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 March 2019

1755 Des Peres Road Sermon on the Sunday of Orthodoxy Town & Country, MO 63131-1405 By Fr. Raphael Daly Phone: 314-966-2255 Kitchen: 314-966-6720 This morning, I would like to tell you the story of two women, who chose very Web Site: www.assumptiongoc.org different paths for their respective lives, but arrived at the same destination. The background for this story is the iconoclast controversy, and the feast we Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos celebrate today – the Sunday of Orthodoxy. I won’t get into the history of the Email: [email protected] iconoclast controversy this morning – there are many fine books on the subject Office Manager: Diane Sieckmann already written, and chances are most of you know the story already. But for Email: [email protected] those that don’t, in the 8th century, the church came under attack from those who proclaimed that having icons and venerating them is wrong. This error was Secretary: Diakonissa Kristen Vogt refuted at the Seventh Ecumenical council, but unfortunately, the iconoclasts as Email: [email protected] they are known, had the emperors of Constantinople on their side for a time. The story I’d like to tell you picks up towards the end of the iconoclast controversy – at the beginning of the reign of the Emperor Theophilus, the very last iconoclast emperor. Theophilus was a young man at the beginning of his Dates to Remember in March reign, and he needed a wife. So his mother arranged a brideshow for him. The most beautiful eligible noble women in the empire were gathered to the palace, March 2 and participated in a contest. The winner would be handed an apple made of 1st Saturday of the Souls gold and would become the empress. Theophilus narrowed the contestants down to six semi – finalists. Amongst the six were our two heroines – Cassiani March 3 and Theodora. Both were exquisitely beautiful and brilliant, but where Meat Fare Sunday Theodora was very modest and humble, Cassiani had something of a sharp tongue. Cassiani did not suffer fools gladly. Unfortunately for Cassiani, the March 10 emperor Theophilus was something of a fool. He was impressed most by Cheese Fare Sunday Cassiani’s beauty and went up to her, ready to give her the apple. But he Forgiveness Sunday decided to wax philosophical first, and I suppose looking at the apple and thinking of Eve in the Garden said, “From women flowed corruption.” Without March 11 missing a beat Cassiani shot back “But also from woman sprang forth what is Clean Monday - Great Lent Begins superior” (meaning that God himself deigned to be born of a woman, the Theotokos). Theophilus didn’t have a comeback to that one. He opted instead to March 17 hand the apple to modest, silent Theodora. He and Theodora were married. Losing the contest suited Cassiani just fine – she hadn’t really wanted to be Sunday of Orthodoxy married to Theophilus, or become empress. She was now free to pursue the life

she really wanted – a life of prayer and study in a convent which she herself March 24 established and managed as Abbess. She still spoke her mind to the emperor St. Gregory Palamas however. When Theophilus continued to be a harsh enforcer of the laws attacking icons, Cassiani joined other monastics in publicly defying him. He March 25 had her persecuted and beaten, but she would not be silent, she continued to Annunciation publicly defend icons and support those who venerated them. She believed one ought to speak out against injustice. Although monks and nuns are supposed to March 31 love silence, Cassiani once said, “I hate silence when it is time to speak!” Veneration of the Holy Cross Thirteen years after the brideshow, Theophilus died, and left Theodora as the regent. But what Theophilus didn’t know – and never found out – was that his

2018 Parish Council humble, submissive Theodora ALSO venerated icons and had raised his five daughters and one son to also venerate and love icons and Orthodoxy. On Mt. Fr. Joseph Strzelecki Athos, there’s an icon that Theodora owned. One side is an icon, the other is a Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos Scott Thompson, President mirror. Whenever Theodora was alone she’d flip it around and pray in front of Greg Simos, Vice President the icon, and then flip it back to the mirror side when her husband came into Elefteria Marcou, Secretary her room. As soon as Theophilus was dead, she restored icons and the clergy Gus Harris, Treasurer who defended them. She permanently finished the iconoclast movement. Daniel Gantner, Carol Marshall, Pam Martin, If you look at the icon of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, you’ll see the empress Samia Rabie, Pete Regopoulos, Vasilios Simos, Greg Simos, Sotirios Sotiriou, Tom Stamos, Theodora and her son Michael standing next to the famous Directress Icon of Chris Tsoubanos, Nick Tsoubanos, Tonis the Theotokos. But in the corner, you’ll see a nun standing with all the monks. Zafiropoulos That would be Cassiani. Cassiani was also a hymnographer, by the way. She Acolytes wrote some of the most famous and important hymns during the year, including John Nicholas Adult Orthodox Christians (18 years +): some very important parts of the Tridion season, which we are currently in. Diane Sieckmann Some people worry about the role women in the Church – whether they ought Bible Study to be outspoken like Cassiani or submissive like Theodora. Both Theodora and Fr. Daniel Morton Cassiani are now venerated as saints because they defended icons, and Bookstore Orthodoxy itself. Each had her own method of defending Orthodoxy, but it was Christos Tsiaklides, Diakonissa Kristen Vogt Chanters the faith they defended that matters ultimately. The triumph of the icons in the Steve Bellos 9th century wasn’t simply a victory of people who wanted to kiss icons, but of Choir the faith of the Orthodox. They ensured that the Orthodox faith – our faith – Stephanie Saunders would not bend to the whim of emperors and the currents of history. Our icons, Church Tours Janice Hazeltine our liturgy, monasticism, the clergy – are all part of this faith, the faith Friday Luncheon proclaimed by Prophets, Apostles and Teachers. Theodora and Cassiani have Art Liyeos defended this faith and handed it to us, to defend and maintain as they did. We Greek Festival too, must uphold the faith we have received unchanged. We must resist and Greg Simos, Art Liyeos denounce, as they did, the idea that our faith must be reworked to accommo- Greek School Savas Kyramarios date the age we live in. We must offer our witness outspokenly to world, as Greek Dancers Cassiani, and also to our children, as Theodora did. Kyklos: & Armonia Stella Afentoullis http://stmaryorthodoxchurch.org/orthodoxy/sermons/2006/sundayoforthodoxy 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) The Assumption Alki Lappas Case, Dr. Debbie Cosmopoulos Kafenio Philoptochos Monday, Mach 11, 2019 Art Liyeos Little Angels (infant - 5 years) invites everyone Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos to begin Great Lent together Orthodox Faith & Life: Dr. Farid Sadaka, Anna Sadaka Philoptochos Flora Dimitriou, President Planned Giving Committee 10:30 am Great Compline Amy Johnson immediately followed by Prison Ministry Bill Goranitis Stewardship Michael Afentoullis Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera) Lenten Luncheon Sunday School Diane Sieckmann Vacation Church Camp (VCC) $7.00 per person Anna Sadaka Women’s Bookstudy Presvytera Laura Morton Young Adult Ministry (18-30 yrs) Fr. Anastasios & Presvytera Elizabeth

Lenten Services Special services are celebrated during Great Lent for our spiritual edification. † Great Compline is chanted on various evenings. † Presanctified Liturgies are celebrated on Wednesday evening and Friday morning. 2019 † Salutations to the Theotokos are chanted on Friday Schedule of Lenten Services evenings. Please see the monthly calendar for the scheduled times of these services. 1st Sunday - Triumph of Orthodoxy

March 17 – 5:00 p.m. Confessions Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Please contact your 1755 Des Peres Rd, St. Louis, MO 63131 father confessor to Host Rector: V Rev Father Joseph Strezlecki make an appointment Guest Homilist: Rev Father Joel Wilson for confession. Orthodox Christians 2nd Sunday – St. Gregory Palamas receive the March 24th – 5:00 p.m. Sacrament of Holy St. Michael Orthodox Church Confession to purify 1901 Ann Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104 their hearts, minds Host Rector: V Rev Father Christopher Phillips and bodies so that they may approach rd the Holy Chalice 3 Sunday – Veneration of the Holy Cross with a clean heart. By March 31 – 5:00 pm. confessing our sins Ss. Cyril & Methody Orthodox Church we empty our hearts 4770 Maryville Rd., Granite City, IL 62040 of sin and corruption Host Rector: Very Rev. Father Andrew Moulton so that it can be filled with God's grace and All services are sponsored by the Orthodox Christian love, and so that we Clergy Brotherhood of the Greater St. Louis Area. can receive Jesus' Services are followed by a pure body and blood light lenten meal and fellowship and become united with Him eternally.

Fasting Great Lent is a period of strict abstinence. The traditional fast is as follows: † Monday - Friday: Abstinence from meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine and oil (shell fish is allowed). † Every Saturday and Sunday, and Holy Thursday: wine and Saturday of Souls oil are allowed. On the Saturday prior to the commencement of Great Lent, † March 25 and Palm Sunday: Fish is allowed. it is the sacred Tradition of the Church to pray for the † Wine and oil are not allowed on Holy Saturday. blessed repose of all the Orthodox departed this life. In addition to this, the number of meals a day and the Saturday—the Sabbath—is the Church’s designated day of amount of food received is often times altered. But the prayer for our de-parted brethren. We continue this above fast is probably too difficult for many people, Tradition on the first and second Saturdays of Great Lent, especially beginners. Please consult your spiritual father for also commemorating the Miracle of the Kolliva by St. direction on fasting. Special consideration is always given Theodore on the third Saturday. Plan to come to at least to young children and people who are ill. one of the Saturdays of Souls, and offer the Christian (Baptismal) name’s of your departed loved ones. Orthros begins at 9 am followed by Divine Liturgy and Memorial on March 2, 9, 16.

2019 Parish Council Spiritual Counsels of Elder Amphilochios Makris

You are royalty, destined for the heavenly bridal chamber.

When you see a person who is spiritually tired do not burden him any further, because his knees won't be able to bear it.

Love the One, so that even wild beasts will love you.

True wealth, for me, is to see you in the Kingdom of Heaven.

When the flame of love exists, it consumes whatever evil Congratulations to the members of the 2019 Parish Coun- approaches. cil who were installed on Vasilopita Sunday. The person who loves spiritually feels prayerful, so that he can be found within God and his brother. He is saddened when his brother is not advancing well and Thank you prays for his progress. to retiring parish council member, Dr. Farid Sadaka, for his service to the Parish Council. Whoever has Christian love never changes.

Hold the banner of Christ up high, so that you've always got your elder's telephone number, no matter where you are.

It is because we carry on like this that some fall in the mud and others are killed.

All those things that we hear about: war, earthquakes, catastrophes, thunder, also expect rain.

We must be ready for our defence and our martyrdom.

I beseech the Lord to sanctify you, so that I may see you in Paradise. This is the dowry which I seek from the Lord for you.

For God's Grace to come during the Liturgy, you must be concentrated and untroubled.

Christ is the same, yesterday and today, but we have closed our eyes and look into the darkness.

The more a person loves God, the more he loves other Let each of us learn to pray in this manner: to be with God people. He loves them with holiness, respect and always, to make our prayer not just an occasional activity, refinement, as images of God. but a continual undertaking. Not something that we do from time to time, but something that we are the whole When a person lacks inner warmth, he will be frozen and time. For this is what the world around us needs: not cold, even in summer. people who say prayers occasionally, but people who are at each moment a living flame of prayer. When your heart does not have Christ, it will contain either money, property or people instead.

Metropolitan Kallistos Ware http://www.oodegr.com/english/sygxronoi/amfiloxios_makris1.htm

Evelyn’s House – BJC Hospice Philoptochos Corner We are stocking the snack pantry at the hospice house. If The Assumption Ladies Philoptochos you would like to make a donation please see Flora Society Dimitriou for a list of items needed. We are continuing to fill the need at Evelyn’s House for crocheted lap blankets and pillow cases. If you have any Happy March! We are on a roll now. A lot will happen this interest in making a blanket or pillow case, please let us month as we begin preparations for Pascha next month. So know. We have directions with the size requirements. please remember that your actions speak louder than words. If you would like any more information on this project Lead and live by example. please see Flora Dimitriou or Diane Sieckmann.

“The greatness of a community is more accurately measured by the compassionate action of its members” 2019-A Look Ahead: ~Coretta Scott King Sunday, March 3 - Pastitsio Luncheon Sunday, March 10 - General Meeting Our Chapter’s Charitable Donations Monday, March 11 - Clean Monday Lenten Luncheon We are already into March. Time is really flying by. Sunday, March 17 - Sunday of Orthodoxy (We host) Hopefully by now you have received your 2019 Sunday, March 24 - Membership Social Philoptochos Stewardship Commitment Letter. We hope Sunday, May 19 – ELECTION DAY that you will consider making a donation and becoming a member. By becoming a member you are helping This is a friendly reminder that it is an election year which Philoptochos on a National & Metropolis level and our means that meeting attendance counts. You must attend at Assumption Chapter. least 4 meetings between May 2018 and April 2019 in or- Thank you in advance for your help! der to be eligible to be a board member. We look forward

“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most to seeing you at our next meeting! powerful things humans can do for each other” Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. ~Randy Pausch Flora Dimitriou Philoptochos President Acknowledgements 636-795-4602 or [email protected] Thank you to all our parishioners who helped us with the parish Christmas card with their donation to have their “We have an opportunity to give witness to the simple names in the card. It was beautiful to see so many names. goodness in people by doing something small – lending a We would like to thank Board Member Eleftheria hand to someone in need. I am confident that together, Afentoullis and friends for serving coffee hour for the with faith in the Lord, with prayers from deep within our month of March. hearts and souls, and with the love and blessings of God, we can lessen the pain, loss and suffering of others.” Thank you to Georgia Antonopoulos for chairing our Clean Maria Logus, National Philoptochos President Monday Luncheon on Monday, March 11th and for the laganes & taramosalata sales

Thank you to Rose Harpole and Helena Brown for doing an incredible job sending out the lovely note cards on behalf of Philoptochos.

March National Commitments Please join us on Orthodox Christian Missions –Support a Mission Priest - Sunday, March 24 Provides financial support to missionary priests and teams In the Philoptochos room

Hellenic College Holy Cross -Lenten Event - Veneration of for our the Holy Cross - Proceeds provide for Hellenic College Membership Social Holy Cross operational expenses

Children’s Medical Fund We would like to take this opportunity to ask for your Thank you to everyone who supported our Pastitsio help in ministering to the under privileged; to be part of Luncheon n on Sunday, March 3. All proceeds will help us something greater than ourselves, by offering your fulfill our CMF Luncheon obligation. We will be having a talents and time, your ideas and your involvement. number of events during 2019. We need your support in order to help our Chicago Diocese host this most worthy We look forward to seeing you at our social . event.

Assumption Ladies Philoptochos Society Lenten Food and Pascha Food Sales

Let us help you with your holiday food needs

Lenten Items All orders must be placed by March 3, 2019 for pick up Sunday, March 10 during coffee hour

Lagana Bread ______(# of breads) x $6.00 = ______Lagana (sometimes called Clean Monday Bread )is a traditional flatbread usually baked for Clean Monday, the first day of Great Lent before Easter. For those fasting most strictly, lagana is made without oil.

Taramasalta ______(# of jars) x $5.00 = ______In Greece, taramasalata is associated with Clean Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα), the first day of Great Lent.

To Place Your Order for Lagana or Taramasalta: Please Contact Georgia Antonopoulos at 314-638-2835 ……………………………………………………………………………………..PARTY

Pascha Items All orders must be placed by Sunday, April 14, 2019 February Pick up on Sunday, April 21 in the Philoptochos room AT 4:00 PM Tsoureka ______(# of breads) x $15 = ______Traditional Greek Easter Bread

Tiropita* ______(# of ½ pans) x $30 = ______½ pan cheese pie, frozen and ready to bake 3 Spanakopita*2019 ______(# of ½ pans) x $30 = ______½ pan spinach & cheese pie, frozen and ready to bake

Baklava ______(# of pieces) x $3 = ______

Koulourakia ______(# of cookies ) x 0.50 = ______

Red Eggs ______(no of dozen) x $5.00 = ______

*full pans available upon request Please call Pete at 314-348-8616 to ToRSVP place yourand ordercoordinate for the aPascha dish toItems, bring please for contact Diane Sieckmann at 314-966-2255, 314-412-3476 or [email protected] Potluck meal. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Total Amount Due ______Paid ______Check # ______Cash______

Credit Card ______Exp ______CVV_____

Name______

Phone Number______

Pastitsio Luncheon

Two of our college students, Niko Stamos and Steven Alexopoulos, attend Ohio State University and have become involved with Sigma Epsilon Phi, a co-ed social "fratority" that promotes the principles of brotherhood and sisterhood in order to create an outlet for social activities Sunday, and to stimulate a sincere interest in the Orthodox faith, March 3, 2019 Hellenic culture, and community affairs. The purpose of immediately following the Divine Liturgy Sigma is to unite its members in a close bond of friendship, seeking to instill in them a spirit of mutual love and helpfulness, to the end that each member and the Adults $10.00...Children $5.00 Fratority-at-large, may attain social, moral, and meal includes pastitsio, salad & bread intellectual excellence. The Sweetheart Dance is a yearly event held by Sigma All proceeds to the Philoptochos Children’s Epsilon Phi - The Orthodox Students of The Ohio State University. It was held on Saturday, February 16 at the Medical Fund Luncheon Westin Hotel, downtown Columbus, OH. The dance is usually held on President’s Day weekend and is one of their biggest social events. Several of our other college students from Missouri, Indiana and Ohio attended at the invitation of Niko and Steven. This year over 300 students attended. There was live Greek music and the attendees danced the night away! Each year at the dance one female and one male member is awarded Sigma Member of the Year. This year Niko Stamos received the male award! Congratulations Niko!!

College Addresses

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

Births - Congratulations to: Holy Water Bottles

Bobby and Natalie Hayden on the birth of their daughter, Please return empty holy water Sophia Shea, on January 14, 2019. bottles to the church for reuse. This helps us reduce some of the Baptisms - Many Years to: expense of ordering new bottles.

Matthew and Laura Branson on the baptism of the son, Thank you. Grayson (Gregory), on January 26, 2019. The Godparents are Tony and Laurie Zafiropoulos.

Memorials - Memory Eternal

February 3 1-year Tom (Anastasios) Masa 2-year Mary Karaganis Father’s Day Reception $300.00 10-year James (Demetrios) Karaganis Extra Virgin Olive Oil $20/bottle February 17 1-year Gus (Kostandinos) Papavlasopoulos Missouri Flag $96.00 2-year Nicoletta Ktena Patriarchal Flag $289.00 February 24 9-day Sophocles Petrakis Holy Water bottles…………..$308.00 2-year Kostandinos (Dean) Bellos Icon of St. Porphyrios March 3

6-mon Van (Evangelos) Evangelopoulos Icon of the Annunciation April 7 1-year Jimmy (Demetrios) Georges Icon of Elder Amphilochios Makris

April 14 Icon of Elder Eakovos (Tsalikis) of Evia 6-mon Amalia Karagiannis 1-year Helen Kiriakos New Altar Table Covering: We have new blue altar table 1-year Stella Palladino covering made in Greece this past fall. We use light blue altar coverings and vestments for feasts and days In Our Prayers commemorating the Theotokos………………..$400.00 Thank you to Bill and Marty Peters - In loving memory of Nora (Elaine) Bangert, Seraphima Henderson, Mary Bouras Thekla (Rebecca) Kagaris, Dean Kases, Janie (Zafera) Kyramarios. Please call the church office if you would like to donate any of these items. 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. Hospitals do not notify clergy of patients, even if you list yourself as a Church member.

Περί του μυστηρίου της υπακοής του Ο Πατήρ δεν έστειλε τον Υιόν για να σταυρωθή. Ο Χριστού Πατήρ έστειλε τον Υιόν του για να σαρκωθεί και να γίνη αυτό που δεν συνέλαβε μέχρι τότε καμμία Γέροντας Αιμιλιανός, Προηγούμενος Ιεράς Μονής ανθρώπινη διάνοια: να γίνη ο Θεός εν ανθρώποις Σίμωνος Πέτρας άνθρωπος. Και επομένως, ο Πατήρ να δεχθή εις τους κόλπους του, μαζί με τον έναντί του πάντοτε Σε λίγο θα σταθούμε μπροστά στον γυμνόν παίδα του ιστάμενον Υιόν, και αυτήν ταύτην την ανθρωπίνην Κυρίου, ο όποιος είναι εσταυρωμένος και ταυτόχρονα φύσιν. Να γίνη δηλαδή η ανάληψις και η θέωσις της στο πρόσωπό του έχει όλο το μεγαλείον του θριάμβου ανθρωπίνης φύσεως. και της βασιλικής δόξης και ηρεμίας. Για να μπορέσουμε να αντιληφθούμε την αγάπη που πρέπει Όπως κάποτε συζήτησαν τα θεία Πρόσωπα, να έχωμε προς τους άλλους ανθρώπους, ή την αγάπην «ποιήσωμεν άνθρωπον κατ’ εικόνα και ομοίωσιν», μας προς τον Θεόν, ή του Θεού προς ημάς, θα πρέπει όπως κάποτε συνεφώνησαν να κατέλθη εις τους να κατανοήσωμε την αγάπη που έχουν μεταξύ τους ο ανθρώπους ο Υιός, έτσι και τώρα θα πρέπει να γίνη, Πατήρ και ο Υιός. Ειδάλλως δεν θα καταλάβωμε ποτέ κατά κάποιον τρόπον, μια καινούρια συμφωνία.Η τι σημαίνει η λέξις “αγάπη”, αλλά θα είναι απλώς κάτι πρώτη συμφωνία τους έγινε όταν απέστειλε τον που μας θυμίζει μερικά αισθήματα και τρυφερότητες. Μονογενή εις τους ανθρώπους. Η αγάπη του Πατρός ήταν ότι έστελνε τον μονάκριβο Υιόν του, και η Το κάθε τι ξεκινά από τον Πατέρα. Υπάρχει μία τελεία αγάπη του Υιού ήταν το ότι εδέχετο να μονοκρατορία εν τη αγία Τριάδι. Δε θα μπορούσε υπακούση εις αυτήν την πρότασιν του Πατρός. Η λοιπόν παρά και αυτή η μεγάλη στιγμή της θείας πρώτη απάντησις ήτανε “δέχομαι να σαρκωθώ”. Η Οικονομίας ν΄ αρχίζει από τον Πατέρα. Έχουμε κατ’ τελική τώρα απάντησις εις την καινούρια πρότασιν αρχήν την στροφήν του Πατρός προς το ανθρώπινο του Πατρός είναι “δέχομαι να σταυρωθώ”. γένος και την μεγαλυτέραν εκδήλωσιν της αγάπης του προς ημάς. Το ότι ο Πατήρ δέχθηκε ο Υιός του ο Μέσα λοιπόν στα κοιτάγματα που θα κάνωμε εις τον Μονογενής να γίνη δούλος – χωρίς βεβαίως ουδέποτε εσταυρωμένον, ας κοιτάξει και η δική μας ψυχή τον να παύση να είναι Θεός – δείχνει ακριβώς την “αγώνα” εκείνον που χρειάστηκε μεταξύ Πατρός και παμμεγέθη αγάπην του Πατρός. Τον έστειλε για να Υιού για να ολοκληρωθή, τρόπον τινά, η αγάπη τους. τον κάνη άνθρωπο, και έγινε «παίς», δηλαδή έγινε Ο Πατήρ να σκεφθή το τραγικότερο που θα μπορούσε δούλος. Ουδείς θα μπορούσε να κάνη κάτι τέτοιο, να σκεφθή για τον Υιόν, και ο Υιός να δεχθή αυτό διότι ο καθένας βλέπει τον εαυτόν του και την δόξαν που θα το πραγματοποιούσε με την πλήρη κένωσιν του εις τον υιόν του. του εαυτού του. Είναι το μεγαλείον και η δόξα της ταυτότητος του Πατρός και του Υιού. Οι δύο είναι Ήταν επομένως η εσχάτη ταπείνωσις δι’ Αυτόν δύο, αλλά είναι και εν. Τούτον τον Πατέρα, να ταπεινώση τον Υιόν Του ενώπιον του θεάτρου όλων των εποχών και όλου του Με μια τέτοια αντίληψη και μια τέτοια κατανόηση θα κόσμου. Η απεριόριστος και ολοκληρωτική αγάπη μπορούσαμε κι εμείς να σταθούμε ενώπιον του του Πατρός προς το ανθρώπινο γένος επιβεβαιώνεται εσταυρωμένου Υιού του Ανθρώπου. Όπως Εκείνος ακριβώς με την περιφρόνησιν και ταπείνωσιν και στάθηκε ενώπιον του Πατρός, έτσι κι εμείς να δούλωσιν του Υίου Του. Λέγει πολύ αποκαλυπτικά σταθούμε απέναντί Του, μ΄ αυτήν την ταυτισμένην διά του προφήτου ο Θεός: «ιδού ο παίς μου συνείδησιν, μ΄ αυτήν την ταυτισμένην καρδίαν, αυτό συνήσει…». Δηλαδή, ο Υιός μου, που τον έκανα το ταυτισμένο θελημα. Ότι Αυτώ πρέπει πάσα δόξα, σκλάβο, Αυτός θα καταλάβη, θα αποδεχθή, θα τιμή και προσκύνησις εις τους αιώνας των αιώνων. εφαρμόση αυτό, το οποίον θέλω εγώ, ο Πατήρ. Θα ταυτίση το θέλημά του με το δικό μου. Η “σύνεσις” Για την αντιγραφή: Δημήτρης Κάγκαρης λοιπόν είναι η απάντησις του Υιού εις την αρξαμένην διά της κενώσεως αγάπην του Πατρός.

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."

2019 Updated Open Missions Teams

Albania Teaching Mexico Youth Work 7/1/2019 to 7/13/2019 Construction 3/1/2019 to 3/10/2019 Sign-up 7/18/2019 to 7/24/2019 Youth Work Jamaica Teaching 6/18/2019 to 7/1/2019 Youth Work 8/10/2019 to 8/17/2019 8/8/2019 to 8/17/2019 Sign-up Colombia – New this year Sweden – New this year Teaching Kenya Youth Work 7/1/19 to 7/13/19 Outreach 10/23/2019 to 11/4/2019 3/15/2019 to 3/26/2019 United States Ghana Construction Outreach - Appalachia Youth Work 7/15/2019 to 7/29/2019 7/30/19 to 8/13/19 Healthcare 7/6/2019 to 7/14/2019 8/5/2019 to 8/18/2019 Youth Work - Alaska Guatemala Teaching 7/22/2019 to 7/31/2019 Healthcare 8/10/2019 to 8/19/2019 Youth Work - Alaska 11/8/2019 to 11/17/2019 Youth Work 8/6/19 to 8/17/19 12/8/2019 to 12/17/2019 Indonesia Youth Work For further details Teaching 12/8/2019 to 12/17/2019 6/24/2019 to 7/6/2019 visit www.ocmc.org

THANK YOU!!

Mission Team St. Louis would like to thank everyone who donated funds towards Thomas & Elizabeth Manuel’s mission to Guatemala. St. Louis was their last stop and they left for the mission field energized. On Monday, Jan- uary 21, they arrived at San Cristobal de Las Casas in Mexico where they will receive four months of intensive Spanish language lessons while visiting several Orthodox communities. Here is part of their message posted upon their arrival:

As we begin this new chapter, please continue to pray for us especially as we orient ourselves in a new country and adapt to the way of life here. We are so grateful for all of you and our mission family. If you haven’t already done so, please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ManuelOCMC and our recently acquired Instagram page, username: manuelmissionaries. Our blog can be found at mayanorthodoxy.com, where listed are pages from other members of the mission down here and you can learn more about the field. You can also email us at [email protected]

Glory to God for all things! Gloria a Dios! In Christ, Thomas and Elizabeth Manuel

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!

Donations for Great Lent and Holy Week-2019

Five Friday evening Salutation (Xairetismi) services Flowers for Icon of the Bridegroom, Nymphios, of Palm Sunday evening 1st Friday, March 15 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 22 Vojcic in memory of their papou, Steve Evangelopoulos Flowers - Dimitrios & Bessie Theodorou Flowers for medium-sized Icon of the Resurrection Coffee hour - Sunday School Bill and Freda Simos 3rd Friday, March 29 Flowers for large-sized Icon of the Resurrection Flowers - Kosta & Chrisoula Panopoulos Anonymous in Memory of Bill Leon Coffee hour - Foster Family Rosebud vases for Palm Sunday 4th Friday, April 5 In memory of Helen & Stergios Papavramides Flowers Athanasios & Kalliope Deros Rosebud vases for Easter Sunday Coffee - Choir In Memory of their grandson Mason Dale by Donna & 5th Friday, April 12 Victor Roesch Flowers - Maria Tsaoussis Flowered Wreath of the Crucified Lord Coffee hour - Philoptochos Br. Charles S. Anthony & Mrs. Irene Anthony In loving memory of the Monk Flowers for the Epitaphios ($1,000.00 needed)

Easter Lilies or Chrysanthemums (24 needed) Candles

Priest’s Resurrection Pure Beeswax Candles In memory of Elaine Scott 7 Candles for Holy Wednesday Holy Unction 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 Oksana Basyuk 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 In memory of Elaine Scott and George & Mary Petrides In Memory of Amy Simos by Greg & Megan Simos, and Eggs for Easter Sunday Chris & Nicole Simos Anonymous in Memory of Bill Leon Easter Sunday Altar Vigil Candles Toulle for Easter eggs Mrs. Photini Vlachos Anonymous in Memory of Bill Leon Holy Wednesday Holy Unction - Olive oil, flour, cotton balls Byron & Darlene Magafas Flowers Incense Daffodils (Sunday of Holy Cross) Maria Sakellariou Mageritsa (Paschal Soup) Flowers for the Icon of the Annunciation, March 25 In memory of Mari Makridis by Michail Samaras, Lazos In memory of Evangelos & Kleanthie Theodorou & Eleftheria Makridis Palms & Daphne (Palm Sunday) Sid & Victoria Ambort Palm Sunday Luncheon, April 21 Flowers for the Mystical Supper Icon, Holy Thursday Donor Needed Donor Needed Rose petals for the Epitaphios In memory of Elaine Scott

AHEPA Scholarships The St. Louis AHEPA Scholarship Foundation is now accepting applications for 2019. Please e mail [email protected] for an application. 2018 Heritage Greece Program Preference is given to first time applicants. The Heritage Greece Program is a gift from the National DEADLINE: Hellenic Society (NHS) to enrolled college students ages All applicable material is due 18-26 of Greek or Cypriot descent. The program runs April 15 from June 7-24, 2018. Application deadline is March NO exceptions. 18th. For more information, please go to http://www.acg.edu/admissions/study-abroad/heritage- Archdiocesan Scholarships greece/apply-heritage-greece/. The George & Naouma (Gioule) Gioles Scholarship, Katina John Malta Scholarship (both for undergraduates) and Paideia -Study Abroad in Greece Paleologos Scholarship (Graduate studies) are open to "PAIDEIA" is the Greek word for one's upbringing and applications through the Department of Philanthropy of the education. We aim to provide you with lessons that will Archdiocese. be beneficial not only in your future professions, but also Please visit http://www.goarch.org, will shape you to be outstanding citizens of the world.

email [email protected], or Paideia Study Abroad Programs began in 1984 with a call 212-774-0283 course in Thessalloniki, Greece. In 1977, Paideia was for more information. incorporated in Connecticut as an educational non-profit organization open to all. “Paideia” started to address Study Abroad Program with an Interdisciplinary Friday Luncheon and Programs for Hellenic Studies. Since then, our programs have expanded to the State Universities and the National Festival Baking Center for Marine Research in Greece.

Every year after the Festival the Today, Paideia programs have expanded to include: very hard working, dedicated Academic Semester Courses in Athens, Thessaloniki, and ladies of our parish take the Rhodes. Summer Courses (with or without credit for col- summer off from baking. lege and high school students respectively) offered at different sites in Greece. Summer Learning Camps in It’s time again to prepare delicious foods and Greece, for teenagers. Educator Enrichment Courses in desserts for our Friday Luncheons and for the Greece in summer. Interships in various fields of study.

Festival. For more information

The baking has begun. You can Hellenic Studies “Paideia” find a kitchen full of our dedicated 28 Dog Lane bakers every Wednesday. There is Storrs, CT 06268 (860) 429-8518 a lot to be done and we need your [email protected] help. www.hellenicstudiespaideia.org 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.

Great Lent begins this month! As we make our way through the seven weeks toward Great and Holy Pascha, follow the list of the Sundays of Lent and their special commemorations. The second weekend has the Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas who wrote a lot about continuous prayer. One prayer that we can learn to say over and over in our minds is the Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Lord Jesus The craft below will help you learn it and remind you to keep going if you hang it in your bedroom.

Step 1: Cut out ovals with the words of the prayer of them. Step 2: Cut out slightly larg- Christ Son er ovals in a different color to put behind the word ovals. Step 3: Glue on construction paper or cardboard in a circle with the words Hope and Faith at the bottom (see of God picture). From the Crafty Contemplative: Step 4: Glue a decorative https:// cross, or draw one, on the craftycontempla- tive.com/2012/03/13/a-childs- bottom between the words lesson-on-st-gregory-palamas/ Hope and Faith. Step 5: Glue a paper icon of have mercy Christ or a saint in the center The Sundays to remind you to prayer to

God and His saints. of Holy Lent

March 17 - Sunday of Orthodoxy: Bring your favorite icon to church to hold in our procession. on March 24 - St. Gregory Palamas: Bring a prayer rope to me church to bless on the Holy icons. Practice the Jesus Prayer. March 31 - Veneration of the Holy Cross: Wear your cross to church and carry a cross in the church procession. April 7 - St. John of the Ladder: Every time you climb stairs this week, think of all the good things you can do for other people and pray for God’s help in doing them. a sinner April 14 - St. Mary of Egypt: Read about St. Mary and go to confession in preparation for Pascha. April 21 - Palm Sunday: Take home your palm cross and place it with your icons. Prepare for Pascha by giving up TV and video games during Holy Week. Try to come to some of the services during this special week. Hope April 28 - Holy Pascha: Come to church for the Greatest Faith and Holiest feast of the year!

Greek Independence Day Luncheon

Please join us Ζήτω η Εικοστή Πέμπτη Μαρτίου! Sunday, March 31, 2019 Immediately Following Divine Liturgy for a celebration and remembrance

The Program will include Songs, Poems and Plays March 25th, 1821 by our The Greeks began the revolution against the Ottoman Empire, Assumption Greek School after 400 years of occupation and oppression, in “the name of and the Holy Trinity” for the liberation of the Hellenic Nation. Guest speaker

Lenten Luncheon Menu: Adults: $15.00 Baked Fish Kid’s Plate $5.00 Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

Save the Date! Orthodox Camps

Fanari Camp Junior Olympics Location: Location: St. Iakovos Retreat Center Ss. Constantine & Hellen (Kansasville, WI) Greek Orthodox Church, Palos Hills, IL

Dates: (bus transportation provided) June 16-23 June 23–29 July 7-13 July 14-20

(Transportation will be provided from St. Louis only the Dates: Memorial Day weekend (May 24-27) week of June 16-23) Ages: Entering 6th-11th Grade Ages: 8-18 Years Old

Cost: $500 Cost: $170 for the first Child $150 for additional

Pre-Register with Fr. Anastasios by February 31 Application packet coming soon! Registration Date: March 5th 12:00PM at fanari.org

Assumption St. Louis Hellenic Camp! Church Camp July 15 -19

Dates St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church June 24 -28

Cost: $15 until June 30th ($20 after) Additional fee for aftercare

Application form coming soon!

[email protected]

Gems & Jewelry

Deal with everything with love, kindness, meekness, patience, and humility. Be Resale rocks. Let all the waves break over you and turn back leaving you untroubled. Philoptochos is collecting jewelry for a You’ll say, “That sounds fine, but is it possible?” The answer is, “Yes, always used jewelry sale. Bring your with the grace of God.” If we look at gently-used brooches, bracelets, things in human terms, of course things necklaces and other glitzy seem impossible. But instead of affecting gems to the Church office yourself adversely, all these things can be of benefit to you, increasing your so they can find a new patience and your faith. Because all the home. difficulties that surround us represent a kind of gymnastics for us. We exercise ourselves in patience and endurance. St Porphyrios

All sale profits donated to our many charities.

Save the Date Saturday, March 9, 2019

Daughters of Epirus Costumes Encouraged Annual Apokreatiko Glendi

Fun Raffle Prizes Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

1755 Des Peres Road Live Band/Music Provided by: Town & Country, MO 63131 Kostas Kastanis

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Don’t miss out on a fun tradition & family nights Tickets: $20.00 [Children under 12 $5.00] Mezethes/Appetizers/Cash Bar

All proceeds to benefit Dourahani Orphanage in Epirus, Greece

For ticket information, please contact: Mrs. Stephanie Saunders 314-456-4591 Mrs. Kathy Makos 314.685.9452

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church March 1

1755 DES PERES ROAD Roast Leg of Lamb with Greek Potatoes ...... $10 (Just north of Marcus Des Peres Cine) Baked Fish with Mixed Vegetables ...... $7 Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $7 FRIDAY LUNCHEON Gyro Sandwich ...... $5 (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with 11:00 am - 2:00 pm tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce) Kitchen Phone: 314-966-6720 Website: www.assumptiongoc.org Meatball Avgolemono Soup ...... Sm. $3 ...... Lg. $5

March 2019 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves) ...... 2 for $3 Menu subject to change Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3 Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5

Cash, Checks and Credit Cards accepted: Dessert ...... $3 Master Card, VISA, Discover, American Express Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake, Cheesecake March 8 March 15

Fish-n-Chips Platter ...... $9 Corned Beef & Cabbage Platter ...... $9 Baked Fish with Mixed Vegetables ...... $7 (Served with Red Potatoes, Carrots and Horse Radish Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $7 Sauce) Gyro Sandwich ...... $5 Baked Fish with Mixed Vegetables ...... $7 (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $7 tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce) Gyro Sandwich ...... $5

Lobster Bisque ...... Sm. $4 (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce) ...... Lg. $6

2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves) ...... 2 for $3 Fava (Split Pea) ...... Sm. $3 ...... Lg. $5 Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3 Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves) ...... 2 for $3 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5 Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3 Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3 Dessert ...... $3 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5 Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake, Cheesecake Dessert ...... $3 Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake, Cheesecake

March 22 March 29

Shrimp Saganaki over Rice ...... $9 Mediterranean Meatloaf with Homemade Mashed Potatoes Baked Fish with Macadonia Peas ...... $7 ...... $8 Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $7 Baked Fish with Broccoli with Cheese Sauce ...... $7 Gyro Sandwich...... $5 Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ...... $7 (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with Gyro Sandwich ...... $5 tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce) (seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce) Lobster Bisque ...... Sm. $4 ...... Lg. $6 Tomato Bisque ...... Sm. $3 ...... Lg. $5 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves) ...... 2 for $3 Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3 2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves) ...... 2 for $3 Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3 Spanakopita (spinach pita) ...... $3 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5 Tyropita (cheese pita) ...... $3 Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ...... $5 Dessert ...... $3 Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake, Cheesecake Dessert ...... $3 Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake, Cheesecake

Sat

40 Martyrs 40 Martyrs Martyr Great

- -

3rd Saturday of the the of 3rd Saturday

2nd Saturday of the of the 2nd Saturday

1st Saturday of the Souls Souls the of Saturday 1st

2 9 16 8:45 am Orthros am 8:45 Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Memorial and Vespers Great pm 5:00 Souls Orthros 30 am 8 and Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Memorial Vespers Great pm 5:00 Glendi Apokreatiko pm 6:00 Souls Miracle Theodore’s Orthros am 9:00 & Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Memorial Vespers Great pm 5:00

23 30

5:00 pm Great Vespers Great pm 5:00 Vespers Great pm 5:00

Times are Times

Approximate

Divine Liturgy Liturgy Divine

Fri

Fast from Meat from Fast

1 8 15 22 29

Luncheon amFriday 11:00 Luncheon amFriday 11:00 Luncheon amFriday 11:00 to 1st Salutations pm 7:00 Coffee & the Theotokos hour Hour 9th am 9:00 Presanctified am 9:30 Liturgy Luncheon amFriday 11:00 to 2nd Salutations pm 7:00 hour Coffee & the Theotokos Hour 9th am 9:00 Presanctified am 9:30 Liturgy Luncheon amFriday 11:00 to 3rd Salutations pm 7:00 hour Coffee & the Theotokos

day. day.

ery

Thu

Fast from Meat from Fast

7 14 21 28 Orthros am 9:00 Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Book amWomen’s 10:00 Study Book amWomen’s 10:00 Study Compline Great pm 6:30 Canon and Book amWomen’s 10:00 Study Book amWomen’s 10:00 Study

FastDays

are Boxed areBoxed

areShaded Days Feast

Wed

Fast from Meat from Fast

6 13 20 27

Kafenio pm 2:00 Kafenio pm 2:00 9th Hour pm 5:30 Presanctified pm 6:00 by followed Liturgy Dinner Luck Pot Lenten Kafenio pm 2:00 9th Hour pm 5:30 Presanctified pm 6:00 by followed Liturgy Dinner Luck Pot Lenten Kafenio pm 2:00 9th Hour pm 5:30 Prescantified pm 6:00 by followed Liturgy dinner Luck Pot Lenten

Spring Spring

March 2019 March

Tue

and the last day that day last and the

Fr. Luke Veronis Fr. Luke

Lent

Fast from Meat from Fast

12 26 School Greek pm 5:45 Compline Great pm 6:30 Canon and Study Bible No School Greek pm 5:45 Compline Great pm 6:30 Study Bible No

5 5 19 School Greek pm 5:45 Vespers pm 6:30 Study Bible pm 7:20 School Greek No Break Compline Great pm 6:30 Study Bible No Fare Sunday Cheese asForgiveness known Also of day final the is Sunday, pre dairy eat Christians Orthodox Pascha. Holy until products

Assumption Greek Assumption OrthodoxGreek Church

Mon

Clean Monday Great Great Monday Clean

Annunciation

Fast from Meat from Fast

4 4 11 18 25 Lent Begins Lent & Compline amGreat 10:30 Luncheon Lenten Vespers pm 2:30 Compline Great pm 6:30 Canon and Orthros am 9:00 and Liturgy amDivine 10:00 Doxology Fare Sunday Meat Holy before last day The meat. eating for Pascha abstain Christians Orthodox but still week, all meat from eggs and products dairy eat Lent. Great of the start till

See Christ in the person who is interrupting our schedule, and treat them as we as wouldwe Christ. them Jesus treat and our schedule, interrupting is person Christwho See thein

Accept interruptions as opportunities to offer God’s love with our patience, our smile, our kindness, ourpeace. our kindness, our our patience, with love to smile, God’s interruptions offer opportunities Accept as

Sun

Veneration of the Holy Holy of the Veneration

Cheese Fare Sunday Fare Cheese Palamas Gregory St.

Sunday of Orthodoxy Sunday

Let us allow ourselves to be “interrupted by God.” These are some of the most important ways that God comes to that comes important God some ev us and ways theare each of most These God.” to ourselves us by allow be “interrupted Let

Meat Fare Fare Sunday Meat

3 10 17 24 31

8:30 am Orthros am 8:30 & Liturgy Divine am 9:45 School Sunday Festival Oratorical pm 12:00 Sunday Forgiveness Orthros am 8:30 & Liturgy Divine am 9:45 School Sunday Vespers Forgiveness pm 6:30 Orthros am 8:30 Liturgy, Divine am 9:45 Procession & School Sunday Orthodox Pan pm 5:00 the atDinner & Vespers Assumption Orthros am 8:30 & Liturgy Divine am 9:45 School Sunday at St. Vespers Lenten pm 5:00 Church Orthodox Michael’s St. Louis Cross 8:30 am am Orthros 8:30 Sunday Liturgy, am Divine 9:45 Procession & School Independence Greek pm 12:00 Luncheon Day Sts. at Vespers Lenten pm 5:00 Church & Methody Cyril

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

Prayers for the Eternal Memory and Repose

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

______

Non-Orthodox Christians

______

2019