St. Spyridon PTA NEWSLETTER

ENIC OR ELL TH H O N D O O D X I C R H Y U P S R

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P A P A N R E IO N T T IA TE OC ACHER ASS

MAY 2021 · Christos ANeSTI! · Holy Father Nikephoros · Father Arsenios the Great · Emmeilia

· Saint Macrina the Elder like us @spyridonpta · Apostle Hermas of the Seventy iG with us spyridonpta · Saint for a day and more! find us www.saint-spyridon.net · MARK YOUR CALENDAR! email us [email protected] isen! christ is r χριστοσ ανεστη! BRIGHT WEEK

This is what we call the week following the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This week begins a period of celebration that continues for fty days until Pentecost.

Have you ever noticed that we don’t kneel in church during this period? On Pentecost (50 days after Easter) we celebrate the Sunday of Pentecost, which is a very important day for the Orthodox church year.

There are a series of prayers that are read called the Kneeling Prayers. They help teach us how to pray to the Holy Trinity. Though we celebrate the resurrection everyday as Christians, Pentecost marks the end of the Pascha celebration. After this Sunday, we begin kneeling again in church.

Click here to print up your own copy of the Kneeling Prayers for Pentecost Holy Father Nikephoros the Hesychast Holy Father Nikephoros the Hesychast (14th c. ) Nikephoros the Hesychast, was once a Roman Catholic, but he converted to Orthodoxy and lived in asceticism on the Holy Mountain. He was the spiritual father of Gregory Palamas and lived an uneventful yet peaceful life as a . He left a description of the hesychast’s path. A hesychast is a monastic who seeks divine quietness through contemplation of God in uninter- rupted prayers. This type of prayer involves the entire human being-soul, mind and body. Such prayer is often referred to as pure or intellectual, such as the Jesus Prayer. He left these words, “Gather your mind and compel it to enter into your heart and remain there. When your mind is rmly in your heart, it must not remain empty, but must incessantly make the prayer: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me!’ And it must never fall silent. Through this the whole string of the virtues: love, joy, peace and the others, will make their abode in you, by which, then, every request of yours to God will be ful lled.”  lOur Righteous Father Arsenios the Great He is one of the most honored Desert Fathers. He used to be a deacon and was a courtier, which is someone who served as an advisor to royality in Constantinople. All these things changed for him one day when he heard a voice saying, “Arsenios, ee from men, and thou shalt be saved.” He left the capital in secret and sailed to where he ended up in the Egyptian dessert where he became a monk. For years he was the of St. , until one day he heard a voice again. “Arse- nios, ee, be silent, pray always, for these are the causes of sinning not.” So, he onced again abruptly and secretly left his brother and lived his life as a hermit. It is said he used to turn his back to the sun as it would set, raise his hands in prayer  and would pray without sitting down until the sun would rise again on the next day. One monk went to visit him and while Arseniosl was in prayer, his entire body was glowing like a ame. SAint EmmeliA

Long ago Emmelia met a pious man, Basil, who was the son of Macrina the Elder, who became a saint. Emmelia and Basil eventually decided to get married. They were blessed with 10 children, 5 of them became . Because of this Saint Emmelia is often referred to as the Mother of Saints. Their names are Saint Basil the Great, Saint , of Sebaste, Saint Macrina and Saint Theosebia. The children grew up loving each other very much, never ghting and living their lives in Christ as their parents did. Not long after the youngest child was born, Emmelia’s husband, Basil the Elder passed away. At the age of 27, her son Naucratios died. Emmelia was very sad, but she was comforted by her daughter Macrina. She told her that it is not tting for a Christian to mourn in such a way. That as a Christian, she needs to remember the Resurrection of Christ and his victory over Death. She saw that her daughter was right, and she led a life of prayer and charity helping those who were in need and sick all while holding on to the good memories of her son. Emmelia and Macrina went to Pontos and built a convent where they were joined by other women and lived their lives tending to the land, praying and fasting. She reposed peacefully years later. 

Saint Macrina the Elder

Saint Macrina the Elder, the Mother-in-law to Saint Emmelia and the Grandmother of Saint Basil the Great.

"The grandmother of St Basil the Great, she was outstanding for her intellect and piety. She was a disciple of St Gregory the Wonder-worker of Neocaesarea. In the reign of , she abandoned her home and hid in the forests and desert places with her husband, Basil. Although their home was con scated, they felt no pangs of regret. Stripped of everything except their love for God, they settled in an ancient forest and spent seven years there. By God's providence, goats would come down from the mountains and provide them with food. They both died peacefully in the fourth century, after great suerings for the Christian faith." (Prologue from Ochrid) l  Apostle Hermas of the Seventy

He was a wealthy man who had fallen into poverty. He was visited by a man wearing all white and was holding a sta . He told Hermas that he was an angel of repentance and he left the saint with 12 commandments:

1. To believe in God

2. To live in simplicity and innocence

3. To love truth and ee from falsehood

4. To guard his thoughts in chastity

5. To learn patience and magnanimity of soul

6. To know that a good and an evil spirit attend every man

7. To fear God, but not the devil

8. To perform every good deed and to restrain himself from every evil one

9. To pray to God in faith from the depths of his heart, so that his prayer might be heard

10. To preserve himself from melancholy, the daughter of doubt, and from anger

11. To try true and false prophecies.

12. To preserve himself from every evil desire.

Let us all try holding this commandments close to our hearts as Saint Hermas did.

 Getting crafty!

Repurpose those popsicle sticks this summer! Check out these Easy, fun and cute crafts!

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Click on the images for details and step by step instructions 31 days of saints!

Want to learn more?! Of course you do! Take time with your family and look up these celebrations and Saints that are recognized in the month of May Here is one for each day! Sit together and read together. May 1st: Holy Prophet May 2nd: Translation of the Relics of St. Athanasius the Great, of Alexandria May 3rd: Timothy the Reader and his wife Maura of Antinoe in Egypt May 4rd: - Pelagia of Tarsus in Asia Minor May 5th : Great Martyr Irene of Thessalonica May 6th: Righteous the Long-su ering May 7th: Our Holy Fathers of Georgia May 8th: Holy Apostles of Evangelist John the Theologian May 9th: Holy Prophet May 10th: Apostle Simon Zelotes May 11th: Holy Heiromartyr Mocius May 12th: Our Fathers among the Saints Epiphanios, of Cyprus May 13th Holy Virgin-martyr Glykeria at Heraclea May 14th: Martyr Isidore of Chios May 15th: Our Father among the Saints Achillius, Bishop of Larissa May 16th: Blessed Musa the Maiden May 17th: Holy Martyr Solochon May 18th: Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra and seven virgin-martyrs with him May 19th: Heiromartyr Patrick, bishop of Prusa and three priests with him May 20th: Our Father among the Saint Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow May 21st: Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine and Helen his mother May 22nd: Righteous Melchizedek, king of Salem May 23rd: Saint the Confessor, bishop of Synnada May 24th: Saint Symeon Stylites of the Wonderful Mountain May 25th: Third Finding of the Precious Head of Saint May 26th: Holy Apostle Carpus of the Seventy May 27th: Holy Martyrs Theodora and Didymus May 28th: Saint Nicetas the Confessor, bishop of Chalcedon May 29th: Virgin-martyr Theodosia of Tyre May 30th: Saint Issac, founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople May 31st: Apostle Hermas of the Seventy Source for saints per day: saints http://www.abbamoses.com/months/may.html for Source Have A Great SUMMER! This will be our final newsletter; we hope you have enjoyed them! ΚΑΛΟ ΚΑΛΟΚΑΙΡΙ MARK your CALENDAR!

MAY 30th: Join us for the PTA ARTOKLASIA

MAY 29th-30th: JunioR OlYMPICS MemoriAl Day weekend held at Saints Constantine and Helen ALL FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BYMAY 7TH (please see form on the next page) PLEASE EMAIL ALL FORMS TO: [email protected]

Greek School ReGistration Forms Available to download by clicking here

CAMP KALOKAIRAKI GREEK SCHOOL CAMP registration through eventbrite available by clicking here for more information, see attached flyer

ARCHANGELS CAmp for more information, see attached flyer GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO JR. OLYMPICS ATHLETE REGISTRATION FORM / INSURANCE WAIVER / CODE OF CONDUCT ACCEPTANCE

REGISTRATION FORM: Please PRINT neatly NAME:

Last Name First Name Middle Initial

ADDRESS:

CITY: STATE: ZIP:

HOME PHONE #: CELL PHONE #:

EMERGENCY #: E-MAIL:

PARENTS CELL PHONE #: PARENTS EMAIL:

DATE OF BIRTH: AGE: GRADE:

MALE / FEMALE WEIGHT: HEIGHT: (CIRCLE ONE)

NAME OF CHURCH:

(BE PREPARED TO PRESENT A BIRTH CERTIFICATE, IF NECESSARY)

For Local Church Use Only: Shirt Size: Small  Medium  Large  X-Large 

INSURANCE WAIVER We consent and give authority to obtain medical care and treatment of any and all injuries as a result of participation in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics.

INSURANCE (HOSPITALIZATION) COMPANY:

POLICY NUMBER: DATE:

DRUG ALLERGIES:

**Signature of Parent:

We, the parents (legal guardians) of the above child, do give our consent and approval for his/her participation in any and all activities of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics. In consideration of our child’s acceptance in said activities, we the undersigned do hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics, under the auspices of The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, and the Parish of SS. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church its directors, officers, coaches, and agents, and all churches/parishes that fall under its jurisdiction, without regard to any negligence on their part, against any claim for damages, compensation or otherwise including all losses and expenses caused to or by our child while participating in any Athletic Program or activity of The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics, under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago.

WAIVER & RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS & ASSUMPTION OF RISK Please read the reverse side of this Enrollment/Registration Form. It contains a waiver and release of all claims and assumption of risk while involved in the program or activity registering for shown above.

I recognize and acknowledge that there are certain risks of physical injury to participants in these programs/activities, and I voluntarily agree to assume the full risk of any and all injuries, damages or loss regardless of severity, that my minor child/ward or I may sustain as a result of said participation. I further agree to waive and relinquish all claims I or my minor child/ward may have (or accrue to me or my child/ward) as a result of participating in these programs/activities against the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, a Metropolis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, including its officials, agents, volunteers and employees (herein after collectively referred to Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago). I do hereby fully release and forever discharge the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago and the Parish of SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church from any and all claims for injuries, damages or loss that my minor child/ward or I may have or which may accrue to me or my child/ward and arising out of, connected with, or in any way associated with these programs or activities. I have read and fully understand the important information, warning of risk, assumption of risk and waiver on the reverse side; and release of all claims. If registering on-line or via fax; your on-line or facsimile signature shall substitute for and have the same legal effect as an original form signature.

PARTICIPATION WILL BE DENIED; if the signature of an adult participant or parent/guardian and date are not completed below.

** Signature of Parent: Date:

→→→→→→→CONTINUED ON REVERSE SIDE – PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SIGN BOTH SIDES OF THIS DOCUMENT →→→→→→→ IMPORTANT INFORMATION Participants and parents/guardians of minors registering for the listed programs/activities must recognize that there is an inherent risk of injury when choosing to participate in recreational activities/programs. You are solely responsible for determining if you or your minor child/ward is physically fit and/or sufficiently skilled for the activities contemplated by this agreement. It is always advisable, especially if the participant pregnant or disabled in any way or recently suffered an illness, injury or impairment, to consult a physician before undertaking any physical activity.

WARNING OF RISK Recreational activities/programs may challenge and engage the physical, mental and emotional resources of each participant. Despite careful and proper preparation, instruction, medical advice, conditioning and equipment, there is still a risk of serious injury when participating in an recreational activity/program. Not all hazards and dangers can be foreseen. Depending on the particular activity, participants must understand that certain risks, damages and injuries due to inclement weather, slipping, falling, poor skill level or conditioning, carelessness, horseplay, unsportsmanlike conduct, premises defects, inadequate or defective equipment, inadequate supervision, instruction or officiating and all other circumstances inherent to indoor and outdoor recreation activities/programs exist. It must be recognized that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago and the Greek Orthodox Parish of SS. Constantine and Helen are not responsible for the safety of any participant.

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK Please read this form carefully and be aware that in signing up and participating in the programs/activities identified on the reverse side of this form, you will be expressly assuming the risk and legal ability and waiving and releasing all claims for injuries, damages or loss which you our your minor child/ward might sustain as a result of participating in any and all activities connected with and associated with said programs/activities (including transportation services/vehicle operation, when provided).

I recognize and acknowledge that there are certain risks of physical injury to myself or my minor child/ward in the programs/activities set forth on the reverse side, and I voluntarily agree to assume the full risk of any and all injuries, damages or loss, regardless of severity, that my minor child/ward or I may sustain as a result of said participation. I further agree to waive and relinquish all claims I or my minor child/ward may have (or accrue to me or my child/ward) as a result of participating in these programs/activities against the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago and the Greek Orthodox parish of SS. Constantine and Helen including their officials, agents, volunteers and employees.

I do hereby fully release, forever discharge and agree to hold harmless the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago and the Parish of SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church from any and all claims for injuries, damages or loss that my minor child/ward or I may have or which may accrue to me or my minor child/ward and arising out of, connected with, or in any way associated with these programs/activities.

I have read and fully understand the above important information, warning of risk, assumption of risk and waiver and release of all claims. If registering on-line or via fax, your on-line or facsimile signature shall substitute for and have the same legal effect as an original form signature.

Participant’s Signature (18 years or older or Parent /Guardian) must sign on reverse side.

Metropolis of Chicago Jr. Olympics Code of Conduct/Mission Statement

“…if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. … Remember therefore Jesus Christ, risen from the dead…”(2 Timothy 2: 5-8)

These words of St. Paul, an athlete for Christ, serve as the “code” and “mission” of the Metropolis of Chicago Jr. Olympics. All participants, coaches, advisors, organizers, parish leaders, parents and spectators are expected to keep high the ideals of these games, which namely are:

 to obey the “rules of play”;  to adhere to the age requirements;  to respect the event supervisors and officials;  to understand that all participants must be stewards of their parish, and involved in the parish’s education and youth programs;  to promote Christian athletic fellowship;  to maintain a demeanor that is typical of a faithful, believing, God-loving Orthodox Christian;  to respect all people involved in the games and to treat those people as one would the Lord Jesus Christ Himself We acknowledge receipt of the Code of Conduct / Mission Statement of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Jr. Olympics and further acknowledge having read and received this Code with our child and pledge our adherence to it.

Signature of Parent/Guardian Signature of Participant (If not signed, child will be disqualified) PLUTARCHOS HELLENIC LANGUAGE & HERITAGE ACADEMY PRESENTS

amp C αιράκ Κ αλοκ ι A Greek Summer Camp for students in Kindergarten - 6th grade · DAILY THEMES · ARTS & CRAFTS · SONGS · GYM TIME ·

June 21-25th, 2021 9am-12pm Grades K-6

$100 Registration Fee (non refundable) *REGISTRATION CLOSES JUNE 11TH* CAMP IS LIMITED TO 24 STUDENTS FOR MORE INFO CALL 708-385-2311 OR EMAIL [email protected]