louis thanks you for your support!

2019-A Look Ahead: Philoptochos Corner Look for our 2019 Philoptochos Stewardship Commitment The Assumption Ladies Philoptochos Letter Society Sunday, January 13 Vasilopita Sunday Sunday, March 3 Soup Sunday Luncheon Sunday, March 17.Sunday of Orthodoxy - We host this Beautiful has nothing to do with looks. year It is how you are as a person and how you make others feel about themselves. 2019 Meeting Dates: January 20, February 24, March 24, April 14, We are asked to please continue our good works with May 19 Philoptochos Elections humility, in peace, love, harmony & kindness. Pam Argyris, This is a friendly reminder that it is an election year which Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos President means that meeting attendance counts. You must attend at least 4 meetings between May 2018 and April 2019 in Wishing everyone a order to be eligible to be a board member. We look forward Healthy, Happy & Prosperous 2019! to seeing you at our next meeting!

Acknowledgements Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for supporting all of our Holiday Sales! Flora Dimitriou Philoptochos President We would like to thank Board Member Angie Koulouriotis 636-795-4602 and friends for serving coffee hour for the month of [email protected] January.

Thank you to Lila Nicholas, Magda Dubis & Effie Dubis for Philoptochos Christmas making our Vasilopites. Thank you for your generous Thank you to Diane Sieckmann for organizing our donations to St. Basil’s Academy on Vasilopita Sunday. fabulous annual Philoptochos Christmas Party at Surf & Sirloin. Children’s Medical Fund We will be having a number of events during 2019. We Everyone who was able to join us for our annual Christmas need your support in order to help our Chicago Diocese host Party had a great time! We had a delicious meal; had fun this most worthy event. Please look for our event flyers. scratching off lottery tickets; had nice raffle prizes and Thank you in advance for your help played an adventurous “Rob Your Neighbor” game. We would also like to thank everyone for their purse & toiletry January National Commitments donations. The purses were donation to St. Louis Prison Ministry. Vasilopita- Proceeds benefit St. Basil's academy Social Services/Cancer & Other Major Illnesses Fund- Save the date for the 2019 Christmas Party Provides outreach, support and financial Sunday, December 1, 2019

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. Evelyn’s House is in need of more crocheted lap blankets. If you have any interest in making a blanket please let us know. There is a size requirement for these lap blankets. **If you would like any more information on this project please see Flora Dimitriou or Diane Sieckmann.

Donors Needed Father’s Day Reception $300.00

Extra Virgin Olive Oil $20/bottle

Missouri Flag $91.00

Patriarchal Flag $284.00

Thank you to

Mother’s Day Reception Anonymous donor made in memory of their parents.

Olive oil. Ellen Piskos

Greek Flag Steve and Eleftheria Afentoullis

American Flag Scott Thompson and Maria Sakellariou

Remaining cost of the English service books for the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Thomas Schafbuch

Flowers for the Nativity Icon Steve and Eleftheria Afentouillis

Icon of St. Basil. Anonymous donor

Flowers for the Theophany Icon John and Angie Koulourioitis

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."

American Clergy Come Through for Kenyan Bishop! You Can Too! by Fr. Chris Rowe (10/18/2018)

Here is a story that was shared by Fr. Chris Rowe, OCMC’s Development Officer, who participated in the Assembly of the OCA Diocese of the Midwest last week. This is a great example of the deep relationships we aim for as Orthodox Christians, supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world: The 57th Assembly of the Diocese of the Midwest was held in Lansing, IL, October 8-10, 2018. His Grace Bishop Neofitos of the Kenyan Diocese of Nyeri and Mount Kenya joined the clergy and faithful at our Assembly. During Bp. Neofitos’s presentation to the assembly, His Grace shared some of the challenges that are faced in the diocese. The Diocese of Nyeri and Mount Kenya is in a rural and agricultur- al part of Kenya, north of Nairobi. One major challenge the diocese regularly faces is how to support the clergy, and one It can be a struggle for His Grace Bishop critical need is that of medical care. To illustrate, His Grace Neophytos to financially support the priests of the shared a recent event with the Assembly. Papadhia Rispher Muchuku is the wife of one the priests in the of the diocese of Nyeri and Mount Kenya. Your diocese. After suffering from medical problems for the past 10 gift to the Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) pro- years, doctors recently discovered the source of her ailments. It gram can help His Grace to care for the Orthodox was determined that she needed what amounted to emergency clergy in his diocese. surgery. She is a mother of 4 and doesn’t work outside their home. Unfortunately, there is no health insurance available to the clergy there, so they brought their problem to His Grace. He told them to go get the surgery, and that the diocese would pay for it. His Grace shared that there is little in the treasury of his mission diocese, but he couldn’t say no to this need. The surgery ended up costing $3,000 (US). He shared that he will always offer whatever he has to care for the flock that is entrusted to him. As His Grace took his seat, someone from the Assembly came to the microphone and suggested that we take a col- lection right there at the Assembly. Through the generosity of those gathered at the Assembly, a generous gift of $3,387 was made to the diocese of Nyeri and Mount Kenya! Papadhia Rispher’s surgery was paid for and a little more. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the Diocese of the Midwest from the Diocese of Nyeri and Mount Kenya. This generosity is very inspiring, and I pray that we in the Church can always continue to express our unity and support Orthodox clergy in the mission field. Please prayerfully consider helping the priests ff the Nyeri Diocese, and around the world, with a gift to OCMC's Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) program.

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!

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Annual Appreciation Luncheon After Divine Liturgy Sunday, January 29, 2019

Your are invited to join us for a wonderful complimentary luncheon, in appreciation for your hard work, time, talents and treasures you share throughout the year as Everyone is welcome members of our Parish. Please join us as we say Bring the whole family THANK YOU!

Births - Congratulations to:

Shivan and Tatiana Zewki on the birth of their daughter, Memorials - Memory Eternal Isabella Mavra, on November 14, 2018. The happy grandparents are Spiro and Anna Xenos. December 2 65-year Michael Tharenos Chrismations - Many Years to: December 9 Rachel Jean Tsiaklides, who received Holy 40-day Jereis Musalam Chrismation on Saturday, December 15, 2018. 8-year Maria Potsos Her Orthodox sponsor is Maria Tsiaklides. 26-year Nicholas Potsos 52-year Konstantinos Potsos Funerals - Memory Eternal to: December 30 Presvytera Edna Regopoulos died on Thursday, December 40-day George Leontsinis 6, 2018 at the age of 98, mother of Peter (Joan) 1-year Despina Peppes Regopoulos The funeral was held December, 10 at Holy 1-year Averini Tsingogias Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, in Hicksville, NY. 2-year Alexander “Ollie” Aslan

January 13 40-day Presvytera Edna (Androniki) Regopoulos Athanasios Dubis In Our Prayers Katherine Dubis

Nora (Elaine) Bangert, Androniki Harisis Seraphima Henderson, Christos Harisis Thekla (Rebecca) Kagaris Theodosios & Eftalia Dubis Dean Kases, Janie (Zafera) Kyramarios. February 17 2-year Peter (Panagiotis) Ellis

New Altar Table Covering

We have new blue altar table covering made in Greece this past fall. We use light blue altar coverings and vestments for feasts and days commemorating the Theotokoks.

Please call the church office if you would like to donate the cost which is $400.00. Thank you

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 College Addresses visitation may be scheduled. Hospitals do not notify In an effort to keep in touch with, and minister to, clergy of patients, even if you list yourself as a Church our college students, we ask anyone with a daughter or son member. in college to contact the Church office with the address, phone, & email.

Kids Korner

“’A faithful friend is a strong defense’ (Ecclus 6:14); for when things are going well with you, he is a good counselor and a sympathetic collaborator, while when things are going badly, he is the truest of helpers and a most compassionate supporter.” - St. Maximus the Confessor, (Philokalia II).

Famous Holy Friendships Friendships with people who encourage us spiritually are the most important ones we can have. Here are a few examples of some strong friendships:

Jesus and Lazarus - Jesus cried when He learned of Lazarus’ death, and then brought Lazarus back to life. Lazarus lived a long time after that telling people about Jesus Christ.

St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory the Theologian - These two met in school, learned from one another and supported each other in their goal to live lives serving and pleasing to God. Christ Anthony Basil

St. Anthony the Great and St. Athanasios of Alexandria - The Athanasios Gregory Martha biography of the great desert hermit, St. Anthony, was written by Mary John Lazarus St. Athansios. The two fought the spread of Arianism together. Friendship

Dear Focus Supporter,

On Friday evening, January 11th, at 7:00 pm at Christ the Good Shepherd Orthodox Church (3621 McCausland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109), Kenny Kidd, Development Director for FOCUS North America, will be coming to St. Louis. We would like to have a meeting to discuss the long-term sustainability of the ministries of FOCUS Gateway City. The goal is to pull together local clergy, advocates, and friends of FOCUS from across the St. Louis metro area to discuss a strategic fundraising plan for the ministries for 2019 and beyond. Your participation is requested and we are asking you to invite anyone from your community that you feel would have an interest in being a part of the long-term growth and expansion of the ministries here in St. Louis. We will discuss the plans for the ministry in the coming couple of years, celebrate the existing foundation of community volunteers and events supporting it, and brainstorm how to further firm up this foundation. The goal is to end the evening with the beginnings of a blueprint to sustain the work that the Lord has begun at Focus. Please RSVP via email to [email protected] so that we can plan for how many are coming to the meeting. God bless you and thank you for supporting and praying for the ministry of Focus Gateway City. Fr. Patrick Sleeping Bags This Sunday I met a dear man named God bless you and have a wonderful Oscar (not his real name) and now that Nativity, We hope and pray everyone is having a people feel so comfortable and at home Rebecca Kagaris blessed Nativity Season so far. The dining at FOCUS we started talking On behalf of FOCUS Gateway City past few months have been very busy much deeper and he told me that he is at currently sleeping in an abandoned bus FOCUS. So many churches are down near Broadway. He says he just FOCUS Food Pantry participating in so many different tries to live day to day and “stay Donations Needs ways. We have been having a record warm.” Can you imagine? He said he The FOCUS Food Pantry can take number of meals served on Sunday, doesn’t feel safe or that he is treated (over 200 when Assumption served donations on Tuesdays between 9:30 like a human being in the shelters so he am and 11:00 am, before we open on Fried chicken in November) an does what he can. He has case workers increase in our volunteer staff helping Wednesdays (2nd and 4th Wednesday trying to help him but there “are so of every month), or the 2nd and 4th with the Sunday meals and Wednesday many hoops to jump through and so pantry ministries, and many people Wednesday from 10:00 am to 11:00 much paperwork.” He can feel like he am or call Vickie Siers at 618-567- seeking comfort, warmth, gets lost in the system. He hospitality and hope at our Orthodox 5718 to schedule a date to drop off appreciated coming to FOCUS and donation at a time convenient for you. FOCUS center. miraculously at the last minute I Guests tell us every week how looked around the pantry praying to What we always need: appreciative they are and how they find something warm and was able to Canned meat enjoy the food and the respectful and find a big comforter- the only one! Spam heartfelt conversations. They said they Thank God. I quietly gave it to him in Beef Stew feel like human beings here and they a waterproof bag before he left. Thank Sardines sense the love and peace in the you all who have donated and Chili building. There are also more and more supported. Canned Soups parents with children coming in so we Canned Vegetables We love and appreciate you all. St. Pork and Beans are ever so thankful for our young vol- Louis Orthodox Christians ARE unteers as well who make them all feel making an impact in the city and it’s We do not need: welcome. because of your tremendous care, carrots, corn, green beans We know it is a busy season but we prayers and generosity. Let’s keep up the good work in Christ’s Name! Drop wanted to put the word out that we will Hygiene needs: be collecting warm sleeping bags as your Sleeping Bags and warm Razors well as any coveralls or especially Coveralls/ Men’s wear off at church Deodorant warm men’s clothing throughout the and we will make sure it gets to the Tooth Brushes winter. If you can take a minute to go right people. Tooth Paste through your closet or basement and Shampoo find an item or two to donate it would Soap (not small bars from hotels) make a world a difference.

It is a better thing to save souls for the Lord than to save treasures. He who sent forth his apostles without gold had not need of gold to form his Church. The Church possesses gold, not to hoard, but to scatter abroad and come to the aid of the unfortunate. St Ambrose of Milan

Support and encouragement Adult Orthodox Christian (AOC) for your grief journey GriefShare is a special bi-weekly seminar and Evening of Fellowship support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one Join us for a potluck dinner & discussion Saturday, January 19, 2019 Please join us at 9:30 a.m. at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 6:00 pm January 9, 2019

For more information, please contact Fr. Anastasios At the home of at 314-966-2255 Tonis and Laurie Zafiropoulos 1826 Ridgeview Circle Dr Ballwin MO 63021 Friday Luncheon and Festival Baking

Every year after the Festival the Please call Laurie at 314-496-5861 very hard working, dedicated to RSVP and coordinate a dish to ladies of our parish take the share. summer off from baking.

It’s time again to prepare delicious foods and desserts for our Friday Luncheons and for the Festival. If you are interested in hosting an AOC, The baking has begun. You can find a kitchen full of our dedicated bakers every Wednesday. There is a please call the Church office 314-966-2255 lot to be done and we need your help.

If you are interested and have some free time, please come and join the fun.

If you have any questions, please call Amalia Karakasis at 314-495-0305.

College Care Packages Twice a year, before end of semester exams, we send college care packages to our college students letting them Women’s Book Study know they may be away but not forgotten. (Adults Only) Beginning

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Thursday Mornings 10:30 am—12:00 pm at the home of A big THANK YOU to the parents of our college students who donated items for the care packages and came Mrs. Patricia Bishop to help pack them, seal them, address them and mail them 401 Sunnyslope Dr to over 40 college students both in town and away. We have students Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Ohio, Ballwin, MO 63011 Florida, Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas. If we don’t have your college student’s address please call the office. We will be reading “In the Heart of the Desert By John Chryssavgis

Please contact Presvytera Laura Morton 314-303-1784 For more information The enemy of our salvation especially strives to draw our heart and mind away from God when we are about to serve God. The evil one desperately tries to adulterously attach our heart to something irrelevant. Be aware of this--- be focused--- be always--- be every moment--- be especially aware when praying to God. If we are inconstant and unfo- cused we will fall away from Life. God is Life. Without the True Life we will cast ourselves into sorrow and despair. Stay Focused on The True Life Itself…(GOD)!!! John of Kronstadt

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

January 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

January 11

Beef Kapama over Noodles ...... 8 Baked Fish with Mixed Vegetables...... $8 NO Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $7 Gyro Sandwich ...... $5 LUNCHEON (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce)

January 4, 2019 Vegetable Beef Soup....………………....Sm. $3....Lg. $5 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)………..………2 for $3 Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3 Luncheons will resume on Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3 January 11, 2019 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5

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

January 18 January 25

Olympic Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs and Artisan Pork Tenderloin with Anna Potato’s ...... $8 Garlic Bread ...... $8 Baked Fish with Sugar Snap Peas and Corn Medley .... $8 Baked Fish with Spinach & Rice ...... $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)

Lentil Soup....……………………..…….Sm. $3....Lg. $5 Fasolada (Bean) Soup....……………..….Sm. $3....Lg. $5 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)………..………2 for 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)………..………2 for $3 $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

Eve of Theophany Eve

Waters

Great Blessing of the the of Blessing Great

19 5 26 Vespers Great pm 5:00 Potluck AOC pm 6:30 Vespers Great pm 5:00 9:00 am am Orthros 9:00 & Liturgy Divine am 10:00 Great Vespers pm 5:00

12 Vespers Great pm 5:00

Fri

Athanasios and Cyril, and Cyril, Athanasios the Gregory St.

and Typica and

18 25 Patriarchs of Alexandria Patriarchs Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Luncheon amFriday 11:00 Theologian Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Luncheon amFriday 11:00

4 11 “A good deed is never lost; he who sows sows who he lost; never is deed good “A who he and friendship, reaps courtesy love.” gathers kindness plants Basil St. and Hours Great am 9:00 Luncheon Friday No Luncheon amFriday 11:00

Thu

Home of Patricia of Home

St. Anthony the Great the Anthony St.

Study Study

Bishop

Study Study

Bishop

17 31 Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Book amWomen’s 10:00

3 10 24 Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Book amWomen’s 10:00

Wed

Three Hierachs Three

2 30 Kafenio pm 2:00 Orthros 9:00am Liturgy Divine 10:00am Kafenio pm 2:00

16 9 23 Kafenio pm 2:00 Kafenio pm 2:00 Kafenio pm 2:00

January January

Tue

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Church Orthodox Greek Assumption

St. Basil The Great The Basil St.

Circumcision of Christ Circumcision

Doxology Doxology

1 8 Orthros am 9:00 and Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Greek pm 5:45 Vespers pm 6:30 Study Bible pm 7:20

15 22 29 School Greek pm 5:45 Vespers pm 6:30 Study Bible pm 7:20 School Greek pm 5:45 Vespers pm 6:30 Study Bible pm 7:20 School Greek pm 5:45 Vespers pm 6:30 Study Bible pm 7:20

Mon

St. John the Baptist the John St.

14 7 21 28 9:00 am Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00

Feast Days are Boxed are Feast Days

FastShaded Days are

Sun

Righteous Efthemios Righteous

Divine Liturgy Times areDivineLiturgy Approximate Times

Theophany

Sunday School, and Great and School, Sunday the Waters of Blessing Park Wilmore at Blessing School Sunday and School Sunday and School Sunday and Luncheon

13 6 20 27 8:30 am Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy, Divine am 9:45 Water Holy pm 1:30 Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy Divine am 9:45 Sunday amVasilopita 11:15 Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy Divine am 9:45 Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy Divine am 9:45 Appreciation pm 12:00

1718

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 John 15:1-2

1 I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

15:1 The vine is a symbol of Israel (see Is. 5:1-7; Jer. 2:21). In contrast to disobedient and unfruitful Israel, Jesus calls Himself the true vine which, together with its branches, constitutes a new and fruitful people of God, the Church. 15:4 Abiding in Christ is living out our union with Him in faith, baptism, love, obedience, and Eucharist. The figure of the vine and branches shows: (1) our union with Christ is intimate and real - we are a new people in Christ; (2) life flows from the vine to the branches - abiding in Christ is not static nor “positional,” but dynamic and vitalizing; and (3) the fruit we bear is both good works and mission (v. 16, “go and bear fruit”; see 17:18). Those who do not abide in Christ bear no fruit, and are cut off from Him (v.6).

For Consideration

It is fruit, fruit and fruit alone that the Lord seeks from man, that living tree. Good fruit is a God-loving heart, but bad fruit is a heart filled with self-love. All other that a man has and enjoys - status, power, honour, health, wealth, learning - these are no more than the leaves of the tree. “Every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matt. 3:10). Even non-Christian peoples rate good works above fine words. So much the more must it be the rule among followers of Christ. At a certain gathering of Athenians, at which envoys from Sparta were present, one old man was going from bench to bench, trying to find somewhere to sit down. The Athenians mocked at him, and no-one gave him his seat. When the old man drew near to the Spartans, they all leapt to their feet and offered him their places. Seeing this, the Athenians expressed their gratitude to the Spartans in well-rounded phrases. To this the Spartans replied:’ The Athenians know what is good, but do not do it.’ He who does good is like a tree that bears good fruit for its owner. And the well-spring of goodness in man is a good, God-loving heart.

The Prologue from Ochrid: Lives of the Saints and Homilies for Every Day in the Year, vol. 1 by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic. Translated by Mother Maria Lazarica Press, Birmingham, 1985. p. 28

2019