APRIL 2019 - VOLUME NO. 337 SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH

Greek Independence Day Program! On Monday, March 25th, our Plutarchos Greek School students and our Floga Dance Troupe pre- sented poems, songs, and traditional dances in hon- or of Greek Independence Day. Many thanks to our Greek School Principal, Mrs. Labrini Stavrou, our staff, our volunteers, our Parent & Teacher Associ- ation, our students and all our parents and grand- parents who prepared our children to present their program. More pictures from the celebration are on our Facebook page and on page 15 of this publication. New Angels have arrived around our Pantokrator!

Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Lenten Retreat With the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, our parish of Saint Spyridon was honored to host the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Lenten Retreat. The speaker was Dr. Vasilia Digidiki who gave a PowerPoint presentation about the victims of war, the oppressed and the refu- gees. Mrs. Christina Hiotis and Mrs. Olga Paxinos were the chairladies for the event. Our chef, Dean Eliacostas, prepared a fabulous meal enjoyed by all. Many thanks to all who made this retreat a truly informative and spiritually beneficial event for all who attended. AARCHANGELSRCHANGELS A ACADEMYCADEMY

The students made Greek Flags and min- iatures of themselves dressed in Evzone or Amalia costumes to celebrate Greek Independence Day, March 25th. On Thursday, March 14th, The Hellenic Museum presented “Spirit of A Hero” followed by a shield making craft pro-

SCHOOL CALENDAR Friday, April 5th: Scales and Tales—In school Field Trip April 22nd-29th: No School—Pascha Break April 30th: School reconvenes

SUMMER CAMP 2019 ASIAN ADVENDURES JUNE 3RD—JUNE 7TH & JUNE 10TH –JUNE 14TH Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Open to 4-7 year olds and current 3 year old Archangels Academy students Summer Camp Applications and Forms available soon.

2 The Voice The Voice - H ΦΩNH Catechism 101 Official Monthly Have you ever wondered why when we pray for the dead we ask God to Community Publication of place their souls in the bosom of Abraham? Why is this Old Testament fig- St. Spyridon ure so prevalent in our liturgical conscience? We dealt with this question in our Orthodox discussion group on the Book of Acts through our study of the Hellenic Orthodox Church defense and martyrdom of St. Stephen the First Deacon. The main charge 12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue against St. Stephen was that he preached against the law of Moses and the Palos Heights, IL 60463 prescribed temple worship. In their hearts, he was already condemned be- cause of his faith in Christ which was perceived as a threat to their way of REV. FR. TILEMAHOS life. ALIKAKOS In his defense, the first martyr gave an account of his continued faith in the PROTOPRESBYTER history of Israel, with an emphasis on the person of the patriarch Abraham. He laid out for them how faith in Christ was in line with that faith. Even though the Sanhedrin would not listen, his speech offers us a great insight to Church Office the nature of our salvation in Jesus Christ. Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: 708-385-2311 or 2313 After the Fall of Adam and Eve, God intervened in human history through Fax: 708-385-0166 people that were willing to put their trust in God. At first it was Noah, who E-mail: [email protected] through his faith in God built the ark and saved all living things from the Web: www.Saint-Spyridon.org flood. His next intervention would be through the person of Abraham who

was a wealthy landowner from a pagan family living in the land of Ur, some- Parish Council Officers where in Mesopotamia. In Genesis 12:1-3 we read: “The Lord had said to Frank Kopanis President Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the George Papadopoulos Vice-President land I will show you. James Xeros Vice-President Panagiotis Stamus Secretary “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; John Farsatis Assistant Secretary I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. Gus Kolyvas Treasurer I will bless those who bless you, Jim Korbakes Assistant Treasurer and whoever curses you I will curse;

and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Auxiliary Officers Abraham believed in God’s promise and immediately obeyed His command- Angelo Angelos Chanter ments. He trusted in God’s promise of land and descendants, even though Toula Georgiopoulos Philoptochos he was old, childless, and without knowledge of where he was headed. He Tessie Jones P.T.A. believed that God would be true to his promises when he left everything be- Kiki Kazazakis Kentro Lambrini Stavrou Plutarchos Greek School hind in order to embark unto the unknown, not out of need or necessity, but Jan Prible Archangels Academy out of his faith in this mysterious God. It would more than twenty years into Zoe Kopanis Sunday School Director this journey that God finally granted him a son. In the meantime, he still Nicky Glikis Choir Director owned no land and no home. He and his family lived in tents. When asked Sofea Malamis G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. Debbie Petrakos Cherubs to made a covenant with God through circumcision, he obeyed and make his Demetria Papadopoulos HOPE whole family follow suit. When his only son Isaac was eight years old, God Panagiotis Mihalopoulos asked Abraham to sacrifice him. Without hesitation, Abraham put a knife to Fr. Tilemahos Bible Study his son’s throat because he trusted that God would not go back on His prom- Tammy Stamus Handmaidens Nick Chibucos Altar Boys ises. Abraham’s faith, his trust in the promises of God, his obedience to Labros Malfas Altar Boys God’s commands as a result of that faith, is what made him the father of all Nicky Glikis Jr. Choir Director who would believe in the Triune God. Abraham may be the father of the Fr. Tilemahos Byzantine Music Israelites by blood, but he is the father of all those who would come to be- Angelo Angelos Greek Dance John Farsatis Athletics lieve in God. Zachary Bousies Athletics Abraham did not receive any land himself. When his wife Sarah died, he Cindy Polyzos Floga Dance Troupe had to buy her grave. His son Isaac did not receive land either, nor did Ja- Stella Parhas Food Pantry Effie Papadopoulos Church Office cob. It would 430 years later, than their descendants, coming out of Egypt, Marianna Haniotakis Church Office would occupy the promised land by God’s intervention through Moses. God Soteria Simantirakis Custodian gave Moses the law and a covenant which would not negate the promise and

3 The Voice PARISH EVENTS covenant with Abraham. The Law of Moses would serve as a training tool through which this nation would produce the next person who would be involved in God’s next intervention: the Virgin Mary. Just like in Abraham, we witness in the Panagia the unwavering faith and trust in God by which she gave birth to Jesus Christ. He would be the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham because all those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God are the descendants of Abraham, the people of faith, the holy nation, the inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as Abraham was a blessing to those who would bless him, Jesus is now The Name through which all peoples of the earth would be blessed. The covenant of the Law of Moses, St. Stephen argues, was just simply a bridge from Abraham to the Christ. Moses’ covenant did not negate that of Abraham because Moses’ covenant could not save us. The Law becomes a curse for us because no one was able to abide fully by the Law. In the eyes of the Law, we are all condemned because that is what the Law does. Even those persons who taught the Law had violated the Law. Moses himself was a murderer, and the prophets would all fail in being perfect in the eyes of the law. Jesus Christ would be the only One who would fulfill the Law to the letter. By doing so, He lifted its curse from us by making it obsolete. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it and re-connect us to the covenant of faith by which Abraham was justified. Belief in Christ means that we trust Him and His promises. We must obey Him just as Abraham did. We must place our faith in Him as our Lord and Savior, and when He calls us to leave our home, friends, and relatives, and follow Him to the cross and then to a distant land, the Promised Land of the Kingdom of Heaven, we must find the courage, just as Abraham did, to do just that, to trust in Him and to follow Him. Therefore, Kingdom of Heaven is the equivalent of the bosom of Abraham. Being embraced by this man of faith means that we too have faith. Abraham heard the Word of God even though he did not know Him. We know Him, and He has been revealed to us, He has taken flesh and walked among us. So many have known Him before us. The Holy Spirit speaks to us about Him. Yet, faith is required of us. This faith is not just in a higher power, but faith in the God of Abra- ham, and Isaac, and Jacob; faith in Jesus Christ; faith that is lived; faith that is demonstrated in action and obedience; faith that takes us through our cross, through our death, and into the bosom of Abraham and the Kingdom which is to come. Amen. AXIOS! AXIOS! The Parish of St. Spyridon Congratulates Father Tilemahos Celebrating his 20th Anniversary - Ordination to the Priesthood With much pride and reverence, the parish of St. Spyridon honored Father Tilemahos Ali- kakos upon reaching his 20th Anniversary of receiving the Sacrament of the Holy Orders. Dur- ing the Apokreatiko Luncheon, hosted by the St. Spyridon Ladies Philoptochos Society, Sun- day March 3rd, Parish Council President Frank Kopanis acknowledged Father’s special mile- stone. May the Hand of St. Spyridon grant Father Tilemahos strength, perseverance and grace to continue to lead our parish and faith- ful to many more years. ΑΞΙΟΣ! AXI- OS! It is with heartfelt congratulations and continued success from Parish Council President Frank Kopanis and the entire Parish Council along with all the organi- zations and the faithful of St. Spyridon, to wish Father Tilemahos, along with Presvytera Georgia and their children Konstantine, Demetra, Marina and Kate- rina, many years!

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 3 STEWARDSHIP 2019

STEWARDSHIP GOALS FOR 2019: 400 STEWARDS Stewardship Invite your family and friends to become Stewards of our parish. Goal: 400

AVERAGE STEWARDSHIP GOAL: $50/month or $600/year Our current average: Stewardship is $415, ranging from $250 to $2,400 annually. 300

Please help us reach our average stewardship goal! 200 The bread you do not use is the bread of the hungry. The garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment 187 Year to date of the person who is naked. The shoes you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot. The money you keep locked away is the money of the poor. The acts of charity you do not perform are the injustices you commit.-St. Basil the Great 100 “Lift up and stretch out your hands, not to heaven but to the poor; for if you stretch out your hands to the poor, you have reached the summit of heaven. But if you lift up your hands in prayer without sharing with the poor, it is worth nothing … Every family should have a room where Christ is welcomed in the person of the hungry and thirsty stranger. The poor are a greater temple than the sanctuary; the poor are an altar that you can raise up anywhere, on any street, and offer the liturgy at any hour.” St. John Chrysostom St Lawrence was questioned by a pagan governor who had heard that the Church had a large storehouse of riches and wanted St. Lawrence to give them over to the governor. St. Lawrence told the governor he would show him the storehouse of riches. He took the governor to the slums and pointed to the poor, the lame and the ill and said, “These are the treasures of the Church.”

We wish to thank the 187 Stewards who have committed their stewardship for 2019. Stewardship materials are available at the church office, in the community hall and on our website.

Ευχαριστούμε τους 187 ενορίτες που προσφέρατε την συνδρομή σας για το 2019. Η υποστήριξη όλων είναι 8παραίτητη για την σωστή και θεάρεστη λειτουργία της ενορίας μας. Παρακαλούμε όπως όλοι συμβαλουμε την συνδρομή μας για το νέο έτος. Συμπληρώστε την κάρτα συνδρομής μέ τήν προσφορά σας και βοηθήστε να συνεχίσουμε όλοι μαζί την διακονία της ιεράς κοινότητός μας.

Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Alexakos Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kekempanos Mrs. Dana Vasilakos & Joakim Tsanti- Mr. Panagiotis Alexakos Mr. & Mrs. Louis Klioris lis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Argyropoulos Mr. Konstantinos Kolias Mr. & Mrs. Christos P. Tsakiris Mr. Eleftherios Avtzis Mrs. Anna Kontaris Mr. & Mrs. Taso Panagiotopoulos Mrs. Georgia Besbekos Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Kontaris Mr. George Maglaris & Anastasia Mr. & Mrs. Mark Besbekos Mr. & Mrs. Chris Korbakes Panouses Mrs. Maria Bisbikis Mr. Chris Koulogeorge Mr. & Mrs. Sam Papanastasatos Mrs. Patricia Catsones Mr. & Mrs. George Korbakes Mr. George A. Pappas Mrs. Helen Chiaouris Mr. Peter C. Korbakes Ms. Marina Pavlatos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Chibucos Mr. & Mrs. George Kyroudis Mr. & Mrs. James Petropoul Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Christy Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Labrakis Mrs. Panagiota Poziopoulos Mr. Vasilios Dontas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Lalios Mr. & Mrs. Panayotis Prassas Mr. & Mrs. John Eliacostas Mrs. Betty Lillios Mr. & Mrs. Dan Prevett Mrs. Sophia Felecos Mr. & Mrs. George Markopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Gleb Urobushkin Mr. Tim Georgiopoulos Mrs. Maria Meintanis Mr. & Mrs. Rocky Wagner Mr. & Mrs. Peter Glikis Ms. Catherine Nakos Mr. & Mrs. George Vasilakos Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Grimanis Mr. & Mrs. George Scarlatis Mr. & Mrs. Labros Vlachos Ms. Patricia Katsenis Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Smirnis Mr. Christ Vounazos Mrs. Roula Karampelas Mr. Andrew G. Stameson Mr. & Mrs. James Voutiritsas Mr. & Mrs. Steve Kapsalis Dr. & Mrs. Peter Sotiropoulos Mr. & Mrs. George Vythoulkas Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Kekempanos Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Tsantilis

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 5 LENTEN & HOLY PASCHA EVENTS

Epitaphion Red Pascha Eggs FOREIGN LANGUAGE The dying and wrapping of the READERS : The Epitaphion of our Lord will be decorated during the All-Night Red Pascha Eggs will be on Thurs- We are looking for foreign lan- Vigil on Holy Thursday Evening day, April 25th, Holy Thursday guage readers for the Agape Ser- on April 25th. All parishioners and morning at 10:00 a.m. Everyone is vice on Sunday, April 28th at noon. friends are invited to this beautiful invited. If you can read any language other Orthodox Tradition in which eve- than Spanish, English and Greek, ryone can participate. please contact Fr. Tilemahos. EASTER FLOWER DONATIONS & PASCHA OFFERINGS We wish to thank the following parishioners and friends for donating towards the church, the needy, the flowers and adornment of our St. Spyridon Church during the and Pascha Season: Mrs. Chrisi Bastas Mr. Pete Kolyvas Mr. & Mrs. Philip Papamakarios Mr. & Mrs. Zaharias Bousies Mr. Gus Korellis Mr Gregory Smirnis Mr. Christos Catsogiannis Mrs. Betty Lillios Mrs. Fay Thiakos Mr. & Mrs. Sam Charalambos Mr. & Mrs. Apostolos Malfas Mrs. Koula Kintonis Ms. Eleni Nicolaou

Dear Fellow Parishioners and Philoptochos Sisters, The Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos is honored to host the biennial Children's Medical Fund Luncheon on Saturday November 16, 2019 at the Marriott Chicago. This fundraiser has been in existence since 1989 and provides funds for children in all aspects of health care. Every two years the Philoptochos of a different Me- tropolis undertakes this project. The non for profit children’s organizations, within the Metropolis, apply for grants and through our sponsors and donations money is provided for them. Unfortunately, not all those who apply can be funded. The culmination of this process is at the Luncheon, where the recipient facilities are announced. In the past a great amount has been donated and we are optimistic that this year we will sur- pass the past. The new initiative this year has been KIDS HELPING KIDS. Here at St. Spyridon we will be reach- ing out to our youth for clever fund- raising ideas. Other parishes have started, a Lemonade Stand for after church and a very clever eatable favor for hot chocolate. Because kids always want to help their peers this will be a great opportunity to help other kids. We look forward for all, young and old, to help in any small way. Thank you, and we wish Blessed Lent to all. With agape, Olga Paxinos and Carol Stamas. 6 The Voice PHILOPTOCHOS

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Philoptochos, May our journey to the Holy Great Lent continue to spiritually uplift us as we pray for strength, love, com- passion and wisdom. My outmost gratitude to Fr. Tilemahos and to all our gracious and lovely members for contributing to the great success of hosting the Metropolis Philoptochos Lenten Retreat on March 23rd. We thank the Chairladies, Mrs. Christina Hiotis and Mrs. Olga Paxinos for their guidance and everyone that gave a helping hand. I am including a letter of Dear Toula, gratitude and appreciation sent to our St. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks and appre- ciation to you and the St. Spyridon parish community for all the time, effort, Spyridon Family from Mrs. Hiotis.

and love that was put into making the Chicago Metropolis Lenten Retreat, held last Saturday, a resounding success. I have been attending Metropolis Toula Georgiopoulos, Philoptochos President Lenten Retreats for over 15 years and I do not recall such a beautiful and successful one and I am convinced that it is entirely attributable to the fact that it was hosted by the St. Spyridon community. I have been trying to figure out whether the success was because of your leadership, the guidance of Fr. Tilemahos, or the teamwork of all the beauti- ful young and senior ladies of the St. Spyridon Philoptochos. I believe it is a combination of all of these factors and, above all, the result of the love and joy that seems to be so pervasive in your entire parish. I noticed it the mo- ment I stepped a foot in the Church on Friday evening to see the place being prepared for the Retreat. The spirit of Philoxenia was in the air waiting to surround everyone with welcoming love, hospitality, and sisterhood. From the decoration and ambience to the professionally prepared delicious food, your team did not leave even the smallest detail unattended. And to add, the Holy surroundings of the St. Spyridon Church created the perfect atmosphere for the most spiritually uplifting experience of the Lenten Re- treat. Above all, the incredibly welcoming warmth, enthusiasm, and love dis- played by everyone from St. Spyridon topped it all. Since I cannot individually express my thanks and gratitude to each mem- ber of your community I am requesting you to please convey my apprecia- tion and love to them. During this Holy season of Lent, I pray to Our Lord to grant them and their families joy, peace, and blessings of good health and prosperity. With Love and Appreciation, Christina Hiotis, Co-Chair Metropolis of Chicago, Lenten Retreat Committee

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 5 SUNDAY SCHOOL

The month of March was a very exciting one for all of our Sunday School students. Many participated in the Sunday of Orthodoxy of . It was truly heartwarming to see all of our students together, pro- claiming their faith. Some of our students also participated in our Oratorical Festival. Projects will be dis- played for a few weeks, so make sure to take a look at them. The month of April, we will have class on the 7th, 14th and 21st. Saturday April 20th, our Saturday of Lazarus retreat will take place. Immediately after litur- gy, all are welcome to join us for a pancake breakfast, hosted by the PTA. We hope to see all of our students on April 20th, as we prepare for and Holy Week. Zoe Kopanis, Sunday School Director

CHERUBS This month we had a very busy, creative and educational month. We first learned about how to take care of our teeth and even made a project of a mouth filled with lettered teeth. We also painted Easter eggs and made tis- sue crosses to display on our cherubs window. It was a fun filled month for the kids. Debbie Petrakos, Cherubs Advisor

8 The Voice P.T.A NEWS Καλό μήνα! On Wednesday, March 20th, the PTA hosted the dinner after the Presanctified Liturgy. There was a variety of Lenten food and we would like to thank all those involved. On Monday, March 25th, Plutarchos Greek School showed their pride in our Greek heritage and recited po- ems, sang songs and danced in honor of our Independence. Thank you to the third and fourth grade parents for providing the Lenten spread. Greek school spring break is on April 22nd, 26th and 29th. We will resume classes on the May 3rd, please join us after school for our Bright Friday BBQ. Sign up for Junior Olympics will also take place that day, and weather permitting, we will hold try-outs for track & field outdoors. In preparation for the Junior Olympics, registration is now open with forms available in the office and the community center. Practices for our volleyball, basketball, soccer and softball teams will be announced soon. Please consult the parish calendar for details. Athletes from other Orthodox Churches may join a particular team as long as their church does not have that team for Jr. Olympics. Also, if you are interested in coaching or volunteering please notify our Athletic Director, John Farsatis at [email protected] or contact the church office. Sunday, May 5th will be the Greek American Parade downtown. We will continue selling Lambathes for $20 until Palm Sunday. Thanks to our crafty moms for making the beautiful lambathes. Tessie Jones, P.T.A. President GOYA

On March 8th, 2019, the GOYANs had their annual lock -in at the church. They had pizza, treats, games and lots of fun. Thank you to all the parents that volunteered to stay and chaperone the kids. Thank you to Sofea Mal- amis, Nancy Primbas, Connie Papadatos and Zoe Ali- kakos for staying overnight with our GOYANs. The GOYANs hosted their Pre-sanctified dinner on March 13th. They will be taking a break for Lent but will resume on Wednesday, May 1st.

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 6 PARISH EVENTS Myrofores Baptisms The son of Mr. & Mrs. Theofanis Once again, the tradition of the Myrofores during Holy Week and Pascha continues with Xenia Kapsalis as their leader. If you have Gatsios was baptized on March 2nd, any questions please call the Church Office. While a white robe is and was given the name George. His provided, the girls need to come dressed appropriately for church Godparents were Mr. & Mrs. George and with white shoes and white stockings. The Myrofores need to Gatsios. be at the church fifteen minutes before the start of the following services: Memorials Sunday, March 3rd

Palm Sunday, April 21st – Service of the Bridegroom – 7:00 p.m. +6 month for Nikos Panagiotaros Holy Monday, April 22nd - Service of the Bridegroom – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 10th Holy Tuesday, April 23rd- Service of the Bridegroom – 7:00 p.m. +2 years for Alexandra Koulogeorge Holy Friday, April 26th– The Epitaphios Service – 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24th Holy Saturday, April 27th – The Resurrection Service – 11:00 p.m. +40 days for Miltiadis Koutsis PASCHA Sunday, April 28th – The Agape Service – 12 noon +1 year for Helen Vournazos +40 years for James Vournazos Funerals Sophia Kolyvas (nee Thiakos), 93, at rest March 4, 2019. Beloved wife of Pete Kolyvas; Loving mother of Gus Kolyvas and Chris (Jann) Kolyvas; Cherished grandmother of Sophia (Thomas) Jaskowiec, Emily Kolyvas, Margaret Kolyvas, and Peter Kolyvas; Dear sister of Alexandra (late John) Manolitsis, the late Dennis (Efthimia) Thiakos, the late Mavreta (late Theodoros) Soundias, and the late Vasilios Thiakos. Fond aunt, cousin, and friend of many. Her funeral took place on March 9th and she was interned at Bethania Cemetery.

Emmanouil Kyroudis, 84; Born in Athens, Greece; Preceded in death by his beloved spouse of 60 years Mimika (Demetra); Son of the late George and Maria; Devoted Father of George (Christina), Fay (Panagiotis), and James(Effie). Fond uncle of Yianni(Eleni); Cherrished Papou of Dionysi, Demetra, Emily and Melina. Dearest brother of the late Aristotelis (Evangelia) Kyroudis, Georgia (George) Tzouanopoulos, Evangeline (late Rigas) Rogiokos, and Angela (Steve) Iliopoulos; Friend of George (late Peggy) Pappas. Fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. His funeral took place on March 21st and he was interned at Bethania Cemetery.

St. Spyridon’s P.T.A. invites the children and families of the parish to worship together at the

Saturday of Lazarus Liturgy Communion Pancake Breakfast & Lenten Retreat Saturday, April 20th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 am

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 7 April 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Confession—4:00 p.m. Greek School—4:30 p.m. Floga—7pm Lenten Meal hosted by Confession—10:00 a.m. Golf Meeting—6pm Volleyball Practice—8pm Choir & Jr. Choir Greek School—4:30 p.m. Bible Study—7pm Festival Food Committee— 7:30pm

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Orthros & Liturgy—8am Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Metropolis Choir Rehearsal— Sunday School Greek School-4:30 pm Syndesmos meeting—10am Lenten Meal hosted by Greek School—4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Bible Study—7pm Parish Council— 7pm Bible Study & Kentro Floga—7pm Volleyball Practice—8pm

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Orthros & Liturgy—8am Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Saturday of Lazarus Len- Sunday School Greek School-4:30 pm Bible Study—7pm Greek School—4:30 p.m. ten Retreat Bible Study—7pm Floga—7pm Lenten Meal hosted by Volleyball Practice—8pm Philoptochos

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Palm Sunday HOLY MONDAY HOLY TUESDAY HOLY WEDNESDAY HOLY THURSDAY HOLY FRIDAY HOLY SATURDAY Palm Sunday Luncheon

GREAT & HOLY WEEK Consult Calendar on pg. 10 for Schedule of Divine Services / Πρόγραμμα Ιερών Ακολουθιών στην σελ. 15

28 29 30 Holy Pascha Office Closed Archangels Academy PTA Easter Baskets at Agape Volleyball Practice—8pm

Great & Holy Lent—Schedule of Divine Services Monday, April 1st Great Compline—6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. * Bible Study—7:00 p.m.—8:30 p.m. Wednesday April 3rd Presanctified Liturgy—6:00 p.m.—7:30 p.m. Dinner hosted by Choir & Jr. Choir Friday, April 5th Presanctified Liturgy—8:00 a.m.—9:30 a.m. *Confession—10:00 a.m.—12 noon Salutations to the Theotokos—7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6th Confession—4:00 p.m. * Great Vespers—6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 7th St. John of the Ladder—Orthros & Liturgy—8:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m. Solemn Vespers at Holy Cross, Justice—6:00 p.m. Monday, April 8th Great Compline 6:00 p.m. * Bible Study—7:00 p.m.—8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10th Presanctified Liturgy—6:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m. Dinner hosted by Bible Study & Kentro Thursday, April 11th Great Canon of St. Andrew—8:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m. Confession 10:30 a.m. –12 noon Friday, April 12th Presanctified Liturgy—8:00a.m.—9:30a.m. *Akathist Hymn—7:00pm Saturday, April 13th Confession—4:00 p.m. * Great Vespers—6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 14th St. Mary of Egypt, Orthros & Liturgy—8:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m. Solemn Vespers at St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn—6:00 p.m. Monday, April 15th Great Compline—6:00 p.m. * Bible Study—7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17th Presanctified Liturgy—8:00 a.m.—9:30 a.m. * Confession—10:00 a.m. –12 noon Friday, April 19th Presanctified Liturgy—6:00 p.m. * Dinner hosted by Philoptochos Saturday, April 20th Saturday of Lazarus —Orthros & Liturgy—8:00 a.m. Saint Spyridon Lenten Retreat—11:00 a.m. * Great Vespers—6:00 p.m Sunday, April 21st Palm Sunday -Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m. * Palm Sunday Luncheon Service of the Nymphios—7:00 p.m. Monday, April 22nd Holy & Great Monday -Presanctified Liturgy—8:30 a.m. Service of the Nymphios—7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 23rd Holy & Great Tuesday -Presanctified Liturgy—8:30 a.m. Service of the Nymphios—7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 24th Holy & Great Wednesday—Presanctified Liturgy—8:30 a.m. Holy Unction—11 a.m. & 4 p.m.* Orthros of Holy Thursday—7:00 p.m. (Holy Unction offered) Thursday, April 25th Holy & Great Thursday—Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil—8:30 a.m. Dyeing of the Eggs * Service of the Passion of Christ - 6:30 p.m. All-night Vigil and Decoration of Epitaphios Friday, April 26th Holy & Great Friday— Great & Royal Hours—8:30 a.m. Apokathelosis—4:00 p.m. * Service of the Lamentations—7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27th Holy & Great Saturday—Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil—6:00 a.m. & 8:30 a.m. Resurrection Service—11:00 p.m. Sunday, April 28th HOLY PASCHA Orthros & Divine Liturgy—12 midnight * Agape Vespers—12 noon Monday, April 29th St. George the Trophybearer—Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 30th Raphael, Nicholas & Irene, Orthros, Divine Liturgy —8:00 a.m.

Flowers for Lent & Holy Week The Great Lent and Pascha Season is approaching quickly and once again we are asking for your contributions and do- nations towards the adornment of our St. Spyridon Church during the Lenten and Paschal season. Please call the Church office if you are interested in donating for the flowers for the Epitaphios, or for individual icons. 2 icons for Panagia—$100/each of the Last Supper—$150 * Icon of the Crucifixion—$150 * Icon of the Resurrection—$150 Flowers for the Epitaphios—$1,500

11 The Voice ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΕΣΣΑΡΑΚΟΣΤΗ Δευτέρα 1 Απριλίου Μέγα Απόδειπνο -6:00 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 3 Απριλίου Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία –6:00 μ.μ. Παρ. 5 Απριλίου Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία –8:00 π.μ. * Εξομολόγηση –10:00 π.μ. Δ’ Χαιρετισμοί –7:00 μ.μ. Σάββατο 6 Απριλίου Εξομολόγηση –4:00 μ.μ. * Μέγας Εσπερινός –6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 7 Απριλίου Αγίου Ιωάννου της Κλίμακος, Όρθρος καί Θεία Λειτουργία –8:00 π.μ. Κατανυκτικός Εσπερινός Ι.Ν. Τιμίου Σταυρού –6:00 μ.μ. Δευτέρα 8 Απριλίου Μέγα Απόδειπνο—6:00 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 10 Απρίλίου Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία –6:00 μ.μ. Πέμπτη 11 Απριλίου Μέγας Κανών του Αγίου Ανδρέου –8:00 π.μ. * Εξομολόγηση –10:30 π.μ. Παρ. 12 Απριλίου Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία –8:00 π.μ. * Ακάθιστος Ύμνος –7:00 μ.μ. Σάββατο 13 Απριλίου Εξομολόγηση –4:00 μ.μ. * Μέγας Εσπερινός –6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 14 Απριλίου Αγίας Μαρίας της Αιγυπτίας, Όρθρος καί Θεία Λειτουργία –8:00 π.μ. Κατανυκτικός Εσπερινός Ι.Ν. Αγίου Νικολάου –6:00 μ.μ. Δευτέρα 15 Απριλίου Μέγα Απόδειπνο—6:00 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 17 Απριλίου Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία – 8:00 π.μ. * Εξομολόγηση –10:00 π.μ. Παρ. 19 Απριλίου Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία –6:00 μ.μ. Σάββατο 20 Απριλίου Σάββατο τοῦ Λαζάρου - Ὂρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Ἐσπερινός -6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 21 Απριλίου Κυριακή τῶν Βαΐων, Ὂρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Ακολουθία τοῦ Νυμφίου - 7:00 μ.μ. Δευτέρα 22 Απριλίου Μεγάλη Δευτέρα, Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία -8:30 π.μ. Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Νυμφίου - 7:00 μ.μ. Τρίτη 23 Απριλίου Μεγάλη Τρίτη, Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Νυμφίου - 7:00 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 24 Απριλίου Μεγάλη Τετάρτη, Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Εὐχέλαιο –11:00 π.μ. & 4:00 μ.μ. Ὂρθρος τῆς Μ. Πέμπτης - 7:00 μ.μ. Πέμπτη 25 Απριλίου Ἁγία καί Μεγάλη Πέμπτη, Ἐσπερινός καί Θεία Λειτουργία τοῦ Μ. Βασιλείου -8:00 π.μ. * Ακολουθία τῶν Παθῶν -6:30 μ.μ. Ἀγρυπνία και στολισμός του Επιταφείου Παρ. 26 Απριλίου Ἁγία καί Μεγάλη Παρασκευή, Ἀκολουθία τῶν Βασιλικῶν Ὡρῶν -8:30 π.μ. Ἑσπερινός τῆς Ἀποκαθήλωσης -4:00 μ.μ. Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Ἐπιταφίου -7:30 μ.μ. Σάββατο 27 Απριλίου Μεγάλο Σάββατο, Ἐσπερινἠ Θεία Λειτουργία Μ. Βασιλείου – 6:00 π.μ. & 8:30 π.μ. *Μεσονυκτική Ἀκολουθία -11:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 28 Απριλίου ΑΓΙΟΝ ΠΑΣΧΑ, Εσπερινός της Αγάπης—12 μ.μ. Δευτέρα 29 Απριλίου Ἁγίου Γεωργίου τοῦ Τροπαιοφόρου, Ὂρθρος καί Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Τρίτη 30 Απριλίου Ἁγίων Ραφαήλ, Νικολάου καί Εἰρήνης, Ὂρθρος καί Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ.

ΣΚΕΨΕΙΣ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΕΒΔΟΜΑΔΑ Την Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα κανένας δεν αποκλείεται, όσα χάλια κι αν είναι, όσες αμαρτίες κι αν έχει, το μέγεθος του Σταυρού κι η Ανάσταση του Χριστού είναι τόσο μεγάλα που καλύπτουν τα πάντα. Ο Σταυρός του Χριστού αγκάλιασε όλους τους ανθρώπους, όσους πλησίασαν προς αυτόν, έμειναν και μένουν μακριά μονάχα οι Φαρισαίοι κι όσοι σαν αυτούς κάθονται αναπαυμένοι στις αρετές και στα καλά έργα, αρνούμενοι να δουν κατάματα τον εαυτό τους, ν’ ανοιχθούν στην αγάπη Του. Ας δώσουμε τα κουρέλια του εαυτού μας στον Χριστό, ας σταυρώσουμε το εγώ μας, μ’ ότι αυτό συναπάγεται, πάθη, κακίες, φθόνους και εγωισμούς. Ας τα παραδώσουμε στο πετραχήλι του πνευματικού, του ανθρώπου σαν και μας, ίσως κάποιες φορές με πιο πολλές αμαρτίες από μας, που δεν είναι δικαστής, αλλά διάκονος του μυστηρίου της αγάπης του Χριστού και της συγνώμης που μας χαρίζει.Ο Χριστός πορεύεται να σφαγιαστεί, όπως κάνει σε κάθε Θεία Λειτουργία, προς βρώση και πόση, τρώμε κάθε φορά το Σώμα Του και πίνουμε το Αίμα Του, όχι επειδή ήμαστε άξιοι, αλλά νεκροί και θέλουμε να ζήσουμε. Η Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα, δεν απευθύνεται στους τέλειους, τους ατσαλάκωτους, αλλά στους συνεντριμένους, τους αμαρτωλούς, που όμως ξέρουν να κλαίνε, στις πόρνες, στους Πέτρους, στους ληστές και στους εκατοντάρχους, που έχουν μάθει στην ζωή τους όταν πέφτουν να σηκώνονται και πάλι ξανά και ξανά το ίδιο, σ’ όλους εκείνους που θα δουν τον Χριστό στο Σταυρό και θα νιώσουν την απέραντη αγάπη Του να τους κυκλώνει και να τους Ανασταίνει, σε μια καινούργια ζωή, σε μια αλλιώτικη συνάντηση στην Γαλιλαία του Αναστάντος Χριστού! Καλή Ανάσταση!

15 The Voice LITURGICAL ITEMS WISH LIST Interested Donors please contact Fr. Tilemahos at (708) 308-4584 New Liturgy Books—Donated We will order 300 new books for our pews and Sunday School students. Donation: $15 each

New Altar Boy Robes, Table Covers, and Priest New altar robes (30) with priest vestments and altar covers. Donate an Altar Robe: $150 (4 donated) Donate the matching Altar Covers: $1,200 Donate the matching Vestments: $800 - DONATED

Icon Stand for Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene New custom made icon stand for the large icon of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, & Irene which is located by the southeast entrance of our church. Donation: $3,950

Sacramental Table

New large sacramental table.

Donation: $1,950

Base for the Crucifixion—Donated New base and support for the Cross in the back of altar. Donation: $1,650

14 The Voice GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 12 Advertise in the VOICE We call upon all our faithful and friends to continue to spon- sor our monthly newsletter by advertising your business for the benefit of all the parishioners. Your ad will reach our 375 parish families, four hundred email addresses in our listserv, over 1,000 followers of our Facebook page, and of course everyone who picks up a copy of our Voice news- letter. Please contact the church office for more information or to submit an advertisement for your business. The advertising opportunities are the following: Small - $100/year * Medium— $150/year Large - $250/year

SAVE THE DATE! Midwest Hellenic Dance Festival OCTOBER 12th, 2019