Pascha 2017

Special Issue

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Pascha 2017 Special Easter Issue

PUBLISHER PMEA Communications, LLC

FOUNDER & EDITOR Maria A. Karamitsos

LAYOUT Diane Adam

CONTRIBUTORS Diane Adam, Nicole Andersen, Maria Constantinides, Krystina Kalapothakos/Kouzounas Kitchen, Maria A. Karamitsos, Diane Kochilas, Magdaline Makris, Philip Mamalakis PhD, Roula Marinos Papamihail, Father Christos Mihalopoulos, Peter Minaki/Kalofagas, Orthodox Christian Parenting, Harry Mark Petrakis, Marissa Tejada, and Kiki Vale.

WindyCity Greek is an online publication. All material in this publication ©2017 PMEA Communications LLC. Reprints by permission only. Photo of Maria A. Karamitsos by Elios Photography. Cover images: Maria A. Karamitsos, Google Images.

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From the desk of Founder & Editor Maria A. Karamitsos

The year is passing so quickly. It’s hard to believe that we are already into Great , and Pascha is just a few weeks away. I hope that this Lenten season is a positive one for you, as you partake in the cleansing of the fast – physically, mentally, and spiritually. This is a time to reawaken our spirit, retool, and sharpen our senses. Lent provides us an opportunity to reboot, to begin anew. It’s no coincidence that this happens in the springtime, as the Earth comes alive — trees and plants awaken from their long winter slumber, flowers bloom. As we follow to the Cross and prepare for his glorious Resurrection, I pray that you will experience your own rebirth, and begin anew – stronger, energized, and positive.

Pascha 2017 is jam-packed with Lent and Pascha resources. I hope you will find them useful. Find Lenten recipes, and others to help you prepare for the Pascha celebrations. Explore Faith, traditions, reflections. Also find a Holiday Gift Guide to help you shop for your God- children, Koumbari, and host/hostess, and other special people in your life. We’re thrilled to present to you Pascha 2017, our Special Easter Issue 2017. We wish you and your family a blessed Lenten season. Καλή Ανάσταση και Καλό Πάσχα.

Still to come in 2017 Summer Reading Guide Chicago GreekFestGuide 2017 Special Christmas Issue 2017 ...and more great community resources! Watch for some exciting announcements! WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 4 F a i t h

ARCHONS OF THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE Metropolis of Chicago Defenders of the Faith

Wishing all of the faithful a Kalo Pascha as we all together continue to Defend & Protect our Holy and Great Mother Church

Metropolis of Chicago Archon Regional Commanders Gus M. Pablecas – John G. Manos Archon Ostiarios - Archon Eftaxias RELIGIOUS FREEDOM – FIVE KEY ISSUES 1. Government Interference in Patriarchal Elections 2. Non-Recognition of "Ecumenical" Status 3. No Legal Identity 4. Closing of Theological School of Halki and Inability to Train New Clergy 5. Confiscation of Property

Mr. Harold V. Anagnos, Depoutatos Mr. Michael Halikias, Exarchos Mr. John G. Pappajohn, Laosynaktis Mr. Tom Angelos, Eftaxias Mr. John A. Hilaris, Askretes Mr. Panagiotis Parthenis Sr., Referendarios Dr. Aristides P. Assimacopoulos, MD, Aktouarios Mr. Thomas N. Kanelos, Depoutatos Mr. Harold A. Peponis, Depoutatos Mr. Arthur Balourdos, Hypomnematrografos Dr. George J. Korkos, Aktouarios Mr. Harry M. Petrakis, Notarios Mr. John S. Balourdos, Depoutatos Mr. John Spiro Koudounis, Eftaxias Mr. Reince Priebus, Nomophylax Mr. Anastasios Steve Betzelos, Hartoularios Mr. John A. Koumoulides, Ph.D., Hartophylax Mr. James A. Regas, Ekdikos Mr. Dimitris Bousis, Maestor Mr. Frank L. Kuchuris, Depoutatos Mr. John H. Secaras, Depoutatos Mr. Haralambos Bozonelos, Eftaxias Mr. Arthur Labros, Nomophylax Mr. Theodore Sepsis, Ostiarios Mr. John Calamos, Sr., Eftaxias Mr. Steven M. Laduzinsky, Nomophylax Mr. Harry W. Spell, Notarios Mr. Thomas S. Cappas, Nomophylax Mr. Frank Lagouros, Ekdikos Mr. William Spell, Laosynaktis Mr. Gus A. Chafoulias, Hieromnimon Hon. Paul Lillios, Proto Ekdikos Mr. Constantine Stamis, Megas Depoutatos Mr. Anthony F. Chapekis, Dikaiophylax Mr. Demetrios G. Logothetis, Kastrinsios Mr. Michael L. Stefanos, Lambadarios Mr. Paul G. Chiligiris, Nomophylax Mr. George Sviatoslav Lychyk, Aktouarios Mr. Wesley Andrew Stinich, Referendarios Mr. John Nicholas Colis, Notarios Mr. Eleftherios Maggos, Maestor Mr. Theodore J. Theophilos, Dikaiophylax Mr. George A. Collias, Depoutatos Mr. Louis G. Malevitis, Hartophylax Dr. Gregory A. Thomas, Hartoularios Mr. Thomas N. Dallas, Hartophylax Mr. John Mangouras, Kastrinsios Mr. James G. Thomas, Depoutatos Mr. George D. Danigeles, Depoutatos Mr. John G. Manos, Eftaxias Mr. James Thomas, Hieromnimon Mr. George Demchenko, Megas Referendarios Mr. Leo J. Manta, Depoutatos Mr. Sirio Tonelli, Exarchos Mr. William P. Doucas, Notarios Mr. Mark F. Manta, Depoutatos Mr. Theodore D. Vlahos, Hartoularios Mr. George M. Dovellos, Depoutatos Mr. Steve A. Manta, Laosynaktis Mr. George P. Vourvoulias Jr., Primikirios Mr. John W. Galanis, Notarios Mr. John L. Marks, Depoutatos Mr. George Voutiritsas, Depoutatos Mr. Nicolaos Apostolos Georgiafentis, Hartoularios Mr. Anthony A. Nichols, Notarios Mr. Bill J. Vranas, Notarios Mr. Alexander A. Gianaras, Laosynaktis Dr. Harry Oryhon, DDS, Aktouarios Mr. Nickas J. Yiannias, Depoutatos Mr. George Gritsonis, Ekdikos Mr. Gus M. Pablecas, Ostiarios Mr. Constantinos Modestos Zografopoulos, Eftaxias

Know the Issues. Visit www.ARCHONS.ORG Download our new app: “ARCHONS” WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 5 F a i t h Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy and 2017

Protocol 19/17 prayers of this season to February 27, 2017 experience the power of Holy and Great Lent God’s grace. In prepara- tion for this time, we have witnessed His grace in the Your grace has shone forth, O Lord, forgiveness of the pub- it has shone forth and given light lican. We have seen the to our souls.—Hymn of Vespers – depth of His love in the Sunday of Forgiveness father’s loving embrace of the prodigal son. We have heard the words of our To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, Lord concerning the Last the Reverend Priests and Deacons, Judgement, when He will the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents come in His glory and wel- and Members of the Parish Coun- come into the kingdom His cils of the Greek Orthodox Com- servants who have shown munities, the mercy to Distinguished those in Archons of the need. Ecumenical the acceptable time; behold, now healing and restoration. They will Patriarchate, the is the season of repentance. Let us find salvation in Christ as the grace Day, Afternoon, In the days and cast off the works of darkness and of God works in and through us to and Church weeks that will put on the armor of light….” show all His redeeming love. Schools, the come, our wor- Philoptochos ship and prayers Sisterhoods, will have a som- the Youth, the ber and reflective Our true repentance will be May the blessings of God’s grace Hellenic Orga- tone. We will be blessed with God’s forgiveness in be with you during this holy season nizations, and called to examine grace. Our return to Him in hope as we gather in His presence. As the entire Greek our lives, to purify will be met with His compassionate His great love embraces you, may Orthodox Fam- ourselves through embrace. Our service in His name your hope and faith be strengthened ily in America fasting, and to fol- will lead us to our spiritual inheri- for the journey to Cross and to the low the way of the tance of life in His glorious pres- light and life we have in the Risen Cross. We will be ence. At the beginning of Lent, we Christ. can affirm that our path to abundant Beloved Broth- asked to consider joy and celebration will be illumi- ers and Sisters the condition of nated by the light of His grace. in Christ, our souls and af- With paternal love in Him, firm our need for Greek Orthodox Archdiocese God and His great of America mercy. As we With this light that shines in our As we begin this † DEMETRIOS hear on the eve of hearts we will also offer a witness sacred journey Great Lent, and we through our observance of Lent through Holy will experience in this journey, our and through our lives. As we know and Great Lent, through a time of Archbishop of America needs will be met by His abundant and experience God’s grace, others earnest prayer and sincere reflec- grace: “Your grace has shone forth, will see His offering of forgive- tion, we are guided by the presence O Lord, it has shone forth and given ness. They will see the power of of our Lord and the hymns and light to our souls. Behold, now is grace to transform life and bring WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 6 F a i t h Understanding the Services of Great and Holy Lent

the clergy change the altar sets and This liturgy is beautiful the canon of the Holy Theotokos cloths and their own vestments yet more solemn compared to the to be chanted. Once the hymn of from gold to purple or black to regular divine liturgies we celebrate “Th Upermacw” is chanted, the By: Father Christos symbolize the solemn dignity of the throughout the year. Composed clergy, in front of the icon of the Mihalopoulos great period of Lent. We then read by Saint Gregory the Rome in the Holy Theotokos, begin to chant one the prayer of Saint Ephraim the 6th century, it allows the faithful to of the stanzas of the Akathist Hymn We as Orthodox have Syrian for the first time as well. come receive spiritual and physical – they’re separated in the first four entered the wonderful period of the nourishment during Great Lent by Fridays. On the fifth Friday, we Church calendar known as “The “O Lord and Master of my life, take receiving the body and blood of our chant the entire Akathist Hymn Great and Holy Lent”. This period from me the spirit of sloth, despair, Lord for the forgiveness of sins and separated throughout the Salutation of the year allows us, the faithful, lust of power, and idle talk. But give life eternal. Service. This a unique service only to replenish and strength our rela- rather the spirit of chastity, humil- chanted during Great Lent because tionship with God through prayer, ity, patience, and love to Thy ser- The Presanctified liturgy is dif- it is another opportunity offered fasting and worship. We began with vant. Yea, O Lord and King, grant ferent than the others by Saint by the Church to give us spiritual the Triodion period which slowly me to see my own transgressions, the Great and Saint John Chryso- nourishment to persevere during welcomed us into Great and Holy and not to judge my brother, for stom because the amno- -- the the tough days of Great Lent and Lent with themes of repentance, blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. lamb -- is sanctified at the liturgies to look to the Holy Theotokos as a forgiveness, humility, judgement, Amen.” celebrated on Saturday or Sunday. support, guide, and protectress for and selflessness. There, the priest cuts an extra amno not only us, but for the world. Clean Monday and places it on the patten. When During Holy Lent, there are The next day is “Kathara Deftera” the time comes for the amno to be Sundays of Great Lent beautiful services and feasts that -- Clean Monday--. We begin our sanctified by the Holy Spirit, the The Sundays of Great Lent are we solemnly celebrate. We should strict fasting of foods but more im- priest blesses all the pieces placed filled with great symbolism. The all know about the “importance” of portantly, our fasting from sin. on the patten thus making it sanc- first Sunday is the Sunday of Or- church attendance on The services during Great Lent tified. Before the priest receives thodoxy. We celebrate the triumph and Holy Pascha as our pappous are different and unique compared Holy Communion, he will take the of the restoration of the icons in and yiayias have taught us, but we to the regular services prescribed sanctified amno prescribed for the Byzantium and we bring our icons also need to realize the beauty that throughout the year. Presanctified Liturgies and place on to church to hold joyfully because is Lent so that we can be “humbly a 2nd patten and take it to the Pros- we are also celebrating the triumph excited” to witness our Lord’s glori- Great Compline komidi -- table of preparation. It’s of the faith as well. The second ous resurrection. Let’s take a look We chant the Great Compline ser- kept there until the Presanctified lit- Sunday of is prescribed to celebrate at some of the services of Great and vice in the evenings after our meals. urgies done during the week. Once Saint Gregory Palamas and his Holy Lent. We chant the entire canon of Saint the day has come for the Presancti- important teachings about the faith. Andrew of , which is consis- fied liturgy, we witness the unique- The third Sunday is the Sunday of Forgiveness Vespers tently filled with feelings on repen- ness of this liturgy because it is the Cross. We carry a tray filled We begin Great Lent with the tance, sorrow, and despair because filled with Psalms, Lenten hymns, with daffodils and a cross to be Solemn Forgiveness Vespers on of our sinful state and how far away and solemn melodic hymns that are processed throughout the church to Cheesefare Sunday. This service be- we have strayed from our Lord’s not as joyful as the regular liturgies give us strength so that we too can gins our trip in which we leave the love and embrace. served during the year. deny ourselves, follow Christ, and joyousness of the Resurrection of pick up our own cross. Saint John our Lord -- being that it is Sunday Presanctified Gifts Akathyst Hymn the Ladder is commemorated on the and that is the Lord’s day and the On Wednesdays and Fridays dur- Another service we chant is the fourth Sunday. We remember his day we celebrate his Resurrection -- ing Great Lent as well as Great Salutation service-- Akathist Hymn beautiful writing about ascetics and and we enter in the evening service Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday -- to the Holy Theotokos. This is the struggles of the flesh and spirit. known as Vespers. After we chant we participate in the liturgy of the chanted on the first five Fridays of “Fos Ilaron” the mood becomes Presanctified Gifts. This is chanted Great Lent. In the Compline Ser- more solemn and prayerful. At the together with the Vespers service. vice, the Church Father’s added Continued on next page chanting of the Great Prokeimon, WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 7 F a i t h

Finally, we remember on the tion of Our Lord for 40 days until Father Christos Mihalopoulos serves the parish of St. fifth Sunday of Lent our mother the leave-taking of Pascha. Then Demetrios in Chicago. He graduated in May of 2013 with a among the saints, Saint Mary of we celebrate the Holy Ascension Masters of Divinity from Holy Cross School of Theology in Egypt, whose life can be directly of our Lord in which our Lord left Brookline, MA. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a double related to each and everyone one this physical world to enter into the major in history and psychology. of us -- filled with sin and turmoil. kingdom of heaven. This was done However, when she accepted and to fulfill what he promised when Father Christos served as a pastoral assistant for the parish understood her faults of sin, she said he would send down his Holy of Saint Nectarios in Palatine, IL. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on opened her spiritual heart and fled Spirit to be with us on the great day March 16, 2014 by His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos at the parish of Saint Spyridon in Palos Heights. IL. He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on to the desert to pray unceasingly so of Holy which is celebrat- September 28, 2014 by His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago. He and that our Lord could be ever merciful ed 50 days after Pascha. That is the his wife, Presvytera Toni, have a son, Luke. to her. Then, we enter day we kneel during the “Kneeling and conclude with the celebration Vespers” so that our Lord can send of our Lord’s glorious resurrection. down his Holy Spirit upon us and the world to continue to live in ac- Anastasi and beyond cordance to his will and love. Finally, we celebrate the Resurrec- WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 8 F a i t h Making Lent Great For Your Family

By: Philip Mamalakis, PhD riencing God fully. This connec- personal thing. Each family will schedule will be. Families do this tion between how we eat and how do it differently. In consultation all the time at the beginning of the Our neighbors returned from a we sin is what the Fathers of the with your Priest or Spiritual Fa- soccer, football, or basketball sea- weekend away at a resort with their Church are clear on. This connec- ther, consider following the fasting son. Families look ahead to commit two teenagers. They described to tion is also something that is lost in guidelines of the Church. Consider their evenings and weekends to the us the wonderful food buffet at the contemporary society. In America what you did last year, and take a sport schedule. The coach demands resort. The brunch buffet, they today, we don’t hear a lot about step further this year. For some, it and families do this. We do this reported, had everything, the meats, how fasting can help a marriage this might mean fasting from meat for earthly rewards: a champion- the scrambled bar, tremendous stay together or how a family can and dairy the first and last weeks of ship team or to help our kids de- fruit spreads, all the and learn to love God through fast- Lent. For others, it is time to fast velop their sports skills. Planning in toppings you could think of, ten advance that you will go to every different types of dishes, salmon, Wednesday night Pre-Sanctified croissants, you name it, they had it. service, or Friday night Salutations They couldn’t hold back their dis- service, or Saturday night Vespers may as they told us how their two Now what should we do if is a commitment towards heav- boys came back from the buffet our kids don’t want to go? Or enly rewards of peace and heal- with a bowl of Captain Crunch ce- ing. Planning ahead what services real! “They can have that at home maybe we have mixed feelings you will commit to is a way of set- any time,” they exclaimed. They ting your family’s Lenten journey could have anything they wanted, a about going. Attending the within the life of the parish; right feast fit for a king, and they passed where it belongs. it all up for a bowl of cold cereal. services requires a commitment Now what should we do if our Lent is a time that we are of our time that will pay off in kids don’t want to go? Or maybe invited to change our lifestyle in we have mixed feelings about preparation for Easter. Like any- transforming our hearts and lives going. Attending the services thing else in life, the more we towards receiving God’s Grace. requires a commitment of our time understand what is happening, the that will pay off in transforming more we indulge in the banquet, our hearts and lives towards re- the more we will experience God’s ceiving God’s Grace. God’s Grace healing presence in our lives. I heals the ills of our souls, but won’t be able to highlight all of the services don’t have to be boring. delicacies that are laid out before ing. As a therapist, I see marriages from dairy products during every Spend time as a family to make it us during this Lenten season, so I fail because people cannot control week of Lent, or on Wednesdays meaningful. Learn about the ser- will highlight three of the dishes how they act towards each other. and Fridays. Learning to partake vice. Ask your Priest to teach what that families can partake in as a Essentially the more we indulge of fasting from the buffet of the is happening to you and why. Par- way of connecting to the banquet ourselves in whatever we want, Church during Lent means letting ticipate in the services by learning ourselves and teaching our children the more we become enslaved go of control of our diet and giving the hymns and prayers. Suggest to partake. Notice the first connec- to our desires, rather than free to this to God. Fasting is not just about coordinating a potluck or discus- tion, though. The most effective love. Fasting is not magic, but food, but also about healing our sion group at Church after service way to teach our children the joy of when we feast at the banquet of our souls. It is a challenge for us today, for families. This could mean the liturgical life of the Church is to souls through fasting we see God but like any sacrifices we make in coordinating activities for kids and embrace it in our own lives. transforming our worldly desires faith, God’s blessings that come discussions for adults. Do a family towards His Kingdom. Opening up from it are uncountable. activity following the service that Make a commitment on how you our marriages and families to fast- everyone will enjoy, like a fam- will fast during Lent ing opens up our hearts to be filled Make a commitment to a family ily night at home. Like many good As Orthodox, we fast from food with the Grace of God and be truly church schedule during Lent things in life, until we learn to love to be able to fast from sin. And it free. Before Lent starts, decide as a is our sin that keeps us from expe- Fasting rules for families is a family what your church service Continued on next page WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 9 F a i t h the medicine of worship in our blessed to the ages of ages. Amen Dr. Philip Mamalakis, with his wife Georgia and seven lives, a teaspoon of sugar helps it go (prostration) children, live in Boston, MA where he is the Assistant down. There are few things as bor- Professor of Pastoral Care at Holy Cross Greek Ortho- ing as an Orthodox Church service After each verse, do a full pros- dox School of Theology. Dr. Mamalakis directs the field that you are not connected with and tration, or bow, in front of the icon education program and teaches classes on pastoral care, there is nothing more transforming marriage and family, grief, death and dying, and topics of Christ. This is the same prostra- related to pastoral counseling. He has a private practice than living a life of worship. tion the Priest does at the beginning in Newton, MA where he works with individuals, couples, of services. Nothing shifts a family and families. Dr. Mamalakis has an M.Div. from Holy Cross and a Ph.D. from Make a commitment to family prayer time like doing prostrations Purdue University in child development and family studies, specializing in mar- prayer at home during Lent together. Christ is present as we riage and family therapy. He has just released his first Orthodox parenting book, Parenting Toward the Kingdom Kids are more likely to feel at home (Ancient Faith Press); and co-authored, with Fr. gather, and through the icons. Bow- Charles Joanides, The Journey of Marriage, a program for couples preparing for at church if their home feels more ing down to Him makes it real and marriage. His areas of interest include forgiveness, marriage, family life, parent- like a church. While I am not sug- requires a step in faith. Paradoxi- ing, and religion and psychology and regularly offers seminars, retreats, and gesting that we walk slowly and cally, it strengthens our faith, which lectures. use quiet voices at home, Lent is a is what we need as we try to turn great time to build your family icon our lives towards Him. corner, or come together before your icon corner in prayer. Mom So the Lenten buffet is laid and dad must be taking things seri- out before us to nourish our souls ously if they are lighting a candle and prepare us to receive Christ at before the icons and bowing their Easter. We can partake of fasting, heads in prayer. If we are singing church services, and prayer in the Church hymns at home, our kids home. I have not mentioned many will feel a familiarity when the of the other ‘dishes’ available like hymns are sung at Church. Lent is confession, forgiveness, almsgiv- a time to consider coming together ing, reading the scriptures, pilgrim- as a family before the icons instead ages, reading the lives of the Saints, of before the television. If you don’t or memorizing scripture or prayers. think you know how to do this, talk The banquet is set for us to partake to your Priest about how to start as much as we desire. to pray or find people to teach you about this. The goal or purpose of Lent is not to fast or pray. The goal of Consider specifically incorpo- Lent is to experience God directly. rating the Lenten Prayer of Saint Helping our kids ‘get more out of Ephraim as a family. Each evening, Church’ means helping them expe- following dinner, or before bedtime rience God directly. Lent is a time when everyone is together, gather at for families to reorient themselves Christ the family icon corner and say the towards God, but it takes a com- prayer all together. mitment to open our families to the life in Christ and open our homes is risen! to God’s saving Grace. The feast O Lord and Master of my life, give is there for us to partake of, but we me not the spirit of sloth, faintheart- can also walk right by, grabbing PREVENTING SUBSTANCE USE/ABUSE AMONG edness, lust for power, or idle talk. a bowl of cold cereal. Remember, ORTHODOX YOUTH IN METROPOLITAN CHICAGO (prostration) though, that after a bowl of cereal But grant me, your servant, the spirit you will be hungry again in an www.occhychicago.org of moderation, humility, patience, hour. But God promises those who (708) 298-9770 and love. (prostration) partake, that “Blessed are those who Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to hunger and thirst after righteous- see my own faults and not to judge ness, for they shall be filled.” my brothers and sisters. For you are WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 10 F a i t h

A Calendar for Great Lent By:A Orthodox Calendar Christian for Great Parenting Lent By: Orthodox Christian Parenting Here’s a great resource for Lent! Here’s a great resource for Lent! This calendar takes a different Lenten theme for each week of Great Lent and offers daily suggestions of ways for families to learn more about that theme.This calendar Since Lent takes is alreadya different in Lentenprogress, theme let’s for start each where week weof Great are currently. Lent and offers You can daily access suggestions the complete of ways forLenten families guide to learnhere .more This isabout will thatbe a theme. great family LentenSince activity! Lent is already in progress, let’s start where we are currently. You can access the complete Lenten guide here. This is will be a great family Lenten activity!

Great Lent Activity Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday of St. Gregory Study together the life St. Gregory was young, St. Gregory was young, We are supposed to St. Gregory of It was said that St. of Palamas of St. Gregory of wealthy, and smart. But wealthy, and smart. But pray more during Lent. Palamas spent most Gregory of Palamas’s St. Gregory of Palamas Palamas. See instead of taking a instead of taking a good- To help you do so, of the week in love and respect for is celebrated today http://www.antiochian. good-paying job he paying job he sought make a prayer rope: prayer. Talk together people made even his because he “upheld org/gregory-palamas. sought after “that good after “that good part, see: as a family about captors admire him. the Orthodox doctrine St. Gregory loved God part, which will not be which will not be taken https://www.youtube.c ways to pray more Can that be said of that humans can know even when he was taken away” (Luke away” (Luke 10:42). om/watch?v=3lTwPCgw often, beginning us? What kind of God not only through young. His parents 10:42). What are the What are the “good j4c, or a pictorial during this Lenten “trail” do we leave the intellect but also passed “the pearl of “good parts” that we parts” that we should tutorial at season. Add a family behind? Illustrate this through experience of great price” (the Faith) should spend our lives spend our lives doing, https://itsknotart.files. prayer time in the with a tray of flour: His uncreated to him. Talk about the doing, especially during especially during Great wordpress.com/2010/0 morning or evening if “walk” a rock, a energies. “ value of serving God all Great Lent? Glue a Lent? Glue a magnet to 9/the-orthodox-prayer- you do not already plastic animal (with a http://www.antiochia of your life, not just magnet to the back of the back of your oyster, rope-new.pdf. Or make have one. Think of tail), and a small doll n.org/stgregorypalama during Lent. Make a an your oyster, and use and use the “oyster a simplified one with “prayer reminders” through the flour. ssunday. Talk about “oyster” with a “pearl”: the “oyster magnet” to magnet” to hold a list of kids: string 32 pony (for example, say a Look at the trails. Talk times when you have http://familycrafts.abo hold a list of “good “good parts” to the beads and one cross prayer every time about how experienced God. ut.com/od/eggcartoncr parts” to the fridge. fridge. bead on an elastic you hear an everywhere we go, afts/ss/eggcartoyster.ht thread. Tie the ends ambulance pass by) we leave an impact m#step-heading into a bracelet for that will help you on others by how prayer. stop and pray more well we love them. often

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday of the Holy Become more aware of Work together to The Cross reminds us This Sunday’s Gospel Remind yourselves to Create some cross- Cross the Cross’s presence in “uphold the Cross” in of Christ’s willingness reading was about take up your cross and themed art to either Before leaving for your life. Go on a cross your home. Select one to sacrifice His very taking up our cross and follow Christ by put up in your home as Liturgy today, hunt in your home! Talk of your family’s crosses life for us. Talk about following Christ. (Mark making small crosses a reminder, or to give practice singing the about the Holy Cross (or purchase one at a fasting with your 8:34-9:1) Listen to the to carry with you. See as Pascha gifts. apolytikion, “Oh and why it is so craft store if you don’t family: what are you Gospel story at http://www.catholicici https://orthodoxchurch Lord, save Thy important to Christians. have one yet) to use as “sacrificing” or giving http://audio.ancientfait ng.com/how-to-bead- schoolteachers.wordpr people and bless Ask your children how a focal point of a up during Lent? How h.com/letusattend/201 a-cross-fun-christian- ess.com/ offers cross thine inheritance, we venerate the cross. display. Find a way to is it helping you or 5-03-15-Mk08-Younger- craft/ to make a art tutorials in a variety granting to Thy Then go from room to make a centerpiece in others? Is there B.mp3, or read it here simple beaded cross of mediums. (See posts people victory over room, looking for your prayer corner or anything you can do http://www.antiochian. that can become a in December of 2014 all their enemies; crosses and venerating on the dining room to become even org/sites/default/files/2 necklace charm, a through February of and by the power of them. table that holds up the more like Christ in 015-03-15-b.pdf. keychain, or a zipper 2015.) Thy Cross, cross for all to see. the time remaining in Answer the questions pull. Let this cross preserving Thy Great Lent? together. remind you to follow kingdom!” Christ!

For March 25: Annunciation of the Theotokos Look together at the icon for this special feast day! Look especially at these details, so you can all better appreciate the icon: http://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/annunciation/index_html

WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 11 F a i t h

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday of St. John of Use a ladder or stairs to “Do not be surprised Step 25 of the “Ladder of Step 14 of the “Ladder Step 16 of the ladder Step 11 of the “Ladder of Climacus talk together about that you fall every day; Divine Ascent” is the of Divine Ascent” is “on love of money, Divine Ascent” is the Study the life of St. climbing towards God. do not give up, but step that causes us to focuses on our stomach or avarice.” Work on step that causes us to John of Climacus with Study St. John of stand your ground think about humility. The and our appetites. Ask climbing this step consider how much we your children. (You can Climacus’ steps on the courageously.... step calls humility “most your family: “How are during Great Lent by talk vs. silence. Set aside find a simple version “Ladder of Divine assuredly, the angel sublime” and “destroyer we doing with fasting?” looking for time as a family to be at Ascent” (see who guards you will of passions.” Talk Remember this rung as opportunities to help silent. It may only be a http://www.holyspiriti http://www.antiochian. honour your patience.” together about humility you eat less and eat those less fortunate few minutes, or longer, nteractive.net/kids/sai org/node/17474). — St. John of Climacus and its power against the things you may not in your depending how old your nts/0330.asp.) Select a few of his steps passions. Encourage prefer. If you’re neighborhood. Put children are, but spend to work on together as Talk about how each member of the struggling in this area, together a few time in silence. (Consider a family. Write these Olympic champions family to draw their own it’s okay! Don’t give up “Blessing Bags” providing art or writing steps on masking tape, don’t just quit when version of humility, if you’ve fallen - get up (basic necessities materials for anyone and stick the tape to they fall down. (See perhaps as a superhero again and keep trying! packed in a plastic who wishes to respond the ladder rungs (or https://www.youtube.c destroying the passions bag to have available artistically to that steps). Place the ladder om/watch?v=lnkNijN38 in his/her own life. Place for when you silence.) After the silent where you will see it iY!) Hang a copy of the your drawings where encounter a needy period, talk together and be reminded to Olympic flag on your you can see them and be person: see about the experience. “keep climbing!’ fridge to remind your reminded of the power http://www.thriftyno What did you like about family to get back up of humility in helping to rthwestmom.com/bl it? What is good about again when you “fall off conquer our enemies, essing-bags- silence? the ladder.” the passions. assemble-bags-keep- hand-need/) and look for opportunities to share them with those in need.

Sunday of St. Mary of Talk together about St. Mary of Egypt was St. Mary of Egypt God always sends us St. Mary of Egypt Egypt desert life. Is it easy to repenting of her sins confessed her sins to help when we need it! turned her life around, Divide your family into Study the life of St. live in the desert? during her time in the Christ in the presence of Father Zosimas did not with God’s help. We two teams and have a Mary today. Here is a Would it be fun to live desert. What does it the Elder Zosimas. We know how he would need to turn our lives Lazarus-Wrapping-and- version that is alone? St. Mary of mean to repent? also need to confess our bury St. Mary’s body in around, too, and with Unwrapping Race as appropriate to read to Egypt lived in the Illustrate repentance sins! Prepare for the desert, but God repentance and described on p. 9 of children. It also desert alone, for most with a glass and some confession together, and helped him! What kind confession, God helps http://www.phyllisones includes many icons of of her life. Depending water. Pour some of then partake of the of helper did God send? us to do just that. Take t.com/ different parts of her on the age of your the “good things God sacrament of confession. one more look at her story. children, have them has for us” (water) on Forgiven is a great way We will not always life and how she http://frederica.com/ draw a picture or list the upside down glass. to approach Holy Week! expect God to act in the cooperated with God writings/st-mary-of- what must have been It will not hold any of it! ways that He does. But to change it in this egypt-for-all-ages.html hard for her while living Talk about how we miss we can be sure that He discussion/activity in the desert. Draw or out when we are not is at work in our lives! about “metanoia” write with crayon on following God: like the Make pompom lion (repentance): fine sandpaper. upside down cup, we heads http://orthodoxeducat miss the good things He (http://www.thestar.co ion.blogspot.com/201 has for us. Then turn m.my/story/?file=/2012 4/04/st-mary-egypt- the cup right side up: /12/5/lifeliving/123845 turn-life-around.html

repentance is a 14) to keep in your complete change of pocket to remind you of direction in life! Pour this. the water and fill up the “repentant” cup!

WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 12 F a i t h

Holy Week Activity Calendar

Palm Sunday Holy Thursday Holy Friday Before Liturgy Revisit the parable of the Compare the Prepare for the Holy Discuss the 12 Gospels What does it mean to In this morning’s today, talk about ten virgins in this way: kindness of the Unction service by service before attending lament? Talk about service, you will hear what you will say Give a flashlight (some harlot who anointed talking about it and participating in it. that word with your the story of Jonah. and hear during the with good batteries, and Christ’s feet with the together as a family. Encourage your children children, and why we Read it together as a service. Talk about some with dead/no sweet smelling Why do we have this to pay close attention to call tonight’s service family. Act out this the words/phrases batteries) to each family ointment to the service? How can it each Gospel reading. the “Lamentations story with a toy person and what they member and tell them greed of Judas who help us to be better Since the readings are Service.” Practice and a grocery bag “big mean. (For example, that when you return, you wanted the money Christians? To help from all four Gospels, singing a verse of each fish.” How does Jonah’s “Hosanna” and will all go into the dark for the ointment young children pay each tells a different part stasis before the story compare to Jesus? “Blessed is He that basement to find a hidden instead of using it for attention during the of the story. “Mark” the service, so you can all What did Jonah do in cometh in the name treat. Go and hide a Christ. Talk together: service, make a page number of the Gospel sing together when his three days in the big of the Lord.”) special treat in your Which one of these containing 7 “candles” reading by tying a knot in that part of the service fish? What did Christ do Prepare for Holy basement and turn out people really loved and 7 “flames” for a narrow ribbon after arrives. during His three days in Week by reading the lights there. Return to Christ more than each child (or print the each reading. Or, make a the tomb? these printable the family and go into the anything? Which one top half of this page half-sheet sized Warn your children guides that explain basement to hunt. Those was thinking only of for each child: sketchbook for each child that this service *Note: today would be in simple terms without batteries who did themselves? Who (http://cdn.sheknows. by folding 3 sheets of contains “spoiler a great day to nap in what happens at not notice ahead of time should we should try com/printables/print/ paper in half and stapling alerts:” We are so preparation for the each service this will miss out as they look to be more like, and candles_coloring_2.gif them together into a excited about Christ’s Paschal service! If it will week: for batteries. Talk about why? As a family, ). During the Holy book. There is one page resurrection that we help your child nap, http://dce.oca.org/a the parable, how this practice showing Unction service, have for every Gospel reading, begin to talk about it build a “big fish” or ssets/files/resources relates, and why we need love for each other the child draw a wick so your child can draw or even while lamenting “tomb” tent over /125.pdf to prepare our hearts for by giving each other for each Epistle write something from that his death! Count the his/her bed. He or she Christ. foot massages with reading, color a candle reading on the page. spoilers in tonight’s can rest in there today! lotion or oil. for each Gospel service. reading, and color a flame for each prayer for healing.

Great and Holy Pascha!!! “Christ is Risen! Indeed He is risen!” Learn how to say this greeting in a language other than your own, and joyfully proclaim the Resurrection!

© Antiochian Orthodox Department of Christian Education. Used by permission.

Orthodox Christian Parenting is a blog offering encouragement and ideas for Orthodox Christians raising children in The Faith. It’s presented by the Antiochian Orthodox Department of Christian Education. https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com.

WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 13 F a i t h

ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! CHRIST IS RISEN!

It’s our 50th anniversary! Join our celebration!

50th Anniversary GRAND BANQUET October 8, 2017 Cotillion Banquets  Palatine, IL

Divine Protection Pilgrimage to Constantinople & the Holy Lands November 27-December 8

www.saintdemetrioselmhurst.org WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 14 F a i t h Why Do We Usually Celebrate Pascha on a Different Day?

By: Maria A. Karamitsos on different dates? Well, each tradition makes the calculation of this point in time differently – they One Bright Monday, when I was in 4th or 5th use different reference points to predict the full grade, I packed my lunch for school, and ex- moon, which results in a different date. citedly added a shiny red , leftover from our splendid celebration the day before. A renewed interest in having all Christian At lunchtime, I sat at my table, and revealed the faiths celebrate on the same day began in 1997. day’s menu. The entire table stopped to look at According to the article, “U.S. Orthodox-Luther- my food, and gasped. an Dialogue Backs Common Date For Easter “, The U.S. Orthodox-Lutheran Dialogue endorsed “Eeeeeeeeeeeeew! Is that an Easter egg?” the an international call for a year of study. The kids squealed. article explained that The Dialogue, established different, today, we are able to celebrate ethnic by the Standing Conference of Canonical Or- “Yes,” I said. “Isn’t it beautiful? We color all and religious traditions with little opposition. I’d thodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) and the red.” never really thought about the difference until the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America that day. (ELCA), studied Toward a Common Date for “Don’t eat it! It’s spoiled!” One girl warned. Easter. The document is also known as the Eastern and Western Christians typically cel- Aleppo Statement because it is the result of a “We just made them on Thursday. Easter was ebrate Easter on a different day, though it does consultation held in Aleppo, Syria, in March yesterday, you know,” I responded. coincide every few years. Have you ever won- 1997 by the Middle East Council of Churches dered why? Perhaps you’ve heard it has to do and the World Council of Churches. Another girl chimed in. “What?! Are you with a different calendar. Or that it can’t happen crazy? Easter was like a month and a half ago. until after the Passover. And what does the moon What are you talking about?” have to do with all of this? Let’s delve into this The Orthodox-Lutheran Ecumenical Dia- “hot topic”. logue in the U.S.A. endorsed the statement’s “I’m Greek,” I responded. “We celebrated call to study during the period leading to Easter/ Easter yesterday.” Historically speaking Pascha 2001. But here we are, still discussing The dating of Easter has been a long-debated why there is a difference. It sounds easy, but Yet another voice popped up from the gal- issue. In the first centuries of the Church, Chris- when you consider centuries of history, tradition, lery. “Well how in the world could you do that? tians celebrated the Resurrection of Christ on and precedence this issue becomes increasingly We celebrated Easter a long time ago. Do you different days. Some celebrated on a fixed date, complex. guys just make up your own rules?” others on a Sunday because the Gospel says the tomb was found empty on the “first day of the Julian vs. Gregorian I didn’t know what to say. I uttered some- week.” This was such a great debate, that the thing like, “Well, every religion has its own issue was a main agenda item of the First Ecu- In his article, Father Anton explained that the rules, you know. And a different way to cel- menical Council in 325, in Nicaea. The Council Orthodox Church bases its calculations for the ebrate. Do you want to hear about it?” ultimately provided a common Easter date for date of Pascha on the Julian Calendar (created all, nevertheless, the debate continues. by Julius Caesar) – the calendar used at the time The first girl retorted, “Only if you don’t eat At Nicaea, it was determined that we would of the First Ecumenical Council. However, this that egg. You’re creeping me out! Easter was six commemorate Jesus’ Resurrection on the Sunday calendar isn’t actually accurate – it doesn’t take weeks ago!” following the first full moon of the vernal equi- into account the number of days that have pro- nox. This is when the Earth’s northern hemi- gressively accrued over time. Maybe you’ve experienced something like sphere will enter spring. Reverend Dr. Anton that. Kids – and some adults – don’t understand C. Vrame explained in his article, “The Date of why different faiths practice in different ways. Pascha”, that if that first full moon happens to be While in those days, there wasn’t much tolerance on a Sunday, then Easter is observed the follow- Continued on next page for people being ethnically or even religiously ing Sunday. So then why are the celebrations still WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 15

“Practically speaking, this means that Easter Passover and historical marking Will we ever celebrate together? may not be celebrated before April 3 (Gregorian Calendar), which had been March 21 – the date Another difference in the dating of Pascha has to The dating of Pascha remains part of the dia- of the vernal equinox —at the time of the Nicaen do with the Jewish Passover. Historically speak- logue on Christian unity. Will we ever be able Council,” added Father Anton. ing, Easter follows the Passover. Note, Jews to celebrate together? God only knows, and He originally celebrated Passover on the first full has a plan. For now, we’ll just have to trust in moon following the vernal equinox. Therefore, that plan. There’s some interesting reading on Christians observed Pascha the following Sun- the website of the World Council of Churches, In the article, “The Difference Between day. Father Anton explained in his article that a “fellowship of churches seeking unity, a com- Julian and Gregorian Calendars,” we’re told the in the aftermath of the Jews leaving Jerusalem, mon witness and Christian service”. For now, we difference really has to do with the length of the Passover was occasionally celebrated BEFORE can only pray for the best way to move forward. year and leap years. It explained that the Julian the vernal equinox. This was due to the Jews’ re- Calendar assumes a full year is 365.25 days – liance on local pagan calendars. As a result, most it’s actually 11 minutes less. The article also Christians stopped setting the date for Pascha Two celebrations revealed that countries slowly switched over to based solely on Passover. this “new” calendar. made the change in Because many families today are comprised of 1922. Instead, Christians developed a method people of different faiths, they, in effect, cel- calculating “Paschal Cycles”. Now here’s where ebrate twice. You’ve heard of “American Easter” this gets tricky – the Orthodox Church adopted and “Greek Easter”? Misnomers for sure. Life is Essentially, the difference is in the reference a 19-year cycle, while Western Christians de- short, so celebrating this most important holiday points – how the calendar predicts the full moon. vised an 84-year cycle. Stay with me here. The twice, bringing families together for celebrations Right now the Julian Calendar incorrectly pre- difference in these Paschal Cycles is the reason steeped in tradition, can’t be a bad thing. Con- dicts the full moon by 13 days, and will continue why we observe Pascha on two different dates. sult with your spiritual father or parish priest for to miscalculate in the future. Further, Father Apparently, varying dates for the determination guidance. Anton said that the West addressed this differ- of the vernal equinox heightened the difference. ence in a 16th century meeting, which led to their This year, the cycles coincide, and all Christians Happy Easter! Kalo Pascha! Special thank you adoption of the Gregorian Calendar in 1582. will celebrate Easter on April 16. to Rev. Dr. Anton C. Vrame, Director of Reli- gious Education for the Greek Orthodox Arch- diocese of America—a Chicago Greek!—for assistance with this article. This explains why some jurisdictions, like Serbian, celebrate Christmas 13 days later than we do. Note, some think Christians celebrate to- Maria A. Karamitsos is the Founder & Editor of WindyCity Greek. For 10 years, she gether on leap years. This is not true, as this year served as the Associate Editor and Senior Writer for The Greek Star newspaper. Her isn’t a not leap year, yet this year all Christians work has been published in GreekCircle magazine, The National Herald, GreekReporter, will celebrate on the same day. HarlotsSauce Radio, Women.Who.Write, and more. Maria has contributed to three books: Greektown Chicago: Its History, Its Recipes; The Chicago Area Ethnic Hand- An article at Timeanddate.com tells us that book, and the inaugural Voices of Hellenism Literary Journal. the Julian Calendar produced a leap year every four years, which was believed to be too many. The Gregorian Calendar introduced a more accu- rate rule for calculating leap years, and a method to get the calendars in sync.

Most Orthodox jurisdictions still follow the Julian Calendar. Are you really confused yet? WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 16 F a i t h

“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25)

CHRISTOS ANESTI!

Advancing Orthodoxy and Hellenism in America

George S. Tsandikos, Chairman Argyris Vassiliou, Vice Chairman Kassandra L. Romas, Secretary Thomas G. Jordan, Treasurer Paulette Poulos, Executive Director

FOUNDERS CHAIRMEN EMERITI Arthur C. Anton Andrew A. Athens† Andrew A. Athens† George K. Chimples† Thomas A. Athens† George P. Kokalis† George K. Chimples† Arthur C. Anton Peter M. Dion John A. Payiavlas Michael Jaharis † George D. Behrakis George P. Kokalis† Stephen G. Yeonas Constantine G. Caras Charles H. Cotros

WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 17 F a i t h

Holy Week Services at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at the services of Holy Week. Check your local In the evening, the Lamentations are sung during the parish for times. Service, which symbolizes the burial of Christ.

Palm Sunday Holy Saturday During the Divine Liturgy, palms are blessed and distributed to the In the morning, the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil is celebrated. faithful commemorating Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem. In the evening, the Easter Resurrection Service begins with Matins at 11 p.m. At midnight, the Church is completely darkened and the Holy Tuesday faithful wait in joyous expectation for the bishop or priest to come The Service of the Bridegroom is conducted and the beautiful forth carrying a white candle, chanting, Come; Receive the Light, Hymn of repentance composed by St. Kassiane is sung. the Light of the Resurrection.

Holy Wednesday The light is passed to the congregation until the Church is ablaze The faithful are anointed with the Sacrament of Holy Unction, with the glow of candlelight. A of altar boys, choir, blessed oil, which cleanses, renews and strengthens both spiritually chanters and clergy joined by all the faithful move outdoors where and physically. the Gospel proclaiming the Resurrection of Christ is read. The tri- umphant hymn, Christos Anesti, Christ is Risen is joyously sung by Holy Thursday the faithful. At the conclusion of the Resurrection Liturgy, red Easter In the evening, the Service of Holy Passion takes place, during eggs, which symbolize the Christ, are distrib- which the Twelve Lessons of the Gospel are read. After the Fifth uted to the congregation. Gospel a solemn litany begins. A large crucifix is carried in a pro- cession led by the clergy as the mournful hymn of Crucifixion is Easter Sunday sung. The Vespers of AGAPE (Love) are celebrated with the Holy Gospel of the Resurrection read in several languages emphasizing the uni- versality of Christ’s teaching of love and peace In the afternoon, the Vespers of the Descent from the Cross, are of- fered. The Body of Christ is taken down from the Cross, wrapped in white linen and is prepared for burial. Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 18 H o l i day S p i r i t The Health Benefits of the Lenten Fast

By: Roula Marinos Papamihail, No food should be eaten CHHC between meals, and at meal time’s smaller quantities than normal The Greek Orthodox Church has a should be eaten. long tradition of fasting. During the Lenten season, fasting lasts for 48 days preceding Easter. The faith- The symbolic and spiri- ful abstain from major food groups tual meaning of fasting such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Most Individuals fast oil is traditionally only allowed on during Lent for both the weekends and fish on designat- symbolic and spiritual ed feast days. reasons. According to Orthodox teaching, the primary aim of fasting is “to make us conscious Because of the associated of our dependence liberating effects of fasting, both upon God.” Church physically and mentally, the guidelines, addressed to Orthodox Church has connected all adherents, are stated fasting with the celebration of to be served as recom- all major feasts through the year. mendations and are not Easter is considered to be the mandatory. Ultimately, Flicker biggest feast of all; the feasts of it’s believed that the feasts. periodic abstinence from specific foods and Lent- is the food that lasts for eternal Physical health benefits of fast- en recommendations are a form of life. Through God we can feed our ing Basic fasting guidelines asceticism; abstinence from worldly soul, which is what will sustain us Orthodox fasting is considered to Foods allowed during the fast pleasures, often for the purpose of through this period. For some, it’s be part of the traditional Mediter- include all shellfish such as shrimp, pursuing spiritual goals. considered to “renew the health of ranean diet. The health benefits of squid, cuttlefish, octopus, lobster, the soul.” the Mediterranean diet have been crab, and snails. All vegetables and The word ascetism originates documented extensively and it vegetable products are permitted, from the word áskisis, “exercise” or Fasting: past and present seems that fasting is a key piece along with all grains (rice, wheat, “training”, and these exercises (fast- Fasting rules are still observed by of this diet. Surprisingly, fasting non-egg pasta) and fruit. Nuts and ing) serve as vehicles for the attain- many but research indicates that regularly is associated with a higher legumes are also allowed. The ment of self-discipline. The role of the amount of time of fasting is level of adherence to the Mediter- Orthodox fasting practice can there- self-discipline is to strengthen will declining. The physical require- ranean diet! fore be characterized as a vegan power. It’s then presumed that when ments of fasting have also been diet that includes periodic fish and one’s will power is strong it’s easier steadily reduced over time, and There are limited amounts certain types of shellfish. to overcome his/her passions. fasting requirements have also of research in regard to the health been modified. Fasting, today, benefits of religious fasting as it Not only are certain foods Not overindulging in the foods is often associated with material relates to the Greek orthodox com- restricted, but overall eating behav- you can eat is also part of the (food) restrictions and the belief munity, and some is inconclusive. iors are also traditionally modified. fasting practice. It’s believed that that fasting is meant to serve as However, there have been studies Participants are to remain mindful being “a little hungry” is a constant a means for spiritual growth is of the amount of food eaten along reminder of God and our depen- declining. with the frequency of food eaten; dence on Him and that God himself Continued on next page WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 19 H o l i day S p i r i t indicating that certain health re- different ways. aware “of our helplessness and of lated biomarkers actually improve Finally, it’s been found that our dependence on God’s aid.” At when participating in a fast. These Interestingly, it’s been found children who fasted regularly had the same time we “liberate” our improvements include: that persons adopting Orthodox no significant differences in height bodies from excess weight making fasting periods were more likely to (a biomarker for growth) than those us “more alert and responsive to the •Higher overall intake of fiber behave in ways that enhance their who did not fast. Children under voice of the spirit.” during fasting period. High amounts overall health. Hygiene, physical 7 are excluded from the Orthodox of fiber have been found to lower activity, and psychological status all fast. As with all dietary changes, cholesterol levels, control blood seem to improve when fasting. whether completed in a fasting con- sugar levels and aid in achieving a text or not, some level of difficulty healthy weight. Keep in mind, that these studies Spiritual and physical difficulties and uncomfortableness is expected. •Vitamin C levels have been were conducted within the Mediter- with fasting Church leaders continue to em- found to be higher in fasters than in ranean diet context. So while grains Doctrine tells us, “If practiced seri- phasize that fasting is never easy; non-fasters. High vitamin C con- are a part of the foods permitted ously, the Lenten abstinence from both past and present. Physically, sumption has been linked to treat- during fasting periods, the bulk of food -- particularly in the opening the body’s hunger cycle ultimately ment of the common cold, boosting diet comes from vegetables, le- days -- involves a considerable adjusts. Spiritually, supportive tools the immune system, lowering hyper gumes, nuts, and fruits, followed measure of real hunger, and also and recommendations as instructed tension. by grains. The elimination of large a feeling of tiredness and physi- by the church should be vigorously •The intake of folate was found food groups like dairy and animal cal exhaustion.” According to the to be higher in fasters than in non- products actually boosts an indi- church, this is the point of the fast. fasters. Benefits of folate include vidual’s consumption of vegetables As a result of these negative expe- Continued on next page heart health, risk reduction of stroke and legumes. This increases the riences we can then become more and normalizing cholesterol levels associated health benefits since they •Adult and children fasters seem are extremely high in a variety of to exhibit better lipid profiles than macro and micro nutrients. non-fasters. Lipid profiles are used to assess cardiac health and/or indi- vidual’s risk for heart disease. Kids and fasting •Longer periods of fasting have Concerns are often expressed when been found to be associated with removing whole food groups from lower Body Mass Index (BMI), one’s diet for an extended period of lower waist circumference, and time, whether for fasting or non- Καλό lower obesity levels. The more fasting reasons, particularly with you weigh, the more likely you are children. The research available, to suffer from heart disease, high again, seems to contradict these blood pressure, diabetes, gallblad- concerns. der disease, sleep apnea, and certain Πασχά! cancers. •No inadequacy of either iron •Magnesium intake has been or vitamin b12 has been found with found to increase during fasting pe- regularly fasting periods, including Change your mind, change your weight riods. Most individuals are deficient in children. in this important mineral and lack •While intake of calcium did Roula Marinos Papamihail, CHHC of, has been associated with irrita- lower for individuals while fasting, www.myhealthysoma.com bility, anxiety, fatigue, and memory including children, what was found problems. to elevate was calcium’s bioavail- 630.640.4059 •Overall diet quality seems to be ability in the body for both adults better in fasters than in non-fasters. and children. Calcium bio-availabil- Diet quality refers to the consump- ity refers to the degree in which the tion of foods that benefit health in calcium is absorbed and actually used by the body. WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 20 H o l i day S p i r i t Continued from previous page ing behaviors, for many, is real. succeed with your fasting and/or with your goals but also to “prove weight loss goals. You can strength- ourselves victorious over sin,” ulti- used and adhered to. Could the spiritual component, en that connection by fasting during mately resulting in true happiness. The Archdiocese website repetitively emphasized by the prescribed periods. Prayer, church explains that fasting is “not accom- church, be the missing link between services, support from fellow panied by prayer and an increased success and failure when attempting parishioners and elevated acts of Καλή Σαρακοστή! spiritual life, it merely leads to a to change ones eating behaviors? heightened state of irritability.” selflessness (i.e. Christian acts) are all additional facets of the process SOURCES: Furthermore, we’re told that fasting Many of my clients struggle required for overall success and Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of is worthless and can even be detri- significantly when attempting to commitment. America mental when not done in conjunc- make changes in their food intake “Greek Orthodox fasting rituals: tion with prayer. -- in the hopes of losing weight By integrating your health and/ a hidden characteristic of the and/or achieving a health-related or weight loss goals with tradi- Mediterranean diet of Crete” Can religious fasting be the key goal. While a health coach can help tional religious fasting periods, you Fasting in the Orthodox Church to achieving optimal physical by keeping you accountable and may be able to finally access the health? provide you with encouragement, Advice for Fasting During Great strength needed to not only succeed Orthodox fasting may be interpreted guidance, and suggestions during Lent and labeled as a variation of modern your journey, ultimately, account- day “diets.” Labels may range from ability and strength must come from vegan, vegetarian, calorie restrict- within the individual. Lifestyle & Health Correspondent Roula Marinos Pa- ing, intermittent fasting, and/or a pamihail is a certified holistic health coach and the founder modified elimination diet. Detoxing of MyHealthySoma, an organization dedicated to helping According to the Church, that individuals optimize their health. Her emphasis is on diges- and overall “just plain” dieting can strength is God and the stronger also be interpreted. Regardless of tion, weight loss, and habit change. Through workshops, of a connection you have with individualized coaching programs, and health-empowering the title, the struggle to change eat- Him (and ultimately, ourselves), education, she not only helps individuals overcome diges- the more likely you’ll be able to tive difficulties AND lose weight, but she also helps them instill the lifelong habits needed to do so. She trained at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of Indianapolis, and is a member of the American Association of Drug- less Practitioners. She’s also the proud mom of 4 little boys. Roula is currently accepting new clients in her office, at home, over phone or Skype.

The Asia Minor and Pontos Hellenic Research Center (AMPHRC) recently opened its doors to the public at its permanent office in Chicago.

AMPHRC is the first facility of its kind in the U.S. It provides access to the collection of books and archival material donated by the late Dr. Harry J. Psomiades. These materials, which form the core of the center's holdings at present, consist of about 1000 volumes on Greek history, Asia Minor, Pontos, and Eastern Thrace.

Preserving the Hellenic Heritage and History of Asia Minor and Pontos

www.hellenicresearchcenter.org WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 21 H o l i day S p i r i t Kefi: RENEWAL

By: Kiki Vale Change for the good kicks up the KEFI

The nucleus of my home, and Yeiasou! I don’t know about you, my favorite room for gathering but I’m feeling the effects of spring as a family, is experiencing may- in numerous ways, especially with hem. Our family is in the middle Pascha, Great Lent, life in gen- of a major kitchen facelift. We are eral, and the wherewithal to renew painting walls and stained cabinets, ourselves through various forms tearing up an old and dated tile of purging or purification for the floor, removing counters and replac- benefit of improving ourselves. This ing frequently troubled appliances act of removing the bad and making with newer models. This major way for the good has many benefits, construction project is comprised of which result in clarity and peace of cleaning out, tearing up, removing, mind. An example of this is taking detaching, throwing out, and replac- place in my life right now. ing it all with fresh, updated, new,

Continued on next page

Kiki Vale

Καλή Ανάσταση! Καλή Ανάσταση!

Get #KikiKEFI! www.kikivale.com WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 22 H o l i day S p i r i t and furthermore, optimally functioning appliances, cooking items, and Awakening surfaces. What’s even more exciting for us is that the color scheme is go- ing from dark to light, which will affect our mood. This renovation process In The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Lenten Resources, we see that “dur- is intense, yet therapeutic at the same time. ing the period of Great Lent the awakening of the spirit of man comes about through inspiration from the head of the church, Jesus Christ. It is Admittedly, it’s hard to live through the overflow of disorganization a time of self-examination and preparation, as well as taking inventory of clogging a path of ease, productivity and peace of mind, but the end result one’s life. One finds the means and ways to correct and improve himself. will provide a bright and revitalized room to create not only edible master- Lent is a period of time when one delves into himself with the light of the pieces, but a new found spirit of meal prep, cooking, and agape gatherings. Holy Spirit in order to rid himself of the impediments which hold him back.”

My kitchen upgrade, certainly not as important as the renewal of the Carthasis for renewal human soul or spirit, is similar in that each is cathartic, yet not clear cut.

My kitchen journey, eliminating the old and ushering in the new, is a ca- People of KEFI desire growth and positivity, but in route to the better. thartic experience. The word “cathartic” in the translates The steps can be challenging, hard to deal with at times, frustrating, and to “cleansing”. When one cleanses themselves or their environment, a new uncertain because we must step out of our comfort zone during the trans- mindset appears and a fresh start emerges, allowing for clarity and a sense formation. Very similar to athletics, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t of hope creating peace of mind. Each step of renovation changes the room change you”. and makes it better, taking the work space and ambiance to a new level, similar to the cleansing or renovation of the human spirit during Great Change is the key here. Anytime we want to improve we must peel Lent! away the useless one layer at a time, in order to arrive at the healthy core. This takes time, patience, mindfulness, discernment, and bravery.

As we move forward this Lenten season, my friend Father Athanasios Papagiannis lists the following ways to experience spiritual renewal. Use this as your guide this Lenten season.

•Forgive

Our history-making NetZero Coin •Fast

is now in the permanent collection of •Read scripture the British Museum, National Hellenic Museum, ANA, and ANS. •Increase prayer Make a commitment to renew your spirt and begin a new once again!

Chief KEFI Correspondent Kiki Vale is a master interviewer with 25 years broadcasting on Kansas City and Chicago radio.

She was a prevalent force at WMAQ & WBBM radio where she was the first female airborne news/traffic reporter. Kiki’s voiceover work has garnered her Omni awards for Evian wa- ter and Coca-Cola commercials.

These days Kiki enjoys energizing audiences on stage during motivational speak- HAPPY EASTER! ing engagements, and through writing. Her highly regarded “Kefi-That Life Force” column, was published previously in The Greek Star. She’s currently work- Terry Poulos, founder & president ing on her first non-fiction book. www.kikivale.com TheSportsIndex.com WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 23 H o l i day S p i r i t

Wishing you a Happy and Blessed Easter Καλή Ανάσταση και Καλό Πάσχα

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We set sail from the port of Piraeus just as the sun was setting. I tried in vain to remember any wise words Homer penned of the infa- mous Aegean. Thousands of miles away from my childhood home, I knew as the twinkling lights of Ath- ens became smaller and smaller that this was a gift. It was as if I was given a lens into the world of being Greek that I had yet to experience.

The sea was calm, both coming and going, so it made the adven- ture relaxing. The month was April so the weather did allow the cold winds to at times prevail.

A welcoming sight Upon our arrival to Mykonos, the view of Paraportiani Church Mary Stamatopoulos was a most welcoming sight. I can only imagine the countless others who traveled before us and found near Volos. This treasured place in- Easter Island Memories peace and gratefulness in this cludes the most wonderful balcony whitewashed church. Contributing Writer Diane Adam overlooking fruit trees as far as the eye can see. And off on the distant reflects on a memorable Easter in Life in Athens We docked the boat and found horizon is a view of the sea. Greece. In order to go forward and the nearest . Delighted to explain the highlights, let me back be on solid ground, against the My father’s footsteps By: Diane Adam up and explain how this opportunity backdrop of the jagged seashore My father was born in Kypar- came about. Following my college we sampled an array of appetizers. issia, a beautiful seaside town on “Happy is the man who, before graduation, I journeyed abroad to Soon it was time for the Anastasi the western coast of the Pelopon- dying has the good fortune to sail Athens, Greece to join my older service. The island felt peaceful, nese. He studied medicine in Ath- the .” sister, Mary. Athens of the 1990s but also had a subtle vibe of antici- ens. So when an opportunity arrived ~ Nikos Kazantzakis Athens was alive and well—long pation. The hour of 11:00 pm was for me to walk in my father’s foot- before the financial ruin and strug- bustling and the firecrackers were steps, without hesitation the answer I have many good memories of gles that have since fallen on this starting to be heard. We traversed was yes. Easter but there is one in particular treasured city. our way into the town and settled that stands out above the rest. The outside the small chapel of Agia year was 1993 and the location was We lived and worked in the city Kyriaki in Mykonos Town. Mykonos for Easter Mykonos, Greece. To experience center and loved every minute of While living and working in Easter on the Greek islands is not our time there. We hung out with Athens, an opportunity came for only magical, but it’s also a privi- our first cousins exploring the entire The Easter light my cousin and his friends to rent a lege. I don’t know if it was because city. When we weren’t teaching The sky was clear and the stars sizeable sailboat and sail to Myko- of the wine dark sea that we jour- English to our Greek students, we admired the hundreds of candles nos for Easter. My sister and I knew neyed on to get to the Cyclades, but were soaking up the city’s atmo- that illuminated the square of this that this was the opportunity of a whatever it was, the memory is as sphere—ancient, treasured, and lifetime. We pooled together our fresh as the salty water on which we captivating. When we grew tired of money, and our group suddenly sailed to reach our island destina- Athens’ commotion, we escaped to Continued on next page turned into a 10-man crew. tion. my Uncle Aleco’s summerhouse WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 27 H o l i day S p i r i t modest church. The island villag- quiet. We sailed at high noon. The ers greeted us warmly and several sea was pleasant and the sun was at tourists stopped to ask us what was its brightest. As we docked at Tinos happening. We appreciated their port, we were ready for the walk ΚΑΛΟ interest and consideration. ahead of us. Then there it was, the staggering path that led us to the As the service continued we shrine of the Holy Church of Pan- ΠΑΣΧΑ! waited in anticipation to raise our agia Evangelistria of Tinos. light and exclaim: “Christos Anes- As I slowly climbed the steps, ti!” Finally, midnight came and the my thoughts swirled as I tried to joyous singing of the hymn Chris- imagine what it must be like to be tos Anesti filled the church and on this island during the month beyond. This small island was now of August. On August 15, visitors illuminated with hope—the Eas- from all over the world make a ter light. everywhere were pilgrimage to this island to vener- filled with joy. ate the miraculous image of Mary Attorney licensed to practice in the Church of the Blessed Vir- in Illinois, Greece, & the EU The noise of the firecrackers gin—oftentimes on their knees. The went crazy after the service ended. Tinos experience was breathtaking. Assisting Greek Americans The island was hopping with kids The opportunity to walk around with legal issues in Greece darting in and out and villagers and admire this beautiful church gathering with their families. We fulfilled my Easter memories even wandered through the whitewashed more so. www.kiossesblog.com path to the nearest taverna to enjoy Law Offices of George C. Xamplas our Easter feast. My father came to this country in the 1950s and enjoyed countless The food, which included noth- Orthodox Easter’s in our small ing but fresh and local ingredients, Midwestern surroundings. Did was celebrated with glasses of it make him less Greek? No. If and . anything it anchored his heritage even more—he carved it out. He The island of Tinos made a place for it in our lives. So A few days later, we were fortu- is my Easter island experience. It nate enough to sail to the island of remains and resurfaces with me Tinos. Surprisingly the island was each and every Easter.

Contributing Writer Diane Adam is a veteran of Chicago Greek media. Her writing career began in college. She has worked at various newspapers including The Greek Star, where she served as managing editor for 21 years. Diane has conduct- ed countless interviews with Greeks from all parts of the world. Proud to be Greek, she is always looking for that next Greek- American story to tell. Currently, Diane is the communications leader for organic res- taurant Fooducopia in Denver, CO. She contributes to their blog, writing articles about good, honest food. Her passion is to write and unfold life through the lens of the written word. WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 28 H o l i day S p i r i t An Easter Odyssey By: Harry Mark Petrakis ground, a murmur of awe and de- was born in the village of Nipos, in and then tied up into a bun, stands light rose from the passengers at the the western part of the island near beside him. My two brothers and windows. The old man motioned us Khania. My father, the Reverend two sisters, ranging in age from six On our Olympic Airways flight from to his window. I looked down at my Mark Petrakis, came from the vil- to twelve, cluster around them. Athens to Rethymnon, Crete, I sat first sight of Crete, the birthplace of lage of Argyroupolis in the moun- on the aisle in a three-seat row, my my father and mother. Clearly vis- tains above Rethymnon. In 1916, The family remained in Utah wife, Diana, in the middle seat be- ible in the midst of Homer’s wine- my parents emigrated from Crete to until my father was reassigned to a side me. The window seat was oc- dark sea, the island was a dazzling America, where my father had been parish in Savannah, Georgia. A few cupied by a white-haired, wiry old and radiant panorama of flowers. assigned as a priest to a parish of years later they moved to St. Louis, man with several well-filled K-Mart young Cretan coal miners in Price, Missouri, where I was born. That shopping bags at his knees. He told “The garden of Crete...” the old Utah. They brought with them four same year they made a final move us he was a widower returning from man whispered and fervently made of my brothers and sisters. to Chicago, where the last child in one of his periodic visits to America the sign of the cross. our family, another sister, was born. with gifts for his grandchildren. We I have in my possession a faded, told him we were visiting Crete for The garden of Crete... Once, treasured photograph taken of my Now, as our flight descended the first time to spend Easter with in a memory from my childhood, I family in Crete about the time they toward Cretan soil, I recalled how relatives we had never seen before. heard the island referred to in that began their journey to America. My the constellations of my childhood The old man wiped a tear from his way. When spring arrived in Crete, father wears a tall, black stovepipe glittered with stories of that tragic eye and wished us well. my mother told me, it was as if the hat common to Greek Orthodox and lovely island. The songs, tales, island were a spacious garden burst- priests of the period, a long, black and proverbs of Crete passed from A short while later we began ing with flowers. cassock mantling him from throat to my parents to me. Although I had our descent toward the port city ankles. My mother, a small comely of Rethymnon. As the swirling My mother, Stella Christoulakis, woman with thick, long hair braided Continued on next page clouds cleared and we glimpsed the

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333 South Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60661 - 312-655-1234 - nationalhellenicmuseum.org WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 29 H o l i day S p i r i t been born in America, I had always passed, realizing we were strang- beauty, the mountains affected the tacle. But to see them close was to felt a part of me belonged to that ers. Their expressions were wary, island’s history by isolating regions have our senses overwhelmed. faraway land. sometimes even hostile. The centu- and villages and by setting up a ries of slavery and war the Cretans natural barrier against invaders. Flowers curled across stone Giorgios, the young taxi driver have endured and the devastating walls, adorned the small white- we hired at the airport, drove us occupation of the island by German Above the peaks of the highest washed churches on the slopes of through a tangle of cars, bicycles, troops after the Battle of Crete in mountains was the glowing sun, the mountains, trailed along the and motorbikes that clogged the the Second World War have left the radiating a light that Greek writers trellises of houses, bloomed from streets of Rethymnon. On the islanders resentful and rebellious. from the ancient dramatists to the window boxes, softened the spiked sidewalks, crowds milled about the Cretans, my father told me, make modern poets sought to describe. plants and thorny bushes. Their stalls of peddlers selling vegetables staunch friends and unrelenting aroma filled the air with a dizzying and fruit. In outdoor cafes people enemies. When words could not capture fragrance of carnations and bou- sat and sipped coffee and drank its resplendence, they assigned the gainvillea. small glasses of ouzo and raki. We left the city, the road wind- sun the attributes of a god and wor- ing up into the majestic mountain shiped it. The warrior Ajax, about Meanwhile, whatever mountain Along with black headbands, ranges that run the length of the to perish in battle, cried out to die in road we traveled, we were never Cretan men wore the vraka or black island. To the west were the Levka the light. When the painter El Greco out of sight of the sea for long. The baggy pants that swirled around Ori (White Mountains). In the cen- left Crete for Spain, the skies he water would be hidden for a few their black boots as they walked. In ter of the island was Mount Ida. To painted retained the luminous light moments and then as the taxi veered the sash of their waistbands, some the east was the Dhikti range where above the island he had left behind. around a precipitous cliff of rock, carried ivory-handled daggers inlaid Zeus, ruler of the heavens and fa- the sea came stunningly into view, with silver. ther of other gods, was born. Then there were the flowers. Viewing them from the height of They stared at us as the taxi Aside from their stark imposing the plane was an enchanting spec- Continued on Page 31

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Petrakis... All the villagers had been waiting laughing and talking at the same Father Joseph was in his middle continued from page 29 and they greeted us with buoyant time, the villagers clustered around eighties with a strong, stocky body. cries of “Kalos Orisate’’ Welcome! us, sharing the jubilation of the He had snow-white hair and a white Welcome!” reunion as though they were related beard. In America he would have an expanse of turquoise-blue water to us as well. made an authentic St. Nick. stretching toward the horizon. A small group of children ran to my uncle’s house to let the I asked about my uncle. Father Although he had been retired But the tranquil surface of the family know we had arrived. As Joseph, Antonia’s father. She told us from his parish church for almost sea was deceptive. From the time we emerged from the taxi, our he had been anxiously awaiting our ten years—another priest serving in of the ancient Greeks, beneath the first cousins Antonia and Yannis arrival all day and she had finally his place — in honor of our visit he placid waters lay the wrecks of Couides and their daughters, Eleni prevailed upon him to rest. He was planned to participate in the liturgy sunken ships and the ruins of lost and Melpa, came from the house to asleep in his bed in the kitchen. that evening. cities. greet us. As we entered the house, the old Now he tugged at my arm, ask- Twilight had fallen as we drove How fulfilling it was to embrace priest woke with a start. He scram- ing me to accompany him to church slowly into Argyroupolis, on the relatives we had never seen before bled from the bed, his countenance so he could prepare for the service. surface resembling so many other but that we felt instantly we knew. anxious and apprehensive, as if he Diana, with Antonia, Yannis, and villages we already had passed. Perhaps it was the cards, letters, and feared our arrival was a dream that their daughters, would follow later. Chickens clucked and scurried to snapshots sent back and forth across would escape him once he woke. escape the wheels of the auto. A few the ocean for years. Perhaps it was Then he raised his arms to embrace dogs barked. People hurried from the resemblances to family mem- me fervently. their houses to herald our arrival. bers in America. As we hugged, Continued on Next Page

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Petrakis... continued from page 32 At midnight when the lights When we emerged from the were extinguished and the church church at the end of the liturgy, the was hurled into darkness, I waited, night glittered with numerous fires trembling with an excitement and as villagers in surrounding moun- anticipation I had not felt since tain Villages burned great bonfires childhood. Father Joseph emerged engulfing effigies of Judas. The from the sanctuary holding the first night also cracked and echoed with ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ! candle, its frail light glinting across the thunder of hundreds of guns be- his white beard. From that solitary ing fired in celebration. candle other candles were lighted and flared into flame until several We ascended the steps toward Happy Easter! hundred candles gleamed like stars the upper village, Antonia and on the waves of night. the girls holding their flickering candles. In the house we sat down Dr. Stefanos Katsikas, Director When it came time to express to the festive Easter dinner that faculty & students of the salutation, ‘’Christos Anesti!” concluded the forty days of fasting. “Christ is Risen!” I felt the words I was given the baked lamb’s head University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign bursting from my soul, “Christos as a special delicacy, which I was Anesti!” I cried to Barba Leontis. unable to eat. After several futile at- MODERN GREEK STUDIES “Alithos Anesti!” “Truly, He is Risen!” his hoarse voice cried in Continued on Next Page www.moderngreek.illinois.edu response.

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Petrakis... continued from page 33 mountains. In that moment I wit- scents of incense and candle wax on the road, a small band of children nessed the dawn in a way I had nev- his cassock and felt the trembling ran alongside. They escorted us tempts to convince me what a treat er experienced it before, the night of his flesh. Finally, he whispered a through the village, scattering the it was, Father Joseph gave up and not yet relinquishing its power, the blessing for our safe journey home chickens, agitating the dogs. When attacked it with gusto, grinning at day not yet gaining ascendancy. and hugged me one last time. the children could no longer keep me, savoring every bite while little Darkness and light played out an up, they stopped and waved their specks of lamb’s eyes glittered in ancient drama of confrontation We climbed into the taxi, hands vigorously and cried their his beard. before my eyes. Finally, wearily, I carrying the parcels of bread, final farewells. returned to bed and slept. cheese, and the container of olive As we drove deeper into the Sated with food, Diana and oil they pressed upon us. When mountains, their shrill young voices I were given the principal bed, In the morning I woke to the we started to drive slowly away, carried in melodious cries across belonging to Yannis and Antonia. It pealing of countless bells. They the villagers began to wave. the morning. We could still hear had been built by my great-grand- rang in Argyroupolis and resounded Father Joseph raised his hand one their voices and the distant, peeling from numerous last time, as if beseeching us to bells of Crete long after the village other villages. remain. As the taxi started down was lost to our sight. We ate bread and The last person to whom cheese and drank I said good-bye was Father warm milk to their peelings and Joseph. The old man held echoes. Harry Mark Petrakis began writing short stories in the late 1940s and finally sold one to The Atlantic in 1956. He me at arm’s length for a to write. His 25th published book, Song of My Life, was When the published in 2014. Over the past six decades, Harry has long time, staring into my young taxi driver, established himself as the premiere chronicler of Chicago’s face as if to memorize every Giorgios, re- Greektown, which serves as a backdrop for many of his turned to take us stories. bone and strip of flesh, back to the air- Of all his novels, short story collections, essays, and autobiographies, the most because he understood we port in Rethym- famous is A Dream of Kings (1966), set in Chicago, which made it on the New non, our family York Times Best Seller List, followed by a Bantam Books paperback edition, be- probably never would see and most of the came a Doubleday Book Club choice, had twelve foreign editions and was made into a motion picture (1969) starring Anthony Quinn and Irene Papas. each other again. villagers gathered to bid us farewell. He has written about his travels to Greece, and his family history of immigration I embraced my from Crete to America. He has explored Greek history and mythology–its heroes, cousins and the literary and otherwise. In short, Harry has created and recreated a world of vast possibility and tragedy, a world of gamblers and gangsters, priests and peasants, children, wonder- cabbies and cooks: generations upon generations of the lucky and the cursed. father in the previous century. For ing with melancholy, when I would Kurt Vonnegut once blurbed, “I’ve often thought what a wonderful basketball more than a hundred years it had ever see them again. Yet I was team could be formed from Petrakis characters. Every one of them is at least provided a haven for family births grateful at how much intimacy and fourteen feet tall.” and deaths. My father had been love had been fostered in the space Harry Mark Petrakis has won the annual O. Henry Award, given to short story born in the bed and my grandpar- of a single night. writers of exceptional merit, and the Chicago Public Library’s Carl Sandburg ents died in the bed that symbolized Award. In 2014, he received the Fuller Award for Lifetime Achievement by the the continuity of the family. The last person to whom I said Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. He has twice been a finalist for the National Book good-bye was Father Joseph. The Award in Fiction. In addition to the honorary Doctor of Literature he holds from the American College of Greece degree, he holds honorary degrees from the I slept restlessly for a while and old man held me at arm’s length for University of Illinois, Roosevelt University, Hellenic College, Governors State woke to a light rain striking the a long time, staring into my face as University and Indiana University, Northwest. http://harrymarkpetrakis.com roof. I imagined my father as a boy if to memorize every bone and strip listening to the rain. I rose then and of flesh, because he understood made my way outside to stand on we probably never would see each the porch. The earth around me was other again. Then he drew me slow- silent and shadowed, the first frail ly, breathlessly, into his arms. As light breaking over the monoliths of he hugged me tight, I smelled the WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 35 H o l i day S p i r i t

Καλό Πάσχα!

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ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ! For since by man came death, by Man also He is Risen! came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made

alive. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN! Annunciation Cathedral Ascension of Our Lord 1017 LaSalle Blvd. Chicago, IL 60610 Greek Orthodox Church ASSUMPTION CHURCH 312.664.5485 1207 Riverwoods Road annunciationcathedralchicago.org Celebrating 91 years of Lincolnshire, IL Dedicated Service to the Faithful Father Stamatios Sfikas 847.482.1200 Cathedral Dean 601 S. Central Avenue, Chicago, IL 60644 Father Nicholas Nikokavouras www.ascensiongoc.com Dean Emeritus Very Rev. Timothy G. Bakakos, Archimandrite Fr. Demetrios Burikas, Associate Pastor Nicholas J. Hlis Father Sotirios P. Malamis, Proistamenos James G. Lakerdas - President, Parish Council President Thomas S. Kiriakos, President Free valet parking  Find us on Facebook Ann Dervis - President Philoptochos Sisterhood

The Parish Council “The day of resurrection… O people, let us be and the community of the radiant. It is Pascha, the Lord’s Passover; for Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Christ God has carried us over from death to of Homer Glen life, from earth as we sing a victory hymn. 15625 S. Bell Road, Homer Glen, IL 60491 [email protected]

Send Best Wishes to all For a Blessed Easter KALO PASCHA HOLY APOSTLES GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Χριστός 2501 S. Wolf Road Ανέστη Westchester, IL 60154 Fr. Sotirios (Sam) Dimitriou - Oikonomos www.holyapostleschurch.com Michael Bradaric - Parish Council President Mary Liontakis – Philoptochos President Rev. Nicholas Georgiou, Parish Priest

www.assumptiongreekorthodox.org Dr. Peter Bell, Parish President WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 37 C h u rc h G r e e t i ngs

ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! Χριστός Ανέστη! ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen! CHRIST IS RISENT! Echo the Glory of His Resurrection!

St. Andrew’s St. George Greek Orthodox Church Greek Orthodox Church 5649 N. Sheridan Road 2701 N. Sheffield Avenue Chicago, IL 60660 St. Basil Chicago, Illinois 60614 Greek Orthodox Church 773.334.4515 773.525.1793 www.standreworthodox.org 733 S. Ashland Avenue

Chicago, IL 60607 www.stgeorgechicago.net

Fr. John N. Kalomas, Proestamenos 312.243.3738 Father Chrysanthos Kerkeres Fr. Athanasios Minetos, Associate Priest www.stbasilchicago.org

Deacon Vasilios Smith Terri C. Mikuzis, Parish Council President Rev. Fr. Panteleimon Dalianis, Proistamenos Cynthia Melas, Philoptochos President Tom Sianis, Parish Council President Demetrios Metropulos, President

Καλό Πάσχα n the Resu e i rr ic ord Jesu ec Άγιον και jo L s C ti e ur o hr n Ειρηνικόν R O is f t o ! HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 1401 Wagner Road NILES, ILLINOIS Glenview, IL 60025 Father Constantine P. Botsis May His Love Shine 847.729.2235 Father George G. Lamberis On Everyone! www.ssppglenview.org

Deacon John Suhayda Very Reverend Archimandrite Perry Giannopoulos, Parish Council President Christodoulos Margellos Father Panagiotis Boznos

Georgia Christakes, Parish Council President Father Kosmas Kallis www.saintharalambosgoc.org The Parish Council & Parish St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Dn. Theodore Saclarides A Joyous Pascha to All! Oak Lawn, Illinois George Nassos, President www.stnicholasil.org WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 38 T r a d i t i o ns & C e l e b r at i o ns

Kyra Sarakosti

Here’s a fun way for kids to track the weeks of Lent. Kyra Sarakosti – in paper doll form – is a nun. Her hands are together since she’s always praying. She has no mouth, as she is fasting rather than speaking. Also, she has seven legs – one for each week of Holy Week. Each week, the children fold back a leg and count how many weeks until Easter. Here’s one to cut out.

Some families bake a hard cookie Kyra Sarakosti, using flour and water. Each week, they’ll break off a leg to count of the weeks until Pascha. Enjoy this poem about Kyra Sarakosti.

Η Κυπά Σαρακοστή Την Κυρά Σαρακοστή που ‘ναι ‘εθιμο παλιό οι γιαγιάδες μας την φτιάχναν με αλέυρι και νερό.

Για στολίδι της φορούσαν στο κεφάλι έναν σταυρό μα το στόμα της ξεχνούσαν Γιατί νήστευε καιρό.

Και τις μέρες της μετρούσαν με τα πόδια της τα επτά. Κόβαν ένα την βδομάδα μέχρι να ‘αρθει η Πασχαλιά. WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 39 T r a d i t i o ns & C e l e b r at i o ns

dows. The amphorae go crashing to air, church bells begin ringing, and the ground, breaking into millions the whole square is awash in one of pieces and splashing water ev- big bright light. Not only are hun- erywhere. It is said that if you take dreds of electric lights switched on a piece of a broken amphora, you’ll but everyone lights candles. All the have good luck all year long. This houses along the square are deco- tradition always seems to bewilder rated with yet more candles lit dur- tourists. ing the service. After, the people go There’s no evidence of when home with lit candles in hand. Once this tradition began, but the locals they reach home, using the Holy say it’s a demonstration of anger at Light, they make a cross at the top Judas for his betrayal of Jesus. of the door before entering.

Anastasi Easter Sunday On Holy Saturday evening, crowds On Easter Sunday, at 7:00 am, all gather again at Espianada. At ex- the churches in town bring out the Times actly midnight, the bishop at will icon of the Resurrection and pro- announce the miracle of the Resur- cess once again around Espianada. Corfu rection, chanting “Christos Anesti” which means Christ has Risen. Easter in Corfu is something On Good Friday, each church in By: Magdaline Makris Once these words have been said, definitely worth seeing. It’s an ex- town holds a procession in memory bands play the Easter hymn (quite perience you’ll never forget. of the burial of Christ. These pro- Corfiot Easter is a most magnificent loudly, I might add), cannons roar cessions go around town until late celebration. A sea of tourists (both from the fortress, fireworks fill the foreign and Greek) gather every evening. Locals, as well as thou- year to experience the unforgettable sands of visitors, follow the proces- and rich Corfiot history combined sion. This procession is held in the great square known as Espianada. with the traditional religious cus- Magdaline Makris is a proud Greek Foodie Mom. She be- toms. gan cooking at the age of 13. For Greeks, food and family go Easter in Corfu has a tremen- On Holy Saturday there’s also hand-in-hand, so she combined her culinary, entrepreneurial, dous impact on its visitors. During a procession, but this time the and educational skills to create a blog called MomzCuizine. There, she shares tried and tested recipes. Some are tra- this time, many elements are inter- island’s patron saint, St. Spyridon, takes center stage. The saint’s head ditional Greek dishes, while others simply bear her unique weaved harmoniously together. Try signature. Nonetheless, they all come with a story, and lots to imagine the the eclectic mix of is enshrined in a golden case, which of love. The blog honors her heritage and its cuisine, as well Christian faith, pagan traditions, the is held in an upright position so it as her dad’s lessons, which help to keep his memory alive. powerful presence of Saint Spyri- may be viewed by locals and visi- Maggie encourages families to share meals together at the table, as these times tors. After this procession is over at play a significant role in our daily lives. She also serves on the board of directors don, the Roman Catholic communi- of the International Bloggers Association. Follow her on Twitter. ty, the Venetian influence, the music 11:00 am, the main streets in Espi- of the philharmonic bands, genuine ananda are cleared by the police, in Corfiot humor and of course the preparation for the first Resurrec- natural atmosphere of spring. It’s tion service. truly an unforgettable experience. Breaking amphorae Holy Week Before the festivities begin, the Holy week is defined by its church locals fill different size amphorae of services, fasting, and by the antici- with water and place them on their pation of the Resurrection. window sill. When the clock strikes 11:00, they push them out the win- WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 40 T r a d i t i o ns & C e l e b r at i o ns Easter in Greece

Forget Christmas. Easter is the hurl big clay pots from their balco- biggest Greek holiday of the year in nies so they can crash on the street Greece. Marissa Tejada takes us on below during a joyous parade. a tour of the country where the holi- No matter where you are in day celebrations empties out streets Greece during Easter, the common and fills up others. threads are simple: food, family, By: Marissa Tejada and tradition. Here’s are the high- lights of experiencing Easter in Greece. Easter in Greece: Joy and Tradition Preparing for the Holy Week Pascha, means Easter, and it also Crowds can be found everywhere means it’s the busiest time of the from the local butcher, the laiki year in Greece. The season brings farmers’ market to toy shops. Excel- about the bustle of shopping, the lent homecooked meals need to joy of feasting, the love of dancing be prepared, gifts are to be bought and singing, and incredible age- for godchildren, and housewarm- less traditions that gather families ing presents are readied for anyone Marissa Tejada and friends. Here, Easter eggs are hosting a holiday get together. bright red and everyone anticipates In the diverse regions of Greece, the smells and flavors of homemade Easter weekend, traditions steeped capital and in picturesque locations each island, city, and village owns in centuries of history come alive. •Filopappou Hill: Church of specialties like Easter sweetbread, a its own ebb and flow during Megali lamb innards soup and spit roasted Here are the big events to watch Agios Demetrios Loumpardiari Evdomada, which translates to out for the most important cultural •Plaka District: Agios Dimitrios lamb. Holy Week. It is the week lead- Some places in Greece take weekend in Greece. or Agia Aikaterin ing up to Easter Sunday. Mon- Good Friday •Syntagma Square: Panagia celebrations to a whole other level. day is Megali Deftera, Tuesday On Easter Sunday on Corfu, locals The epitaphios is one of the most Kapnikarea (on Ermou St. is Megali Triti, and so on. By Greek unique Greek Easter traditions. •Monastiraki (Agia Irini Held on Good Friday, every island Square): Agia Irini has one, and cities, like Athens, In some destinations, the ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ—CHRIST IS RISEN host many at a time. What’s be- epitaphios ceremony is even more come know simply ads the “epi- special. On , the villag- taphios” is the procession of the ers of Pyrgos parade through town Χριστός ανέστη εκ νεκρών, kouvouklion, awooden structure lighting more than 25,000 candles decorated with flowers that symbol- placed on the rooftops and the paths θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας, izes Christ’s tomb. The epitaphios of the religious walk. και τοις εν τοις μνήμασι is actually the the cloth icon of the Holy Saturday ζωήν χαρισάμενος. burial of Christ that’s placed in- On the night of Holy Saturday, side the kouvouklion. The epitaph churches start to fill with standing- Christ is Risen from the dead. is paraded from the church, out to room-only crowds. Children proud- the streets, and back to the church. ly clutch their colorfully decorated By death, He has trampled down death. draw quite a crowd and lambades (long-stemmed Easter And to those in the tombs, begin at 7:00 or 8:00 pm, some- candles) gifted to them by their He has granted life. times later. Greek godparents. Like the adults, In Athens, you can choose from they are getting ready to partici- several churches to see this holy ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! parade. Here are a few suggestions that are right in the heart of the Continued on Next Page ΑΛΗΘΩΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 41 T r a d i t i o ns & C e l e b r at i o ns

pate in the touching candle light- this: “Christmas in Athens, Easter to in Greece during Easter, there is way of embracing the Easter holi- ing ceremony at midnight. Every in the village.” a sense of celebration, peace, and day, celebrating the deep-rooted candle is lit by the flame of a fellow A typical celebration revolves tradition that everyone respects and Greek Orthodox traditions and church goer as the priest announces around the care and feasting of reveres. While the most impressive welcoming the next Greek spring and sings about the resurrection of a sizeable whole lamb strung on traditions famously take place on and summer. Christ. Everyone greets one another a mechanical revolving spit. No Corfu, Skiathos, Patmos, Chios, saying, “Christos Anesti” which automated machine? No problem, Santorini, and in Athens, all Greek means “Christ has Risen”. everyone gets a chance to turn it. destinations have their own special In Athens, one of the most Slow roasted all day long over a scenic ceremonies takes place at St. fire, the lamb is served with savory Contributing Writer Marissa Tejada is an author, travel George located at the top of Lyca- , Greek salads, and Greek style writer, and freelance journalist based in Athens, Greece. bettus Hill. Arrive around 10:30 pm potatoes roasted with , olive Her novel, Chasing Athens, published in 2015, has been or 11:00 pm and you’ll take in the oil and lemon. a top 10 bestseller on Amazon. Follow Marissa on her beautiful night time panorama of At every table is a loaf of tsou- blog, Travel Greece, Travel Europe; and on Facebook, Ins- tagram, Twitter. the city, the , and the Eas- reki, a brioche-like Easter bread and ter fireworks exploding in the air served to break the Lenten fast. It from the various municipalities. Be is often braided and a red dyed egg surrounded by the sounds of som- is often inserted at one end or at its ber religious chanting, singing, and core. Also, no Greek Easter feast even canons firing out in celebra- is complete without a basket of tion from the hill. Easter eggs. Except, in Greece, the Some places are known for eggs aren’t pastel or decorated with much more. On the island of Chios, bunnies and chicks. They are dyed the rocket wars take place during deep red to symbolize the blood of which 60,000 homemade rockets Christ. Χριστός Ανέστη! are fired – all in good spirits – be- tween two rivaling churches. Easter Traditions: Egg Cracking Christ is Risen!

Easter Midnight On Easter Sunday, a basket of red After church, families and friends eggs becomes the center of atten- gather for a traditional meal. It may tion for the egg cracking game The Pythagoras Schools be after midnight but it’s the right called tsoungrisma. The cracking time of day for which is symbolizes Christ’s resurrection of The Greek Orthodox Church a soup made from lamb offal. The from the dead. One player holds of St. Demetrios late-night meal may take place at an egg, and taps the end of his/her someone’s home but it is also very egg against the end of the other Pythagoras Children’s Academy common for local and player’s egg. The goal is to crack restaurants to be open and welcome the opponent’s egg. When one end Dina Jason, Director guests. is cracked, the winner must use Greek Easter Sunday the same end of his/her egg to try On Easter Sunday, there’s a much to crack the other end of the oppo- Pythagoras Greek Schools different scene from the days be- nent’s egg. The person who cracks Christina Brales, Director fore. Many of the streets of Athens the most eggs of other players is will be empty. Sunday is the day the winner and is said to have good just about everyone (who hasn’t left luck for the year. Pythagoras School Board for a weekend away) will head to Harry J. Fournier, President someone’s house in the countryside. Most Wonderful Time of the Year There’s an old saying that describes No matter where you may travel 893 N. Church Rd · Elmhurst, IL 60126 WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 42 T r a d i t i o ns & C e l e b r at i o ns Godparent Sunday: Make it a Godparent Easter

With Pascha coming up, many knees requirement. buy into this marketing hype, but to take time out of each day to pray, wonder what to do for their God- at what educational and spiritual even if it is a simple but sincere children during this sacred and holy Share traditions cost. Let your own conscience and communication with our Lord. time. Read on for some ideas. In addition to attending Church knowledge of your Godchild guide services, Godparents can share your decisions of what is appropri- Many Godparents buy a special By: Maria Constantinides their favorite Easter traditions and ate for his development. outfit for their Godchildren to wear explain the history behind the tradi- at the Anastasi Service or at Easter The bond between a Godchild and tion. For example, Greeks dye their Sunday’s Agape service. This is a Godparents is a sacred union in the Easter eggs red because this color Gift ideas relatively easy purchase when the child’s spiritual journey in Christ. symbolizes the blood that Jesus Your Church bookstore has books wearer is a young child. Most older As such, it is incumbent upon the shed during his Passion. Red is also and CDs on all religious topics. children have definite likes and Godparents to foster and nurture the appropriate color to celebrate These can also be purchased on- their own personal style to take into a close relationship and to emu- Christ’s Resurrection. The tradi- line. For the high school student, a consideration. To avoid frustration late the teachings of the Church tional egg cracking that takes place personalized message written in her and disappointment, a shopping trip throughout their Godchild’s de- on Easter Sunday has a relevant own Bible is a tangible resource of together can be very rewarding and velopment. Although a weekly or religious basis. The egg’s hard inspiration and comfort and a poi- successful. more frequent interaction is ideal, shell represents the tomb distance and schedules often thwart where Jesus was buried. A Godchild may enjoy listening one’s best intentions. In cracking the egg, we to a CD about the life of his patron demonstrate that Jesus saint and then discussing it with Attend church services together conquered death and you. For those who are musically Holy Week, which begins with the bestowed life to those in inclined, the gift of learning the celebration of Palm Sunday and the tombs. beautiful hymns is something that culminates with the Resurrection of will remain with your Godchild for our Lord, offers the perfect oppor- Although there are his/her entire life. tunity to spend time together in at- several commercial dyes tending church services and partak- for egg dying, which are Traditions evolve through the convenient and food- generations, but the Godparent- ing in the Holy Sacraments of Holy St. Demetrios Pythagoras PTO Communion and Holy Unction. By safe, they are not as Godchild bond transcends time and preparing ourselves for this most much fun as helping an space. Let’s make this Easter one solemn journey, we Godparents can adult make a natural food dye by gnant reminder of the special bond that will be remembered for its last- set a good example for our Godchil- boiling red beets. between you. A prayer bracelet or ing imprint and memories. dren to emulate, whether they are prayer rope can be used by both Kalo Pascha! young children or young adults. Art project: make lambades genders and they remind the wearer together One of the lovely church tra- Another Greek tradition is the white ditions is the decorating of the Easter candle, often decorated with Epitaphios. This is something that a blue or pink crucifix, a bow, and Maria Constantinides has contributed to numerous GreekCircle a teen may find enjoyable. Girls tulle. This, too, can be an art project publications, including magazine and examiner.com. She has served on the boards of the under the age of twelve are encour- shared with the Godchild, foster- ing an understanding of the spiri- University of Chicago Parents Association, The Greek aged to participate as Myrrh-bear- Women’s University Club, and The Route 66 Theatre ers. Most children and adults who tual meaning of the candle, while Company. As a contributing member of various com- are young-at- heart and in good encouraging the Godchild’s creative mittees, Maria has written and edited copy on diversi- physical shape enjoy going under talents. Commercialism has infil- ty, communication, and by-laws, as well as a historical trated this most holy of Orthodox book. As a PR and Marketing Consultant, she works the Epitaphios at the Holy Friday with many local organizations. Apokathelosis service. The evening holidays. Easter baskets, bunnies, Lamentations service offers this and candies, deck the shelves of She has two adult sons who are pursuing their passions. Maria enjoys travel- opportunity for adults and children, stores as soon as St. Valentine’s ing with the purpose of interacting with the locals and learning more about the without the compulsory on-bended- Day is over. Yes, it is tempting to people and their rich heritage, be it in the U.S. or abroad. WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 43 T r a d i t i o ns & C e l e b r at i o ns Kαλό Πάσχα

John G. Manos, President

Christina Stavropoulos, Vice President

1.800.894.6900 | bankfinancial.com WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 44 T r a d i t i o ns & C e l e b r at i o ns Pascha Games: Tsoungrisma

Also known as egg tapping, egg cracking, egg fight, and even egg boxing, we can’t forget the Pascha tradition of Tsoungrisma, which we partake in on Easter Sunday. This fun game requires that each guest select an egg. Everyone has the op- portunity to “crack” someone else’s egg. Typically the eldest guest will go first. We tap each other’s eggs, round end to round end, pointed end to pointed end. When we tap, we say the words, Christos Anesti! (Christ is Risen!) If your egg gets cracked, you’re out of the contest. The strongest eggs will continue to compete. Only one egg will be left unbroken. The holder of this egg is declared the winner, and is said to receive many blessings and lots of good luck for the year. Google Images

Coloring Eggs the Natural Way

These days, everyone’s looking for organic products, and more “Yellow onion skin for sure. You’ll get a nice blood red color.” natural ways to do things. Perhaps you color your Easter eggs with food coloring or commercial egg dye. We asked people on “Use brown eggs when coloring with yellow onion skins, for a Facebook for their best tips on coloring Easter eggs the natural deep red color. ways. Here are some of their tips. More suggestions: Beets “Practice makes perfect. Every year you’ll get better at it.” “Boil beets. Save the water, and put the eggs in there to color “Save onion skins for several months, or ask friends and family them.” to save them for you. I’ve had a local restaurant save them for me. You’ll need lots.” “Beets. Definitely beets.” …and gotta love this one: Red Onion Skins “It works, but will give you eggs that are more brown in col- “Just call Yiayia and have her color the eggs!” or.”

Yellow Onion Skins “Save lots of yellow onion skins. Boil them, and add a lot of white vinegar to the pot. When you see the nice red color, add the eggs.” WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 45 T r a d i t i o ns & C e l e b r at i o ns

Wishing a Blessed Pascha to you and your families from George C. Xamplas and Christos Kiosses WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 46 F o o d & W i n e

Black-Eyed Peas with Greens and Fennel Mavromatika me Maratho From the Kitchen of Diane Kochilas… Black-eyed peas are one of the easiest legumes to cook. You don’t have to soak them. They are filled with nutrition and have a wonderful, nutty flavor. In Greece, regional specialties abound for black-eyed peas, among them this lovely, savory, vibrant from the Aegean islands, where fen- nel is one of the core flavors. You can substitute spinach or chard for the fennel, or just add some in addition to it, to the pot. It makes a great Lenten dish. Serves 8 INGREDIENTS 1 pound black-eyed peas 3 cups trimmed and coarsely chopped wild fennel leaves, or a combination of 1 coarsely chopped fennel bulb and 400 grams/ 1 lb. baby spinach or chard 1 large onion, coarsely chopped 2 cloves, peeled and chopped 4 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and pulverized in a food processor 1 cup extra virgin Greek Salt and pepper to taste A touch of lemon juice, if needed

DIRECTIONS Vasilis Stenos 1. Wash and strain the black-eyed peas. Wash and strain the fennel. If using fennel bulb, trim it and chop it as for the onion. If using spinach and/or chard, trim, coarsely chop and wash. DIANE KOCHILAS, celebrity chef, TV cooking show host, 2. Place the black-eyed peas in a large pot with enough water to cover by cookbook author, and cooking school owner, has been at about two inches. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer. the forefront of bringing healthy, delicious to 3. In the meantime, heat 1/3 cup olive oil in a deep, heavy skillet or pot, a wide international audience for many years. Every sum- and sauté the onion and fennel over low heat until wilted and tender, about mer, she runs the Glorious Greek Cooking School on her native island, Ikaria, a Blue Zone, renowned for the longev- 10-12 minutes. Add the greens if using, and give them a few stirs until ity of its inhabitants. wilted but al dente. You want to bring out some of their flavor. She’s the award-winning author of 18 books on Greek and 4. Remove and add to the black-eyed peas, stirring gently to combine. Mediterranean cuisine. Diane has served as a consulting chef at several restau- Stir in the tomatoes and remaining olive oil. Simmer, slightly covered, for rants in North America, and has developed menus for others. She consults for about 45-50 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. Add more wa- Harvard University Dining Services and UMASS, Amherst; and is an honorary fellow of Jonathan Edwards College, Yale. She has appeared on many major ter if necessary during cooking. About ten minutes before removing from American television shows. heat, season with salt and pepper. Squeeze in a little lemon juice or add a In Greece, she was host of Greece’s most popular TV cooking show, “What Are touch of vinegar, to bring up the flavors a bit. We Going to Eat Today, Mom” (in Greek) and was a columnist and restaurant Remove, cool to room temperature, and serve. critic for 20 years at the country’s largest circulation daily paper, Ta Nea. Currently, she’s working on a healthy Greek Quick Service Restaurant; and at the end of development for “My Greek Table”, a nationally televised PBS series on Reprinted with permission from Ikaria: Lessons on Food, Life, and Lon- Hellenic cuisine, wine, culture, and travel set to debut in September 2017. Diane gevity from the Greek Island Where People Forget to Die (Rodale Books), divides her time between New York City, Ikaria, and Athens. by Diane Kochilas with Photography by Vassilis Stenos. Connect: website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, You Tube, Pinterest WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 47 F o o d & W i n e

Καλό Πάσχα! Wishing a Blessed Pascha to you and your families

from all of us at WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 48 F o o d & W i n e

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Grecian Delight Foods, Inc., A Pure Mediterranean Foods Company 1201 Tonne Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 800-621-4387, www.greciandelight.com

QUALITY AUTHENTICITY LEADERSHIP INNOVATION WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 49 F o o d & W i n e

3. In a large skillet or wide pot, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over Lemony Chickpeas Braised medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook, stirring until glistening with Chard and and softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and stir everything togeth- er for a few minutes. Add the chard to the pot and cook just until wilted. From the Kitchen of Diane Kochilas… 4. Transfer the chickpeas and vegetable mixture to an ovenproof glass or ceramic baking dish. Pour half of the remaining olive oil, half the lemon Legumes and vegetables or greens go hand in hand in so many Greek and juice and enough of the reserved cooking liquid to come just below the local Ikarian recipes. The combination is soothing. Ikarian cooks often surface of the chickpeas. Stir in the dill and season to taste with salt and add carrots, which add color and sweetness to the final dish. Like all of the pepper. bean and vegetable combinations, this stands alone as a perfect vegetarian 5. Cover with the lid (or parchment paper and then foil) and bake until the main course. Serve it with a little goat’s milk cheese or (when it’s not Lent), good bread and a drizzling of great olive oil. You won’t believe how whole mixture is dense and creamy, almost like porridge, but with the satisfying it is. chickpeas still holding their shape, 35-40 minutes. 6. Add the remaining oil and juice. Adjust the seasonings. Serve hot, warm Serves 4 to 6 or at room temperature. 1/2 pound dried chickpeas, soaked overnight It’s another great option for Lent. 1 cup Greek extra-virgin olive oil 1 large red onion, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup) Reprinted with permission from Ikaria: Lessons on Food, Life, and Lon- gevity from the Greek Island Where People Forget to Die (Rodale Books), 2 carrots, finely chopped by Diane Kochilas with Photography by Vassilis Stenos. 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1½ pounds green Swiss chard, coarsely chopped Juice of 2 lemons 1 cup snipped fresh dill Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Drain the chickpeas and transfer to a pot with enough fresh water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce to a simmer and cook the chickpeas until they are tender but not mushy, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Reserve the cooking liquid, drain the chickpeas and set aside, covered. 2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 50 F o o d & W i n e Santorini Vegetarian Keftedes

From the kitchen of Krystina Kalapothakos… DIRECTIONS 1. Combine the first seven ingredients together in a bowl and mix. Add the Here’s a great option for Lent. flax seed and flour to the bowl. Mix well. INGREDIENTS 2. Combine the seasonings and lemon zest together, and add to the vegeta- ble mixture. Drizzle in the olive oil. Mix. 4 cups shredded carrots 3. Knead the dough by hand, just until the dough comes together. (Dough 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped may be sticky, so if you need to add more flour, please do so.) 1 small white onion, diced 4. Prepare the frying pan by filling up the pan with oil over medium heat. 1 garlic, minced 5. Shape dough into 1 inch balls, and dust lightly with flour before frying. 1/2 cup fresh dill, minced Make sure you fry on each side until golden brown.

1/2 cup parsley, minced 6. Serve with fresh lemon juice over the top, and dried oregano. 1 tsp dried Greek oregano 1/2 cup flax seed Krystina Kalapothakos is a chef and cookbook author. 1/2 cup all purpose flour, or oat flour She credits her parents’ cooking skills for helping her acquire her love for food a young age. By the age of 7, she 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil was creating her own Greek recipes including , 1 tsp dried mint keftedes, , and much more.

1 tsp cumin In 2009. She earned a pastry degree from Le Cordon Bleu 1 tsp chili powder in Sacramento, California. Her food blog, Kouzounas Kitchen, is dedicated to her yiayia Stavroula Kouzouna Kalapothakou. From Mani. Greece, her yiayia was 1 tsp lemon zest a fantastic home cook. Krystina learned many of her traditional Greek recipes, Salt and pepper to taste which she shares on the blog.

Oil for frying Back To My Roots cookbook was published in 2016. It includes her personal story, plus mouth-watering recipes, kitchen tips and tricks, and more. Connect: blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, You Tube, Pinterest WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 51 F o o d & W i n e

Kalo Pascha! Καλό Πάσχα!

Celebrating 20 Years of Bringing You The Best of Greece

www.diamondwineimporters.com WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 52 F o o d & W i n e na, , and enough water or low-sodium stock to just cover the Lamb Lemonato meat. Bring to a boil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Place From the kitchen of Peter Minaki… the cover on the Dutch oven and place into pre-heated oven. Pascha isn’t Pascha without lamb on the table. Try this recipe. The lemon and fresh herbs add a nice touch. 4. Braise lamb shanks for about 90 minutes. Check the meat for tenderness (meat should pull off the bone). Place back in the oven (Serves 6) uncovered for another 15 minutes if you INGREDIENTS would like the liquid to reduce some more. 6 lamb shanks 5. When the lamb is done to your liking, 1-1/2 cups dry white wine remove from the oven and add the lemon

1/4 cup olive oil juice and dried Greek oregano. Gently shake the vessel back & forth to amal- Juice of 1/2 lemon gamate all the flavors. Adjust seasoning

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon verbena (or with salt and pepper. mint) Get ready for the compliments! 2 Tbsp. fresh thyme (2 tsp. dried) www.kalofagas.ca 1 heaping tsp. dried Greek oregano

Sea salt and ground pepper to taste

Enough water or vegetable stock to just cover the meat Chef Peter Minaki is a proud Greek Canadian and the creator of the popular “Kalofagas – Greek Food & Beyond” (www.kalofagas.ca) food blog. Known for adding twists to his DIRECTIONS ecipes, Peter balances his posts between traditional, modern- ized and his own unique recipes. Gathering inspiration from Pre-heat oven to 350◦ F. his yearly trips to Greece, Peter endlessly promotes the diver- sity of Greek cuisine. He’s published three cookbooks, Every- thing Mediterranean (2nd edition), The Big Book of Mediterranean Recipes and 1. Rinse and pat-dry lamb shanks. Season with salt and pepper and The Everything Easy Mediterranean Cookbook. Peter is a frequent contributor to Greece’s Free Press Gastronomy website, InsideToronto.com and has appeared place in a Dutch oven (or other oven-safe vessel) over medium- on TV cooking segments in Greece and in Canada. His recipes have been fea- tured in Canadian Living Magazine (Canada), OPA magazine (Australia), National high heat. Brown all sides of the shanks (in batches). Reserve. Herald (US), Stahl magazine (Hungary), Ensemble Vacations magazine (Canada), and WindyCity Greek. 2. Take the Dutch oven off the heat and allow to cool for a couple of minutes. Add wine into the vessel, place back on to the stove, and Peter currently hosts and cooks for the “Kalofagas Greek Supper Club” in Cana- reduce at medium heat while scraping up the brown bits with a da and at select locations in the U.S. These monthly supper clubs are casual and intimate gatherings that feature regional Greek food and wines. Peter teaches wooden spoon. Simmer about 5 minutes. Greek cooking classes, does private catering, and pop-ups at venues around To- ronto such as the Toronto Underground Market, Toronto Harbourfront and local 3. Add lamb shanks back into the vessel, along with the lemon verbe- restaurants. Connect: website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, You Tube, Pinterest WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 53 F o o d & W i n e

Beans with Roasted Garlic, 3. In the meantime, rinse parsley and place in a food processor along with lemon zest, capers, olive oil, and mustard. Process until amal- Capers, & Parsley gamated and set aside until your beans are ready.

From the kitchen of Peter Minaki… 4. Empty beans into a bowl along with the parsley-caper dressing.

Here’s a simple side dish to go with your Easter lamb. Enjoy! Unwrap the foil around roasted garlic and squeeze the cloves out and into the bowl with the beans along. Add dried Greek oregano INGREDIENTS and 1 tsp. of wine vinegar. Toss the beans until well coated with the 1lb. green or yellow wax beans (or mixture of both), trimmed and rinsed dressing. Adjust salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste. Serve as a side 1 cup fresh parsley leaves dish, cool or room temperature. 1 whole head of garlic, roasted 3 Tbsp. capers, rinsed 1 tsp. Dijon-style mustard Zest of 1/2 lemon 1/4 cup extra-virgin Greek olive oil 1 tsp. dried Greek oregano 1-2 tsp. red wine vinegar Coarse sea salt Fresh ground pepper to taste Καλό Πάσχα!

DIRECTIONS

° Pre-heat oven to 350 F. On sale now! www.kalofagas.ca 1. Cut off the top of the head of garlic -- just enough to expose the Recipes for cloves inside. Place the head of garlic in aluminum foil. Lightly your drizzle with olive and sprinkle some coarse sea salt. Wrap the head of garlic with the foil and place in the pre-heated oven for 35-50 Pascha table

minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

2. Snap off the end (s) of the beans and rinse. Place a large pot of wa- ter on the stove and bring to a boil. Season the water well with salt and as soon as the water returns to a boil, add beans and bring the water back to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-high and boil the beans for 6 minutes (should still be a bit crisp). Remove the beans from the heat and empty into a strainer. Run cold water over them Peter Minaki to cool and allow to drain. WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 54 F o o d & W i n e Feta and Herb Pull-Apart Bread From the kitchen of Peter Minaki…

We know you’ll be serving , but why not try this savory bread? It’s easy to make!

INGREDIENTS 1 dough recipe

Feta & herb filling 3 cloves of garlic, smashed 2/3 cup crumbled Feta cheese (Greek, of course) 2/3 cup grated cheese (or other sheep’s milk cheese) 1/4 tsp. Boukovo (chilli flakes) 1/4 tsp. cracked black pepper 1 tsp. dried Greek oregano 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 1/4 finely chopped scallions 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary

Pull-Apart Topping 1/4 tsp. dried Greek oregano 1/8 tsp. dried rosemary 1/4 tsp. sesame seeds Pinch of chilli flakes 1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and tuck the outer Fresh cracked pepper edges inwards. Remove the dough ball and place on your work sur- face. Spread some regular flour on the work surface and press your DIRECTIONS fingers down on the dough to spread it out. Now divide the dough into 16-18 portions and roll each into a ball shape in your hand. Cover dough-balls and allow to rest.

2. In the meantime, add herbs, garlic, and scallions into a food processor and pulse until amalgamated. Now add the crumbled Feta and grated Kasseri and pulse again until well mixed.

3. Uncover the dough balls and place one on the work surface and press down with the palm of your hand to flatten it into a disc. Now place a scant teaspoon of filling in the middle and bundle up the dough, ensuring the filling is secured. Place in an oiled pan (approx. 14 inch in diameter. Now repeat with the remaining balls of dough and place in the baking pan.

4. Brush the tops of the Pull-Aparts with water and quickly mix the topping ingredients and sprinkle evenly on top. Allow to rise in a warm spot in your kitchen for 20-30 minutes. Pre-heat oven to 350◦ F.

5. Place in pre-heated oven (middle rack) for 30 minutes or until golden on top. Carefully remove from the oven and run a knife around the perimeter of the bread to loosen it from the pan. Gen- tly overturn then flip back upright onto a serving plate. WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 55 F o o d & W i n e Tsoureki Greek Easter Bread

From the kitchen of Krystina Kalapothakos…

Yield: 4 braided loaves

INGREDIENTS

8 cups of all-purpose flour plus a half cup for counter work 1/2 tsp. of salt 1-1/2 cups milk, warmed 3 envelopes dry yeast 3 sticks unsalted butter 1-3/4 cup of sugar Zest of 1 large orange (reserve juice) Zest of 1 lemon (reserve juice) 1 tsp 1 tbsp. mahlepi 1 tsp. vanilla Egg wash: 1 egg with about 1/4 cup of water beaten *optional almonds or sesame seeds for the top of the bread

DIRECTIONS 6. Turn the dough out on to a well-floured counter and punch down. Keep sprinkling the dough with flour to keep it from sticking. The dough will still be wet. 1. Sift the flour with the salt in a large bowl and set aside. 7. Separate dough into 4 equal parts. Shape into rounds and allow them to 2. Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk; make sure the milk isn’t too hot. rest for 10 - 15 minutes. Now divide each dough into 3 pieces. Roll out Add a 1/2 cup of flour and 1 tablespoon of white sugar. Cover with plastic each piece into long cords that are about a foot long. (See pictures). Braid wrap and set aside. Make sure the yeast is bubbling and foamy. the three ropes together to form a braided loaf. Place the braids on baking 3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over very low heat. Stir in the sugar, sheets to rise again. orange zest, and lemon zest, juice from orange and lemon, cardamom, 8. Preheat oven to 280◦ degrees. Once the dough has risen to double the size, and mahlab. Remove from heat and whisk in the beaten eggs. Let it cool brush with the egg wash. Place blanched almonds on top or even sesame slightly. seeds. Gently press in a red egg towards the top part of the bread. 4. Add yeast mixture to a mixing bowl. Add in butter, sugar, and egg mix- 9. Bake until golden brown on top for about an hour. ture. Use a mixer on loaw speed, and to add flour slowly. Keep adding and dough will be quite wet, but smooth.

5. Place dough in bowl and set in a warm place, until it doubles in size, Enjoy! about 1-1/2 to 2 hours. WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 56 F o o d & W i n e Koulouria

From the kitchen of Maria A. Karamitsos …

No holiday is complete without recipes like this, passed down from my grandmother, Mary Lalagos. These Koulouria are unique, in that they are soft, rather than the hard koulouria most bake, that must be dunked to enjoy. It took a few years to master Yia Yia’s recipe, and I’m the only one in the family who still makes it. These cookies – and their enticing aroma – evoke memories of our beloved grandmother. She passed away in 1993, but bak- ing her cookies always makes me feel close to her. As my Yia Yia did, I bake these – and her amazing Kourambiedes – for both Easter and Christmas. At holiday time, I ship boxes of cookies all over the country, for family mem- bers longing for a piece our past – each bite conjuring a childhood memory, and Yia Yia’s love. Love and miss you, Yia!

Yield: Approximately 250 cookies Maria Karamitsos INGREDIENTS 6. Add flour, 1 cup at a time. After the 4th or 5th cup, you won’t be able to 1 lb butter and ¼ stick margarine use the mixer anymore, so transfer to very large bowl. Begin kneading the dough, and add just enough flour so that the dough is not sticky, 4 cups sugar and is easy to form shapes. The amount of flour can vary, based on 14 eggs how liquid the butter was, or how much whiskey you used. Even 1/2 cup milk weather can affect how much flour is needed. Likely you will use the entire bag of flour, plus some extra. Dough should not stick to your Scraped peel of 2 oranges and 2 lemons fingers. 6 tsp of liquid pure vanilla extract 2 Tbsp baking powder 7. Move dough in a ball in the center of the bowl. Lightly pour oil 1/2 cup orange juice (no pulp) around the dough and work it in. This is what makes them soft.

1.5 tsp baking soda 8. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rest. 6 capfuls whiskey 1 bag Ceresota unbleached flour, plus extra 9. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease the cookie sheets. 1/4 cup Mazola or Wesson oil 10. Roll the dough into thin “tubes”. Twirl them into twist shapes, curl them into “S” shapes, or “O” shapes, and place on cookie sheets. DIRECTIONS 11. In a small bowl, beat two eggs. Lightly brush egg onto cookies. 1. In a mixer, cream butter and margarine. Add sugar and mix together, about 5 minutes. 12. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden. Ovens vary, so start with 10 minutes and then determine if more time is needed. Transfer to a cooling rack. 2. Add 12 eggs, one at a time. Once mixed in, add the milk. Mix until The cookies taste even better the next day, when the flavors have had a light and fluffy. chance to converge.

3. Scrape the peel of the oranges and lemons. Add to mixture. This recipe has been passed down for several generations on the Arcadian 4. Pour in vanilla, and add baking powder. Continue to mix. side of the family (Yia Yia’s roots are in Steno and Basiako, Tripoli. She and my papou, who was from Tegeas, met and married in Chicago.) This 5. In a separate bowl or glass, pour orange juice. Add the baking soda, recipe for Koulouria was immortalized in 2005, when it was included in and let foam about 1 minute. While it’s foaming, add whiskey to the Greektown Chicago: Its History - Its Recipes by Alexa Ganakos, for which mixer. Pour in orange juice after the baking soda has activated. I served as Food Editor. WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 57 F o o d & W i n e Girl: Recommendations for Pascha Celebrations Our Greek Wine Col- to Greece. I’ve seen firsthand the Thymiopolous Young Vines is won’t be disappointed. Tselepos’ umnist Nicole An- top quality of the food and wine, another great Xinomavro. Over the roots grow deeper in Greece as dersen, a.k.a. Greek as well as the efforts to exceed last year, I’ve been watching this the years pass with vineyards in Wine Girl, shares her EU and Greek standards for qual- winery, and am very pleased with Nemea, and Santorini now, plus picks for Greek wines ity. I always bring home authentic their progress in a most wonderful the stamp of Mantinia. Their Mos- to complement your Greek products, especially from and exciting direction. It’s complex chofilero is now P.D.O. recognized. Pascha meal. Go Greek my family’s village of Lidoriki. with bouquets of small red fruits, Don’t be afraid to just grab a bottle wine! In my experience, the availability cherry and plums. the mouth is full and try it – it will change your per- of Greek products in the U.S. is but not overpowering the acidity is spective on Greek wine in general. limited, so I stock up! With Easter perfectly balanced and has a long By: Nicole Andersen approaching, don’t forget to buy and pleasant finish. Greek products to prepare for your Buy/order now You may have to order some of It’s time for Easter and the tradi- celebrations. Take any red -- and white, for these wines, so go shopping early. tions for our most important holiday that matter -- from Tselepos Winery of the year. I always look forward Go to your local wine shop and in Tripolis. This hard-hitting winery From my house to all of yours, I to Easter, though it also reminds me purchase wine, Masthia, ouzo, or is a powerhouse in all their wines. wish you a wonderful Easter. Στήν how much I miss my grandparents. rakomelo. If they don’t stock them, Tselepos is also master of Moscho- υγειά μας! This was the holiday we always ask them to order for you. Thanks filero. Try any of their wines – you shared with them and our family in to diligent efforts by a few street Souix City, IA. warriors, Binny’s boasts a large se- lection of Greek wine. Some bou- Greek Wine Columnist Nicole Andersen, a.k.a. Greek As you prepare for your Wine Girl, is a sommelier and a 17-year veteran of the Pascha celebrations this year, here tique wine shops do carry business. In 2010, she began burning the mid- are some recommendations for wines. If you find one, you’ve hit night oil, studying wine. In this capacity, she was intro- duced to the world of Greece and her wines. The quest Greek wine. Support and buy Greek the jackpot, as their buyers have been exposed to and tasted through to study them and a great passion for Greece and Greek wines! wine was born. Follow Nicole on Facebook and Twitter. several Greek wines and picked their favorites. Remember, today’s Buy Greek Greek wines are world-class. Back To My Roots: Greek wine’s time has come! Greek wines are on the rise! This Sharing Recipes From The Villages Of Greece seems to be our year, as critics increasingly advise consumers to Recommendations for Greek drink Greek. We Greek-Americans Reds should be buying Greek – this sup- Easter celebrations are always ports the wineries of the homeland, heavy on meats – since we’ve been and helps maintain the exports that fasting for all of Lent -- so let’s talk assist Greece in so many ways. reds. There’s no time like the present! Start now. I can promise you that As the guests arrive, serve your Greece’s days of low quality and mezedes with a Greek sparkling oxidized wines are over. We’re wine like Kir-Yianni Akakies, a seeing some of the most exquisite fantastic expression of the ability wines that are sure to make you to show Amyndeon and Xinomavro the talk of your next gathering. grape varieties in a whole new way. Not only are we excelling in wines Then take Kir -Yianni Ramnista, but also our bio products, like oils, made with 100% Xinomavro and honey, vinegar, , cheese, and By Krystina Kalapothakos see the flexibility of one of my beauty products -- the list goes on. favorite varieties out of Greece. Available on Amazon All are top-notch products free of You’ll enjoy the strawberry and our everyday exposure to chemi- vanilla flavors, along with sweet Check out KOUZOUNAS KITCHEN cals in processing. spices. https://kouzounaskitchen.com/ I’ve spent many years traveling WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 58 P asc h a G i f t I d e as

Pascha is approaching. You may be wondering what to buy for your God- Gus on the Go App for learning Greek children, Koumbari, hosts, etc. Here are some gift ideas for you. Don’t Loukoumaki Greek-inspired tshirts, bags, and more Footprints of the Mind Global adventures for kids forget - Support Your Local Greek! Kidzlingo.com Stream Greek cartoons and movies online

--- Church bookstores also have unique faith-based books, lambades, icons and more.

Support WindyCity Greek! Click through here to shop at Ama- Best kid gift: Attend services with them, and spend time. zon. It doesn’t cost you anything, and we get a small commission to help us continue our efforts! Now… for Koumbari, older Godchildren, or a unique host/hostess gift FOR THE LADIES:

Fashion/Jewelry/Accessories: Now, here are some great Pascha gift ideas, Annie Handbags Designs by Annie Diamantidis Stella & Dot (Angie Bithos) compiled by our staff. Sophia Forero Designs (Sophia Forero) Globally inspired Paul’s Jewelers Jewelry inspired by Hellenism and Orthodoxy (Paraskevi Anto- nopoulos) Kastel Jewelry Unique pieces made by Maria Ress that are trendy, yet timeless Jewels by Stelios Dossis Jewelers Korres Cosmetics Natural skincare, makeup, etc. Nasty Gal New and vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories. Shoes by Konstantina Tzovolou Clothing by Mary Katrantzou Clothing and Accessories by Patricia Field DIY by Jane Organize a fun home party with Jane Monzures Origamy Owl Custom jewelry YASOU Natural Skin Care

Pixabay A little pampering… Salon Efthymia Hair, nails, spa services KIDS CORNER Heavenly Massage spa gift certificates (several locations in Chicago area) Faceworks International (on-location hair and makeup agency – salon on wheels for glamorous event hair and makeup, bridal valet, photo shoots, etc. – Maria Miliotis) Kids’ Books… KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Athens, Greece by Shannon Jones Lucky Egg book by Anna Prokos about tradition Loukoumi Children’s book series by Nick Kastoris FOR THE GUYS: Yiayia Visits Amalia by Maria G. Mackavey John Varvatos Contemporary high-fashion clothing, accessories, shoes and fragranc- YOUNG WORLD TRAVELERS AND THE MAGICAL CRYSTAL GLOBE and es YOUNG WORLD TRAVELERS: Ready, Set, OPA by Demetra Tsavaris-Lecourezos Dean’s Dugout Sports cards in boxes, packs, singles, as well as sports films, memo- Christina books by Maria Khoury rabilia, photos, and collector supplies Travel Books by Anna Othitis Play 18 Indoor golf center gift certificates The Gods of Olympus by Alex Kapotas Angelo Frentzos Contemporary clothing Books by Joanne Karipidis Kefalas How Does My Mama Know? Written by Patricia Kieta and illustrated by Kiki Stama- tiou Whitehead Continued on Next Page Orthodox kids books by Jane G. Meyer WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 59 P asc h a G i f t I d e as

Zoe’s Chocolate Chocolates for all occasions, made with locally grown, sustainable MISCELLANY for everyone, including products the tough-to-buy-for or person-who-has- Georgetown Cupcakes Gourmet cupcakes everything… How about a Greek cookbook? Kantyli, Inc. Unique and custom Greek picture frames, signs and other novelties Cookbooks by Marika Germanis Net Zero Coin Set commemorates the world’s oldest computer, the Antikythera Cookbooks by Peter Minaki Mechanism.Limited edition – only 1000 minted. Cookbooks by Diane Kochilas Greektown Music music, DVDs, gifts and more Back To My Roots by Krystina Kalapothakos National Hellenic Museum Gift Store (books, jewelry and more, plus memberships, Taste of Greece: Recipes, Cuisine & Culture By Princess Tatiana and Diana Farr exhibit tix, etc.) Louis. Proceeds benefit Boroume. Loukoumaki Greek-inspired t-shirts, aprons Cooking Techniques with Olive Oil by Mary Platis and Laura Bashar Ellinas Multimedia books, DVDs about lives of saints and more, music, products gifts and more GreekShops.com Greek gifts books and more There are too many to list here…hop over to Amazon and have a look. Cartoules Press Cards, prints, stationery Athenian Candle Company hand-dipped candles, icons and more …or a gift certificate from your favorite Greek restaurant! Orthodox Icons Icons handmade on wood A Floral Affair Mary Lalagos Mazzeffi’s inspired fresh & silk arrangements, holiday Specialty Products… décor Global Gardens Specialty vinegars, olive oil, gourmet food items, and more Cloud 9 Candle Company soy candles with lead-free wick, many scents*** Klio Tea Organic Greek Mountain Teas Chicago Greek Hoodies tshirts and decals. Proceeds benefit St. Nicholas Greek Stayia Farms – Organic Honey Orthodox Church Greek Food & Wine/Fotis and Sons Imports Gift baskets, Greek food and wine*** DVD Markos Vamvakaris Autobiography, The quintessential Rebetiko story, for the Navarino Icons Olive oil and other food products made in Greece first time in English. Peter & Paul’s Gift Baskets Canada-based boutique baskets and unique gifts Ellinas Multimedia Gifts, books, DVDs, and more. MastihaShopNY Genuine Chios mastiha products including food, beverages and Le Papier Studio, LTD - Favorite photographs are used to illustrate the people, pets, cosmetics and special moments in your life; they’re used in heirloom pieces. From those trea- Vilia Soap Company Natural olive oil soaps sured pictures, Le Papier Studio creates one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces. The Blue Sea Shops Clothing and home accessories 5430 Designs: Greek-Chicagoan themed products. The Spartan Table Homegrown Greek oil, herbs, spices, olive oil, and more How about a trip? Arcadia Travel & Tours Tell Vicky we sent you! For the wine lover… Greek-owned wineries in California. Order online – or plan a trip to visit! A gastro-inspired gift… Demetria Estate Central Coast winery Local Greek stores have a host of treasures waiting for you! Levendi Winery Napa Valley winery Padis Vineyards Napa Valley winery In the Chicago area: Axios Wine Napa Valley winery Fotinos Vineyard Napa Valley winery Most have wine too.. Omega Cellars Lodi, CA winery Minos Imported Foods – Addison, IL Stama Winery Lodi, CA winery Elea Mediterranean Food Mart – Greektown St. Sophia Winery Lodi, CA winery Spartan Brothers Imported Foods Chicago (northwest side) Freja Cellars Wilamette Valley, OR winery Brillakis Import Foods – Niles, IL Columbus Food Market– Des Plaines, IL Ellinikon Pandopoleion – Chicago (east side) There’s a lot of great wine coming from Greece these days. Check your local wine shop/liquor store or try a Greek restaurant. Sweet Treats… PanHellenic Pastry Shop Greek pastries In the Chicago area, we find Greek wine at Binny’s, Costco, Mariano’s, Whole Foods, Artopolis Cafe & Agora Greek pastries, gift store Minos Imported Foods, Pete’s Fresh Market, and more. Wine shops are typically good Pagalino Bakery sweet treats about ordering wines if they don’t stock them, so don’t be afraid to ask! Chocolates by Maria Yummy chocolate delights hand-dipped twice in gluten-free chocolate Chicago Sweet Connection Bakery Greek sweets and more Le Cafe Fresh pastries, crepes and more Baklava Couture Gourmet baklava made with Greek olive oil and local honey, bak- Continued on Next Page lava toppers, gift baskets WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 60 P asc h a G i f t I d e as

For the music lover… Books by Billy Cotsis Tender Souls by Indie Rocker Pete RG Books by Dean Karnazes Comedown by Jason Achilles Mezilis Books by Victoria Hislop Greek Chamber Music Project CDs Greek music presented in a new way Chasing Athens by Marissa Tejada Anastasi CD by Chicago guitarist Andreas Kapsalis The Greek Village Series Novels by Sara Alexi Sensuous Chill by Yanni Hidden in Plain Sight by Karen Batshaw White Mystery CDs by Eikona Beautiful hymns of our Faith sung by three sisters Hiking the Holy Mountain:Tales of Monks and Miracles on the Trails of Mount Athos, Greece by John McKinney

…and don’t forget your local church bookstores and bazaars!

Health-related… Greek Expectations: The Last Standing by Ekaterina Botziou My Healthy Soma Sessions with certified holistic health coach Roula Marinos Pa- Wings of Wax by Apollo Papafrangou pamihail Kinda Sorta American Dream short stories by Steve Karas Ignite Fitness/CrossFitNGK Gift certificates for small group training Falling in Honey: How a Tiny Greek Island Stole My Heart by Jen Bar- OPA-cize Greek dance fitness. Search for classes in your area. clay Miracle at by Deno Seder Books… The Amorgos Conspiracy by Elias Kulukundis How about a book? Second Chances by Cleo A. Lampos The Greek Bookstore Greek novels, religious books, cookbooks, books for kids, Destiny Prevails: My life with Aristotle, Alexander, Christina Onassis and music, video, etc. her daughter, Athina by Paul J. Ioannidis Novels by Harry Mark Petrakis Edith Hall’s Introducing the Ancient Greeks Books by Eleni Gage The OPA! Way: Finding Joy & Meaning in Everyday Life & Work by Alex Ecclesia: Greek Orthodox Churches of the Chicago Metropolis by Panos Pattakos and Elaine Dundon Fiorentinos Honey, Olives, Octopus: Adventures at the Greek Table and Eternity & Oranges by Christopher Bakken Veritas Deception by Lynn Constantine The Green Shore by Natalie Bakopoulos The Sifnos Chronicles by Sharon Blomfield The Sifnos Chronicles by Sharon Blomfield Chasing Athens by Marissa Tejada Black Easter and Aegean Dream by Dario Ciriello Hidden in Plain Sight by Karen Batshaw Something Will Happen, You’ll See by Christos Ikonomou; translated to Girl Gone Greek by Rebecca A. Hall English by Karen Emmerich Books by Jeffrey Siger Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis; translated by Peter Bien Books by Nicholas Gage Phantasma by Efthalia Books by Patricia Volonakis Davis Time Stands Still by Stacy Froumis Books by Marjory McGinn Books by Alexander Billinis So many books, so little time! We could keep going! Books by Alex Rassogianis Click over to Amazon to search for others. Books by Effie Kammenou Books by Gus Constantine Email us ([email protected]) for more book recommendations! Books by Peter T. Tomaras Books by Constance N. Constant Novels by Maria Savva Books by Loukia Borrell Books by Effrosyni Moschoudi Books by Nicholas Rossis Books by Eric Metaxas Continued on Next Page Books by Lynne Constantine WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 61 P asc h a G i f t I d e as

For the art lover… Charitable Giving…A great time to support a National Hellenic Museum gift store Hilton-Asmus Contemporary Work of several Greek artists including Kostis Geor- worthy cause…Make a donation in someone’s giou, Terry Poulos Stephanie Karamitsos Original paintings, collage name to… Amalia Kouvalis Original etchings, oil paintings ZIA Gallery Contemporary photography, art, works on paper Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation Supporting the work of Dr. Georgia Pistolis Fine Art Watercolors and acrylics Leonidas Platanias at Lurie Cancer Center in Chicago Southern Cross Galleries Prints, photo safaris by Dean Tatooles Vivian Haritos Paintings, drawings, photography; custom works Martha & Mary Maternity House support for expectant mothers: shelter, Rip Kastaris Contemporary Fine Art food, medical & spiritual care Politismos Museum of Greek History eshop Ionian Village Support rebuilding following tornado damage at Greek American camp in Greece St. Nicholas Shrine Support construction of Greek Orthodox shrine at the World Trade Center Comedy… International Orthodox Christian Charities Ellen Karis Greek Goddess of Comedy DVDs SOS Children’s Villages Support vulnerable children and families affected by the Angelo Tsarouchas The Funny Greek DVDs “It’s All Greek to Me” and “Still Hun- ongoing crisis in Greece gry” DVDs St. Basil Academy Basile Comedy DVDs and CDs, t-shirts, Greek gift baskets National Hellenic Museum Jim Dailakis DVDs and CDs Politismos Museum of Greek History Online museum showcasing the best of Greece, ancient & modern St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Kansasville, WI Education… Philoxenia House of Rochester, MN*** Greek Institute of Language and Culture Chicago area Greek classes for adults Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Center Odeion School of Music Music lessons and workshops A Silver Lining Foundation Buy a Mom a Mammogram, plus education and ser- vices for cancer patients Support Greek Education Programs in America…Modern Greek Studies Pro- Child’s Play Touring Theatre June Panagakos Podagrosi’s traveling company grams at your local university; Greek American parochial day schools in your area. performing stories and poems written by children; hosts writing workshops at local Chicago’s Greek American Parochial Schools schools Guardian Angel Orthodox Day School KostasZ Foundation providing strength, awareness and information to individuals Hellenic American Academy with disabilities and all issues of accessibility through its projects and events Koraes Elementary School Coffee with Sister Vassa A 10-minute catechetical program on Youtube, hosted by Plato Academy Sr. Dr. Vassa Larin. Get a coffee mug! Pythagoras Children’s Academy The Smile of the Child Greek charity benefiting children St. Nicholas National Shrine at World Trade Center Will be spectacular! Family Portrait Session Make a donation to a local church in someone’s name A Day at a Time – Toni Zurales Milak Elios Photography – Dimitri Eliopoulos Orthodox Marketplace Books, icons, gifts, & more Furla Studios MVP Studio Photography – Bill Melonides Papadakis Photography – George Papadakis This is by no means a comprehensive list – Photography by Margo – Margo Kuchuris Wiseman Elias Zimianitis it’s just to get you thinking! The ideas are endless!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Continued on Next Page WindyCity Greek Easter 2017 Page 62 P asc h a

Easter Blessings to you and your family!

ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ!

The Karamitsos Family

Peter, Maria, Eleni, & Angeliki 2015 ScholarshipAwardsGala the outstandingachievementsofouraward recipients! Saturday, June20,2015•HiltonChicago $250,000 inScholarshipAwards Education isthekeytoSuccess! Join usincelebrating

WindyCity Greek Easter2017 as wecelebrateandhonorouroutstandingscholarshiprecipients! 2017AwardsCeremony&Gala We extendourbestwishestoyouandyourlovedones Building abetterAmerica throughEducation and Hellenism P 312.357.6432•F 312.357.0527 •[email protected] Saturday, June17,2017•HiltonChicago $250,000 inScholarship Awards 17 N.WabashAve., Ste.600,Chicago,IL60602 during thisseasonofjoyandrenewal. Happy Easter Καλή Ανάσταση! Please joinusforour Building theDream www.panhellenicsf.org P a ? C S a h

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