SEPTEMBER 2019 - VOLUME NO. 340 SAINT SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH

AXIOS—ΑΞΙΟΣ OF FR. NICHOLAS MATARAGAS On Saturday, August 3rd, Fr. Nicholas Mataragas was ordained to the Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago. Clergy and seminarians from surrounding parishes and from throughout the United States came to celebrate with our community. Following the ordination, our Philoptochos Sisterhood of St. Spyr- idon hosted the festive reception and luncheon prepared by Dean Eliacostas. Many thanks to all who donated food and supplies and to everyone who helped with the hospitality. Fr. Nicholas served at the on Sunday, August 4th. At the end of the service, he was presented with a set of priestly vestments. Fr. Nicholas was ordained to the priesthood on August 24th, 2019, by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidoforos of America at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he has been assigned as the proestamenos. Fr. Nicholas is the son of Stefanos and Dionysia Mataragas. He is married to Presvytera Arete and they have a son named Stefanos. OrdinationArchangels of Fr. Nick Academy Mataragas

2 The Voice The Voice - H ΦΩNH NEW ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR Official Monthly Dedicated to Mercy Community Publication of On the occasion of the new Ecclesiastical Year, our Spiritual Father St. Spyridon and Shepherd, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, Hellenic Orthodox Church has offered us his first encyclical dedicated to the meaning of mer- 12307 S. Ridgeland Avenue cy. Within this encyclical, His Eminence urges us to consider sever- Palos Heights, IL 60463 al aspects of mercy which engage us in our everyday lives. Among these various aspects is mercy within the family. How do we live REV. FR. TILEMAHOS out mercy in action within our family life? ALIKAKOS The encyclical touches on this issue in terms of the mercy of God PROTOPRESBYTER who formed the first family in Adam and Eve. God, in His infinite mercy, created us to be born to a father and mother who enjoy a Church Office bond of love and fidelity, within the context of a family whose Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. members love and care for one another, under the guidance and Phone: 708-385-2311 Fax: 708-385-0166 direction of the greater church family which nurtures as citizens of E-mail: [email protected] the kingdom to come. If this statement sounds like fiction to many Web: www.Saint-Spyridon.org of you, it is because we have rejected the mercy of God since the very beginning. Adam and Eve, once they betrayed God’s com- Parish Council Officers mandment refused to appeal to the mercy of God. Instead they Frank Kopanis President turned on Him and on each other. If they had asked for the mercy George Papadopoulos Vice-President James Xeros Vice-President of God the history of the human race would have been vastly Panagiotis Stamus Secretary different. Instead, they turned against each other and no sooner do John Farsatis Assistant Secretary Gus Kolyvas Treasurer they start a family and one of their sons murdered the other indicat- Jim Korbakes Assistant ing clearly the tragic human condition which was to follow. Treasurer The encyclical states: “It has been said that the greatest gift a man can give his children is to love their mother, and vice versa for a Auxiliary Officers woman. The first gift of marital love is fidelity.” Marital fidelity Angelo Angelos Chanter th Georgia Xeros Philoptochos goes beyond the 6 commandment against adultery or Christ’s Dana Vasilakos P.T.A. definition of adultery in the realm of one’s desire. The fidelity that Kiki Kazazakis Kentro stems from mercy would have Adam take on Eve’s guilt on to him- Marianna Haniotakis Plutarchos Academy Sofea Malamis Archangels Academy self. By the same rule, Eve would have defended her husband by Zoe Kopanis Sunday School Director blaming herself. While they were both guilty, the fact that they Nicky Glikis Choir Director turned on each other was a sign that they no longer reflected their Zoe Alikakos G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. Connie Papadatos G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. intended nature of being created in God’s image and likeness. The Nancy Primbas G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. broken nature of the relationship between them, within them, and Panagiotis Mihalopoulos Iconography Fr. Tilemahos Bible Study with God, could only be restored by God Himself, through His Tammy Stamus Handmaidens mercy shown by the cross and His resurrection. Labros Malfas Altar Boys Nicky Glikis Jr. Choir Director As Orthodox couples and families, we live out God’s mercy by Fr. Tilemahos Byzantine Music humbling ourselves in the face of the needs and imperfections of Angelo Angelos Greek Dance our loved ones. When we become persecutorial against our spouse John Farsatis Athletics Zachary Bousies Athletics because of some need to feel we are in charge or that we have the Cindy Polyzos Floga Dance Troupe upper hand, we have lost our calling. In a family, and especially in Stella Parhas Food Pantry Effie Papadopoulos Church Office the marriage relationship, the way to reach our potential is through Marianna Haniotakis Church Office humility; readiness to accept blame; eagerness to forgive and to Soteria Simantirakis Custodian cover the other’s faults just as we readily do for our children; short

3 The Voice memory of the other’s misdeeds; long and exaggerated memory of the other’s kindness; remembrance of God’s tolerance for ourselves; realistic understanding that we are far from perfect; having expectations only from our very self; always preferring mercy and unconditional forgiveness instead of insisting on what is fair and evenhanded. “Be merciful just as Your Father in heaven is merciful” (Luke 6:36). What is the point of proving yourself right to the detriment of your spouse? What is the benefit that comes out of defending oneself at the expense or the humiliation of a family member? Mercy implies that we are ready to humble ourselves, to forgo our will, to give ourselves in loving sacrifice. Christ, as the only One Who is innocent, voluntarily accepted death on the cross for our sake even while we were still His enemies. Within any family, it is only that kind of mercy in ac- tion, sacrificial love beyond the realm of reason, that will bring forth those ideals intended by God for every- one who comes into this world. Thinking about mercy this year, let us consider mercy, not only in terms of charitable giving or service to the needy, but as way of life, an incarnational expression of the cross within the everyday relationships with which God has blessed us. Let us heed the words of Spiritual Father and Shepherd, and begin, even in the smallest of ways, to live out mercy within our home, our marriage, our family, and our extended parish family of Saint Spyridon. In Christ’s love, Fr. Tilemahos

4 The Voice Parish News

Weddings Memorials Funeral On August 31st, Arsenios Sunday, July 7th On July 26th, our beloved Pete +8 years for John Kapetan Hadjiagapiou and Kathleen Fox Ayaleanos fell asleep in the +30 years for Bertha Kapetan were joined together in the sac- Lord. His funeral service took +24 years for Stella Nickles place on July 6th, and he was rament of marriage. Their spon- Sunday, July 14th interned at Interment Bethania sor was James Voutiritsas. +40 days for Alex Pappas Sunday, July 21st cemetery. +6 months for Nick Theofanopoulos Baptisms +6 months for John Perakis On August 6th, our beloved +2 years for Demetra Kleros The son of Mr. & Mrs. George Thomas Vasdekis fell asleep in +1 year for Ioannis Manolitsis Kattos was given the name Mi- the Lord. His funeral service Sunday, August 4th took place on August 13th, and chael and the son and daughter +40 days for Pete Ayaleanos, he was interned at Bethania of Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Kattos +6 months for Miltiades Koutsis cemetery. was given the names Athana- +76 years for victims of Glyna Massacre Sunday, August 18th sios and Magdellyn, were bap- +9 months for Gust Vlahos On August 21st, our beloved tized on August 17th, and their +1 year for Peter N. Karavites, John Eliacostas fell asleep in Godparents were Mr. Nicholas +10 years for Eleftherios Saravanos the Lord. His funeral service Kattos and Athanasia Kattos. Sunday, September 1st took place on August 26th, and +3yrs for Helen Zaharopoulos he was interned at Evergreen +3months for Alex Pappas cemetery. +3 months for Athanasia Papagiannis +6months for Sophia Kolyvas

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 5 THANK YOU TO ALL OUR RAFFLE SUPPORTERS

95th Produce Delifiannis, Mike Jaskowiec, Patrick Les, GCTD Aeniff, Lisa Deligiannis, Frank Julliani's Pizza Lilas, Jim Alemis, Alex Diel, Jarom K., Nick Limperis, G. Alemis, Chris Dremonas, James Kalliongis, Annie Lincoln Square Restaurant Alexakos, D. Dykstra, D. Kalliongis, Marissa Longshots Alexakos, Eleni Egg Mans Kappos, Kathy & Peter Loukas, Penny Alexopoulos, Denise Eggheadz Café Kapsalis, Steve Lux Café Alexs, Alex Eliacostas, Angela Kapsaskis, Joanne Maglaris, Anastasia Alikakos, Dr. Zoe Eliopoulos, Chris Karabinis, Bill Malfas, Engela & Yannoula Alikakos, Litsa Eliopoulos, Martha & Christi- Karompelas, Roula Manasses, Peter Anagnopoulos, Dino na Karras, Georgia Mangan, Mike Andricodulos Emmy's Pancake House Karras, Paula Manikas, Eleni & Theophanes Angelakos, Stanley Everyday Fresh Kartsounes, George Manolis, Evan & Mary Another Round Bar & Falkis, Ruth Karuntzos, Georgia Mantis, Demetrios & Mari- Grill Fiffles, Evan Karuntzos, Troy anne Anthony's Pancake Flap Jack's Pancake House Karvadas, Andriana Marano, Damon Argyropoulos, Antonios Fountotos, Georgy Kastanas, Pete Maras, Georgia Argyropoulos, Gus Fountotos, John Katris, Helen Maras, Ted Argyropoulos, James Fountotos, Mary Ann Katsenis, P. Maren, David A. Argyropoulos, Nick Fountotos, Peter Katsoulis, Christos & Dina Marneris, Georgia A. Athenian B/S Four Seasons Diner King Gyros Restaurant Matty's Family Rest Athens Gyros Four Seasons Restaurant Kladis, Loula Maurici, Pat Atom Banana INC Gajewski, Frank J. & Mary A. Kladis, Tasia & Panagiotis Maurizio Bairaktaris, Ageliki Gatsios, George Klioris, Darlene Mavragis Family Bairaktaris, Demetra Gentile, Mike Klioris, Louie & Joanne Mavros, M. Ball, Lilly Georgakas, Constantine Koliopoulos, John Mavros, Peter Berdusis, Peter George and John Kolyvas, Chris Mazarakos, John Berdusis, Tom & Kay Georgiopoulos, Bill & Toula Kolyvas, Emily & Margaret Meintanis, Christos Besbekos, Mark Georgiopoulos, Billy Kolyvas, Gus Meklis, Angelo Big Apple Violet Georgiopoulos, Karly Kolyvas, Pete Michaels Restaurant II Bizoukas, Eleni Georgiopoulos, Nia Kolyvas, Peter & Margaret Mikroulis, Dr. Ted Blueberry Field Georgiopoulos, Tim & Eleni Kopanis, Frank M'Neill Family Blueberry Hill Pancake Georgios Banquets Korbakes, Alexandra & Chris Mullen, Tina House Georgiou, Georgia J. Korbakes, Peter C. O'Connell, Charles Bobis, Nick Georgis, Voula Korbakes, S. D. P. J. Oliver's Bar & Grill By Hand N Fork Restau- Glikis, E. Korellis, Gus Opa Restaurant rant Glikis, Peter & Maria Korolis, Nick Panagiotaros, George Callahan's Restaurant Global Telecommunications Koskinos, Annotto Panagiotaros, Georgia P. Carpet Crafters Services Kotsioros, Chris Panagiotaros, Tessy Castogiannis, Christos Glynn Searl Kottaras, Demetrios Papadatos Family Charalambos, Sam & An- GNS Foods & Liquors Kournetas, John Papadatos, Stelios na Golden Griddle Kournetas, Nick & Vicky Papadopoulos, Catherine & Charalambus, Vasilis Gonzalez, Miguel Koutsiouris, Vanessa Mary Chicago Produce Goranitis, Antonia Kutsulis, Jim Papadopoulos, Effie & Chionis, Dan Gorgees, Elizabeth Kyroudis, George George Conter, Jim Greco & Sons La Galera Produce Papadopoulos, Phaedra Cosmos Family Restaurant Halikias, Aris & Yianna La Rancherita II Restaurant Pappas, Amiel Cosmos House of Pan- Halikias, Terry & Maria Labrakis, Eraklis Pappas, Deke cakes Haniorakis Labrakis, Politimi Pappas, George A. Cosmos Restaurant Heartland Produce Lahart, Tim Pappas, Mark Dagres, Christina Hilltop Café Laris, James & Joanna Pappas, Pauline Dagres, Nicolette Hot Cakes Emporium Larry's Pappas, Ted & Helen Dahbour, John Howe Restaurant Lawlor, Shane Paraskeropoulos, Athanasia Dalmares Produce Hyde Park Produce Les Brothers Restaurant Paraskevopoulos, Christos Deangelis, Brooke Jab Produce Les Pancake House Paraskis, Mary

6 The Voice THANK YOU TO ALL OUR RAFFLE SUPPORTERS

Paraskovopoulos, George S., Johnny Trentafeles, Tom and Leah Patel, Andy Sarlas, Nick Trikorfa Congratulations to the Patsavas, Peter A. Searl, Glynn Trychta, Sue our Raffle Paxinos, Peter Skarpathiotis, Dr. George Tsarouhis, Lista Drawing Winners: Petinatos, Dena Smirnis, Elizabeth Tsonis, Vasiliki & Anestis Petropoulos, Despina Sotiropoulos, Bill V. , Paul Petropoulos, Marino Sperlakis, Rita M. Valaveris, Elias $10,000 Petroski, Paula Spinos, Mayia Vardalos, Patricia Mr. Frank Kopanis Pettas, Gus Spyridakis, Despina Vassilikou, Tony Pierre's Bakery Stacked Restaurant Vlachos Family $1,000 Polmen, Peter Stacks Pancake House Vranas, Jim Prassas, Pete Ms. Alexandra Stolis Stamatoglou, John Wallock, Jim Primbas Family Stathakis, Paul Will, Vasili $500—Emmy’s Pancake Prime Steakhouse Stolis, Alexandra Williamson's Restaurant and Prime Time Restaurant and Strube, TJ Bar House Bar Teska, Ray Xeros Family $500—Pete Kastanas Puente, Joe The View Zacbas, George Pustelnik, Paul Theoharis, George Zorbas, Effie $500—Annie Kalliongis

Pyrgos INC Theos Steaks & Seafood Ramirez, Alex Thiakos, Alex We apologize for the Ramos, Joez Thiakos, Daniel misspelling or Riley, Toula Thiakos, Fay Roumpas, Terry Thiakos, Paul omitting of any names. Ryniak, Beth Thiakos, Paul D. Please bring it to our S. , Nick Top Notch Restaurant attention. S., Georgia Toscas, Anna Many thanks to all the businesses that donated the supplies to this year’s festival

95th Produce, Hickory Hills In Memory of John Perakis Oven Fresh Baking ...and many more dedicat- Alpha Gyros Jullianis Pizza Palos Courts ed donors and volunteers. Anthony’s Pancake House Kefi Pappas Restaurant If we have forgotten to list Bar 122, Alsip Korbakes Liquors Pete’s Produce a supply donor name, we Big Apple Kronos Foods River Oaks Gyros apologize, and please Big Boy Subs Larry’s Diner, Plainfield River Oaks Gyros, Calumet bring it to our attention Blueberry Field Restaurant Les Brothers Restaurant Skyline Restaurant so they you may be in- City of Palos Heights Lucky’s Restaurant South Fork Restaurant cluded in the next issue of Corfu Foods Lumes (Palos Heights) Starlight Restaurant the VOICE. Countryhouse Restaurant Lumes House of Pancakes Tassos Group Dennis Wholesale, Chicago (Frankfort) The Breakfast Club Denver’s Restaurant Mickey’s Casual Dining The Hut Egg Headz Restaurant Mickey’s Gyros The Pit Rib House Eggman’s Restaurant, Alsip Morse Market, Chicago The View Restaurant MANY THANKS to Freshmarket, Chicago Mr. John’s Hot Dogs Trinity College George Vasilakos for Geo’s Gyros New Horizon Restaurant Uncle Sam’s painting all our class- George Patras Nick’s Barbeque Villa Park Fruitmarket rooms and to everyone Georgios Banquets Nicky’s Carry Out Westfield Restaurant who helped prepare our Golden Griddle Pancake House Nicky’s Gyros (Chicago) Windy City Subs building for the new Huck Finn Restaurant Nicky’s Gyros (Crestwood) school year. Jacky’s Hot Dogs Olympic Star Restaurant St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 7 Stewardship 2019

Stewards 2019-June 16th-August 31st STEWARDSHIP GOALS Mr. & Mrs. John Baltsas Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Les 400 STEWARDS Mr. & Mrs. Tasos Berdusis Mr. & Mrs. Rob McNeill Mr. & Mrs. John Booras Mr. & Mrs. Janves Michalarias Invite your family and friends to become Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Demakis Mr. & Mrs. Philip Papamakarios Stewards of our parish. Mr. & Mrs. Bill Dontas Mrs. Kathryn Pappas AVERAGE STEWARDSHIP GOAL: Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Georgiou Mr. & Mrs. Brian Perkins $50/month or $600/year Mr. Arsenio Hadjiagapiou Ms. Penny Poninski Mr. & Mrs. John Korbakis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Tsinoukas Our current average Stewardship is $430, ranging from Mrs. Zoe Korbakis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Vasdekis $250 to $3,600 annually. Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Kotsopulos Mr. & Mrs. George Vassiliou Please help us reach our stewardship goal!

Philoptochos Greetings Philoptochos Members and Parishioners, As summer ends, I welcome everyone to share the excitement for the beginning of our new Ecclesiastical year. This year St Spyridon Philoptochos will continue to work diligently to promote the values of our Orthodox faith and the goals of Philoptochos. Our commitment to philanthropy and helping our fellow man in need will again be our priority. As we begin our year I ask you to consider joining us in volunteering your time, talents and energy towards this goal. Together in faith and fellowship we can make a difference and help those in need. This past month, as a parish, we were blessed to participate in the ordination of Nicholas Mataragas: a young man who grew up in our parish. It was beautiful and inspiring to hear Deacon Nicholas speak about his journey to accept his calling into the priesthood. AXIOS!!! Philoptochos hosted the luncheon and our grati- tude goes out once again to Chef Dean Eliacostas for a beautifully prepared meal and to all of our parishioners who generously donated to this luncheon. We wish the best for Deacon Nicholas and his family as they start their new ministry. Now to our upcoming plans. September and October are busy months. Our full luncheon will be held on September 22nd and our theme similar to last year is “Grab and Go.” This year we will serve Pastichio and Gyros. The meals will be packaged to go: so you can take home or stay and enjoy. As we have done in the past a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Life Span, a not for profit organization that assists domestic violence victims. October is designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness month. In addition to our fall luncheon do- nation, we will be sponsoring a drive to collect lightly used clothing and shoes and housewares which will be donated to WINGS, a not for profit organization that sells these items in their resale shop and uses the pro- ceeds to help victims of domestic violence. Additionally in October, to increase awareness, we will be hosting a speaker on the subject of domestic violence. On September 19th we will visit the Greek Rehabilitation and Nursing Home with Father Tilemahos for Divine Liturgy and fellowship with our elderly. Contact the church office for time and for carpool information. On a final note, we will be posting our calendar with events and updates on the bulletin board in the church hallway, so please stop by to see what is being planned. It is only through your support and attendance that we can continue our philanthropic mission. So I thank you again for your support and for your love to Philoptochos. May our Lord bless us with good health so we may continue to work for His Holy Church. Georgia Xeros, President

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 8 Festival 2019

9 The Voice Saint Spyridon Ministries Archangels Academy held as well as other programs. Meetings are weekly The institution of the family lies at the center of the and the first meeting and elections of officers will take place on Wednesday, September 11th at 7:00 p.m. success of every Orthodox community because it is in the family setting that dedicated Christians grow and Altar Boys thrive. It is in the family context where Christian val- Boys in 1st grade through High School are called to ues and the Orthodox way of life is instilled and serve as Altar Boys. Along with their Altar duties, reg- adopted by tomorrow’s generation. Archangels Acade- ular meetings and other programs are held. If you my, the first Orthodox Bilingual Preschool of the south wish for your child to participate please contact Fr. suburbs offers an excellent Preschool program for our Tilemahos. Orthodox families. Archangels Academy is welcom- ing all students who are 3 years old by September 1st. Handmaidens Classes are held Monday through Friday, 9:00am — Girls ages 7-17 are called to serve as Handmaidens. 12:00am. School begins the day after Labor Day and Meetings are geared toward service projects that teach ends the Thursday before Memorial Day. young girls to offer their time and talents to the church

Sunday School and to the community at large. Meeting schedule will be announced. Sunday School is held during the regular school year (September thru May). Grade levels are from Pre- Junior Choir School through 12th grade and registration is held in All Sunday School students ages 7 and older are invit- August and September. We ask all parents to enroll ed to join the Junior choir. The children sing ecclesias- their children in Sunday School and have them attend tical hymns during the Divine Liturgy once a month, on a regular basis so that they may come close to the and with the regular choir throughout the year. Prac- Church and learn more about our beautiful Orthodox tice and Liturgy schedule will be announced. faith. Registration Fee for Sunday School is $40/ student payable to Saint Spyridon. Senior Choir The choir chants hymns during the Divine Liturgy and Plutarchos Academy other Church services during the entire year except the The Afternoon Greek School is held twice a week on summer months of July and August. For practice Mondays and Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and recog- schedule please consult the church calendar. nized by the Education Department of Greece and the FEK 49/T.B./6-2-1991. Grade levels are Pre-School FLOGA Dance Troupe through 6th Grade followed by the Ellinomathia semi- The Greek dance groups at St. Spyridon have been nars. The curriculum encompasses the Greek lan- part of the church community for many years. Teach- guage, Reading, Writing, Speaking, History, Religion, ing Greek dance to the youth of the church is a way to Ecclesiastical Hymns, Geography of Greece, Greek keep our customs and traditions alive and ensures that Ethnic Hymns and Greek Dance. Tuition Agreement these special lessons will be passed down to future Form Required. generation. Greek dance is also a positive approach to get the youth together, meet other people with similar Athletics interests and to build meaningful friendships. In All youth (boys and girls) between the ages of 5-17 are 2017, Saint Spyridon formed a new Greek Dance invited to join the Athletics Program of our parish. We Troupe called FLOGA. It is for young dancers 7th- are in need for coaches for the basketball season and 12th grades, and the instructor is Mr. Angelo Angelos. for Jr. Olympics. For more information or to volunteer With the help of the parish and some generous donors, as a coach for one of the teams, please contact our ath- the performers acquired their costumes from Greece. letic director, Mr. John Farsatis through the Church This year, all our dancers will have the chance to par- Office. ticipate in the Midwest Hellenic Dance Festival on Oc- tober 11th-12th. The registration for the MHDF is in- JUNIOR G.O.Y.A. & G.O.Y.A. cluded in the tuition. Practices are on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. starting on October 2nd. Annu- Boys and girls in 6th-12th (Jr. GOYA) are welcome to al Registration Fee: $100. join. Various athletic, social and religious activities are

10 The Voice Saint Spyridon Ministries Iconography Seminar salvation to all who thirst for the water of Life, sup- Our Iconography seminar will once again welcome porting in any possible way the overseas and home new and old students to learn how to make icons. Mr. missions of the “Orthodox Christian Mission Center” Panagiotis Michalopoulos, a professional icono- Saint Augustine, FL. grapher, is donating his time to teach both children and adults the art of iconography. The Registration Kentro of Orthodox Martyria Fee for this class is $100 for stewards of Saint Spyri- The Kentro is a ministry of our parish whose aim to don. Classes will be offered on Wednesday evenings spread the word of God, further educate all the faith- starting on Wednesday, September 18th, at 6:00 ful in the Orthodox faith. The bookstore has available p.m. for purchase Byzantine Icons, religious books, reli- gious videos of various Saints, cassettes analyzing our Greek Dancing Orthodox faith ( in Greek and English) and much Greek ethnic and cultural dances are taught to chil- more. dren of all ages. Greek Dance is taught during Greek School hours every Friday 4:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m. The Diakonia Agapes Greek Dance classes are also available to children not A Parish ministry that provides aid and relief to those enrolled in Greek School. The Dancers participate in in need, the poor, the destitute, the sick and all those community ethnic events as well as the parish festival. who may need help. Major food distributions are giv- en to ten needy families for the major holidays of Byzantine Music School Pascha, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. Assistance is In 2005, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago also provided to these and other families throughout established of the Metropolis Byzantine Music School the year. Please support our food pantry and our do- for the southern suburbs of Chicago at the parish by nation box for the poor located in the church narthex. Saint Spyridon. Children and adults are welcome to learn the art of Byzantine Music. Classes are free of VOICE Publication charge. For a class schedule please contact Fr. Tilema- Parish news, announcements and religious articles are hos. published every month in our monthly publication, “The Voice”. This monthly newsletter, along with oth- Orthodox Missions er announcements is available by e-mail or at our web- A program that seeks to bring our Lord’s message of site: www.Saint-Spyridon.org. WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!!! We would like to officially welcome all the Archangels’ students back to school. We are excited to be back in session with a full class. This will be Archangels Academy’s 15th year! Our staff Mrs. Sofea , Kyria Katerina, and Mrs. Angela are looking forward to another great year. On Sep- tember 3rd, we will be welcoming our students and parents with an Agiasmo service and the blessing of our classroom. Afterwards, Mrs. Sofea will read a story and the children will do a fun project. It will be a wonder- ful opportunity for the students, parents and staff to enjoy a great morning get-together. The following week we will be planting vasiliko as we prepare for the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Dates to Remember: Thursday, September 26th—Open House 6 p.m.—7:30 p.m. for students and parents Thursday, September 27th—No School

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11 Blessing of the Backpacks

Welcome back! We are excited to welcome all the new and returning families of our church, Saint Spyridon. Our annual back to school retreat was held on Saturday, August 31st. The children shared laughs, made crafts, played games, reunited with friends and ended the retreat with a blessing of the their backpacks. The first day of Sunday school is Sunday, September 8th. The first day of Greek school is Monday, September 9th at 4:30. Students will begin with an Agiasmos service and head to their classrooms until 6:30 p.m.. Please have students dress appropriately for church service. Εύχομαι σε όλους μια σπουδαία σχολική χρονιά!

12 The Voice Liturgical Services Schedule of Divine Services Sunday, September 1st Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year, Orthros, Liturgy & Agiasmos— 8:00 a.m. Saturday, Sepember 7th Great Vespers—6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 8th Nativity of Theotokos, Orthros & Divine Liturgy— 8:00 a.m. Friday, September 13th Great Vespers at Holy Cross Church, Justice, IL—7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 14th Elevation of the Precious Cross, Orthros & Divine Liturgy - 8:00 a.m. Vespers—6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 15th St. Nikitas, Sunday after Exaltation of Cross Orthros & Divine Liturgy—8:00 a.m. Saturday, September 21st Great Vespers—6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 22nd Orthros & Divine Liturgy— 8:00 a.m. Sunday, September 29th Orthros & Divine Liturgy— 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 1st St. Romanos the Melodist—Orthros, Liturgy & Agiasmos—8:00 a.m.

ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ Κυριακή 1 Σεπτεμβρίου Της Ινδίκτου, Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία και Αγιασμός –8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 7 Σεπτεμβρίου Μέγας Εσπερινός—6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 8 Σεπτεμβρίου Γενέθλιον της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Παρασκευή 13 Σεπτεμβρίου Εσπερινός στον Ι. Ναό του Τιμίου Σταυρού στο Justice, IL—7:00 μ.μ. Σάββατο 14 Σεπτεμβρίου Η ΄Υψωσις του Τιμίου Σταυρού, ΄Ορθρος & Λειτουργία —8:00 π.μ. Εσπερινός –6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 15 Σεπτεμβρίου Αγίου Νικήτα, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 21 Σεπτεμβρίου Μέγας Εσπερινός—6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 22 Σεπτεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Κυριακή 29 Σεπτεμβρίου Κυριακή μετά της Υψώσεως του Τ. Σταυρού, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία—8:00 π.μ. Τρίτη 1 Οκτωβρίου Αγίου Ρωμανού του Μελωδού Όρθρος, Λειτουργία & Αγιασμός —8:00 π.μ. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church

102nd Anniversary Community Dinner Dance St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church of Palos Heights, Cordially invites you to the celebration of our 101st Annual Dinner Dance

Sunday, October 27th, 2019

Cocktails: 5:30 p.m. • Dinner: 6:30 p.m. • Open Bar Dinner catered by Chef Dean Eliacostas, Music & Fellowship Donation: $50 adults • $20 children under 12

Church Community Hall Call the Church Office (708) 385-2311 or e-mail at [email protected] for Reservations by October 15th Reservations must be accompanied by payment

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 13 September 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Start of the Ecclesiastical Labor Day 1st Day of Archangels Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Sunday School Teachers New Year Festival Review Mtg 7pm Parish Council—7:00 Greek School Meeting—10:00 a.m. Sunday & Greek School Parish Council —8:00 pm pm Fundraiser—7:00 pm Registration

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1st Day of Sunday School Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Metropolis Golf Outing Christian Philoxenia at GOYA —7pm Plutarchos Academy-4:30 pm 1st day of Plutarchos Sts. Constantine & Helen Handmaidens—6:15 p.m. Academy-4:30 pm Dinner Dance Meeting PTA meeting—5:00 pm 6pm Greek Education School Board Meeting—7:00 p.m.

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Sunday School Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Choir Plutarchos Academy-4:30 Archangels School Board Iconography—6 pm Philoptochos Visit to the Plutarchos Academy-4:30 pm pm Meeting—7:00 p.m. GOYA —7pm Greek American Nursing Altar Boy Meeting—6:15 p.m. Home PTA Outing—6:30 p.m.

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Sunday School Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Institute Day Choir Plutarchos Academy-4:30 Iconography—6 pm Archangels Open House Plutarchos Academy—4:30 pm Philoptochos Luncheon pm GOYA —7pm Bible Study—7 pm

Clergy —Twin Cities

29 30 1 2 3 4 5 Sunday School Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Archangels Academy Choir Conference at St. Jr. Choir Plutarchos Academy-4:30 Iconography—6 pm Plutarchos Academy—4:30 pm Basil—Chicago pm Floga Practice—7 pm Bible Study—7 pm GOYA —8pm

Fanari 2019

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