Living In Uncertain Times

Transcription

1 s Coming together, we form an icon of God s Kingdom From Father Nicholas Vol. 23, No. 2 Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church 2501 S. Wolf Rd. Westchester, IL May Living In Uncertain Times Our Lord Jesus Christ stayed on earth for forty days after His Resurrection. He continually appeared over 500 times in various places to His disciples. Jesus spoke, ate, and drank with them to show that He was alive! This month we will celebrate a feast that may be unknown to some. It is one of the twelve Great Feasts of the Lord and is celebrated 40 days after Pascha. The feast of the Ascension always falls on a Thursday. Because it is a weekday liturgy, many are unable to experience this moving celebration. It is comprised of many beautiful hymns. They speak to us and can help us in times of uncertainty. Before leaving the earth, Jesus promised the disciples: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. (Acts 1:8) The Ascension hymns portray the emotions that the disciples experienced. A hymn from the Vespers service states: When the Apostles saw You ascending in the clouds, O Life-giving Christ, they frowned deeply, and mourned with tears saying; leave us not orphans, O Master, Your servants whom You did love in Your mercy; for You are compassionate. But send us Your most Holy Spirit as You did promise, to illumine our souls. The apostles were sad because they shared a unique and intimate relationship with the Lord for three years. He was not an ordinary leader or teacher of the faith. Following the Lord s Resurrection, His disciples finally began to comprehend Who He is and what He is all about. These disciples who were previously scared and fled the second that Jesus was arrested were now filled with strength. Jesus filled their lives with hope, peace and courage. Just as they began to learn about who Christ was, He ascended to heaven. He was lifted...see Fr. Nicholas on P. 3 George Nicholaou An Annual Holy Saturday Tradition Continues Metropolitan Nathanael continues Metropolitan Iakovos tradition of celebrating the First Anastasi Liturgy Holy Saturday morning at Holy Apostles.

2 From Father Panayiotis Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic May 2018 Page 2 Christ Is Our Anchor Of Hope O Thy divine and beloved and most sweet voice; Thou hast truly promised that Thou wouldst be with us unto the end of the age, O Christ; and we faithful rejoice, having this as an anchor of hope. When we attend church during the days of Holy Week and Pascha, we feel something special during the services. We feel the very presence of God. Of course God is always present with us during worship He is with us at all times and in all places. But these sacred moments that we experience around the time of Pascha are a reminder to us of the fact of His presence. It is as though Christ is saying to us, I am still here with you; do not be afraid. This feeling of being reassured of God s presence with us is echoed by the above Paschal hymn. The hymn is referring to Christ s final words to His disciples in the Gospel according to Matthew, Lo, I am with you always, unto the close of the age. Amen (Mt 28:20). Such words of assurance were needed for the disciples, who after Christ s departure would be faced with trials and martyrdom at the hands of pagan society. But we too have need of these words of Christ, of this promise that He utters to the disciples and to all of us. This is why the hymnographer calls Christ s voice divine and beloved and most sweet. It is the sweet voice of our Lord giving us comfort and strength in the midst of the difficulties of this life. This is the joy of Pascha, that out of darkness comes light, out of death and corruption comes life. This Paschal joy is our anchor in this life. Hence the closing of the hymn, and we faithful rejoice, having this [promise of the risen Christ] as an anchor of hope. In the Gospel according to John, Christ promises His disciples that He will not leave them as orphans, and that the Father will send the Holy Spirit after He leaves (referring to Pentecost; cf. Jn 14:18-27). As we now approach the Ascension and the feast of Pentecost, let us contemplate the Lord s love for us, and let us take seriously His promises to always be with us. We need to remember that, even in moments when we cannot feel His presence, He is still there. Let us hold tightly onto the words of His sweet voice as our anchor, because the time will eventually come when we again feel His presence and grace in our lives. We will then hear Him saying to us what He says to His beloved disciples: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (Jn 14:27). To our risen Lord be the glory, now and to the endless ages. Amen. Gavel to Gavel Minutes of the March Council Meeting Present: Fr. Nicholas Georgiou, Fr. Panayiotis Hasiakos, Peter Bell, Terry Chiganos, Cindy Clark, Spyro Demakis, Tom Gregory, Nick Kirkeles, Nick Kouchis, Alicia Magas, Norm Pomrening, Jim Maragos, George Alex, and Steven Savas. Financial/Stewardship Report º Norm Pomrening gave the Financial Report: Total revenue for the year through February stands at over $269,000 Total expenditures for the year through February stands at just under $150,000 Net income for the year through February stands at nearly $120,000 º Norm Pomrening gave the Stewardship Report: The amount pledged through February is up from the same period last year by over $22,000 The number of pledges is down 24. The indication is that fewer stewards are giving more dollars. Updates º Book Week: Peter Bell reported on the successful Book Week including the exceptional presentations by the various speakers. º Ushering: Peter Bell reminded the Council that when serving as the usher in charge, this person is responsible for ensuring that he/she will be closing up the church following the service or that this responsibility has been carefully assigned. º Website: Peter Bell reported that a new donation button has been installed on the church website Old Business º Memorial Garden Project: Terry Chiganos reported that plans for BY TOM GREGORY a memorial garden on the church grounds have progressed and that the total goodfaith estimate to complete the project stands at $80,000, which is expected to be fully funded by donors. Nick Kouchis made a motion asking that the parish donates $5,000 to the memorial garden project to come from the building fund or operations and that the donation is earmarked to cover annual maintenance. The motion passed unanimously. The project will commence only upon the necessary funding having been either deposited in Holy Apostles account or paid to contractor for any donors who wish to remain anonymous. º Back Room: Peter Bell reported that the Council is researching the possible renovation of the back room (behind HARC) and the Philoptochos room. Nick Kirkeles moved to have the Council approve the remodeling of these two rooms at a cost not to exceed $40,000 which is to include design fees. The motion passed unanimously. New Business º Nick Kirkeles reported that the Archdiocese is reviewing the national church youth program ministry to ensure safety of all participants. º Nick Kouchis reported on plans for the parish s 60th Anniversary Celebration which will be held in The planning committee has held its first meeting and Drury Lane is under consideration as a possible venue for this milestone event. Annual 5k Run And Walk Set For May 12 On Saturday, May 12 at 8:30 a.m. our annual 5K run/walk to benefit Philoxenia House in Rochester, Minnesota will take place. Philoxenia House is an Orthodox mission providing free meals and accommodations to people who travel to the Mayo Clinic to receive treatment. All ages are invited to participate, and the Kids Dash is back by popular demand. Registration forms and sponsorship opportunities are available both on the church website and in the church office. Our Holy Apostles community has been a long and devoted supporter of Philoxenia House. Please come out and join us. A Mother s Advice On Mother s Day I can pray for you but I cannot make you walk with God. I can teach you to obey, but I cannot make Jesus your lord. I can tell you about drinking, but I can t say NO for you. I can teach you right from wrong but I can t always decide for you. I can warn you about sins but I can not make your morals. I can teach you things but I can not make you learn.

3 Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic May 2018 Page 3 Fr. Nicholas from P. 1 Living In Uncertain Times... up before their eyes in a cloud which took Him from their sight. (Acts 1:9) This left them with feelings of deep loss and sadness. The disciples felt that they lost a dear friend and loved one. Leave us not orphans they cried out. They wanted something else to fill the void of losing Him. These disciples wanted to continue living with the hope that they experienced when they were in His presence. We too experience post-paschal letdown. Orthodox Christians spend 70 days preparing for Christ s Resurrection which we celebrate for forty days. Christ s Ascension seems like a parting and separating from the Lord because He is not with us in the same way. We, just like the disciples, need the Lord to be with us all the time. Once again, the Lord provided. As Jesus ascended to heaven, He told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would visit them in ten days and be with them and us always. Jesus our Lord returned to His Father in heaven and took His throne at the right hand of the Father. He returned to the heavens with our human nature. Now all humanity has access to God and the opportunity to experience eternal life with Him. This opens the door of the Kingdom of God to us so that we have the potential to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6) When the disciples were separated from Jesus, they remained full of hope because they knew they would receive the Holy Spirit. They clung, as we who are experiencing uncertainty should, to His command: Wait for the promise of the Father. (Acts 1:4) Jesus ascended and left us the Holy Spirit. The priest prays every service, Oh Heavenly King the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth who is in all places and fills all things, the Treasury of Blessings, come and abide in us. In other words, God take residence in us. As the Holy Spirit abides in us, His mind becomes our mind, His eyes, our eyes, His speech, our speech, and His actions become our actions. Our lives, just as the disciples experienced, can be transformed. We will pray in the Kneeling Prayers following the Divine Liturgy of Pentecost: Lord Jesus Christ our God, You have bestowed Your peace on humankind, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, to be with us even in this life as a perpetual inheritance to believers never to be taken away. St. Paul reminds us: You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. (Romans 8:9) The Holy Spirit directs our entire mind, body and soul. St. Paul reminds us the Spirit also helps in our weakness! (Romans 8:26) Philoptochos Spring Happenings A sincere thank you to the many individuals who contributed toward our philanthropic endeavors during the Lenten and Paschal seasons. Some gave their time and visited those of our parish who are facing difficult times. Others supported our bake sale, Easter candle sale, Lenten dinner and Celebration of Books reception. Some provided and wrapped red Easter eggs for our parish. Many contributed generously to support our various endeavors, whether via purchases or donations. Whatever has been done for Philoptochos is greatly appreciated and supports our Orthodox Christian mission. We would not be able to reach out and assist those who need our help without your continued and generous support. Poised for Success Philoptochos is collecting new and gently used summer women s career clothing from April 21 through May 5 for Poised for Success. This nonprofit organization provides career clothing to women who cannot afford appropriate clothes for a job interview. The women are provided two interview outfits and once they secure a job, three more are given so that they will have a week s work of clothing. Philoptochos would greatly appreciate it if you could peek at your closets and bring any donations to the multi-purpose room. Please leave the clothing on hangers. Holy Apostles parishioners generously donated 2 full coat racks of clothing for the fall clothing drive. Thank You! Feed the Hungry Service Commitment Holy Apostles Philoptochos will take its turn preparing and serving a meal for the homeless on Tuesday, May 8. Every chapter in the Chicago Metropolis is expected to participate in this year-round program. Do we want to be transformed and receive help in uncertain times? Sometimes our own concerns can obscure the light and hope of our souls. We can let our own preoccupations and desires stifle and keep us from the healing presence of God. The feast of the Ascension reminds us that even in the midst of difficult times, the Lord prevails. The Ascension icon shows Jesus ascending to heaven being carried upon the clouds with two angels on each side. While the Theotokos is praying and very calm, the disciples seem amazed and even puzzled, as they are moving about, talking and gazing up at heaven. Despite their concerns, the Lord sits above the cares of this world at the center of the heavens. Even though we may experience heavy and dark clouds of uncertainty in our lives, the Lord is not hidden. The icon shows that the All meals are transported and served at the Annunciation Cathedral on LaSalle Street. If you would like to assist with this philanthropic cause or would like to make a monetary donation for supplies, please contact Anne Theophilos at annetheophilos@aol.com or at Philoptochos General Meeting Tuesday, May 15 Kiki Vale will speak about supporting a healthy lifestyle and living naturally with essential oils. Kiki speaks at corporate events and has her own blog, kikivale.com, about living life fully and purposefully. Her lifestyle was inspired by her introduction to do Terra Essential oils. Kiki will be launching her own lifestyle brand, Kefi L!fe, in May Please join us for an evening of fellowship, fun, and information! Save the Dates: Holy Apostles Vespers and Feast Day - Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30. Philoptochos will be hosting the receptions following these services. Volunteers are needed to assist with set up and serving. Donations of Greek pastries or other foods are needed, including some Lenten foods for the Friday night reception. If you would like to help or contribute to the reception, please contact Emily Rehn at or platovalentine@hotmail.com Luncheon and Fashion Show Saturday, October 20 Please mark your calendars for our annual Luncheon and Fashion Show, Under the Big Top at The Abbington in Glen Ellyn. This year s beneficiaries are Gigi s Playhouse and Philoxenia House. Lord is in control of all things. God is Lord over all of our ailments. He is the Lord and His Kingdom rules over all. We may not see Him but He is visible and vital to the life of our souls. The Lord sits on the clouds so that their downpour will not crush us. Will we allow our loving Lord to help us overcome sadness and uncertainty as the disciples did? As we celebrate the Lord s Ascension, we can recite the following hymn that will be sung. This is a good hymn for us to pray and remember when we experience uncertainty, despair and hopelessness. You ascended in glory O Christ our Lord and God, and Your disciples were filled with joy, by the promise of the Holy Spirit unto them. And through this blessing You did thus assure them, you are truly Son of God and the Redeemer of our souls. (Feast of the Ascension Apolytikion)

4 Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic May 2018 Page 4 Fr. Panayiotis annoints a parishioner on Holy Wesnesday, above. At right, Georgia Shubalis and her granddaughter receive palms from Deacon Perry. Mimi Natsis lights her candle on Holy Friday from another parishioner s candle. Holy Week services transform the church from darkness to light At left, on Holy Thursday evening, the Cross of Christ is alight with with candles representing the prayers of the faithful following the Twelve Gospel Readings. The service reenacts the Crucifixion of Christ. Above, the setting sun streams through windows above the altar forming a cross of light at the beginning of the Holy Friday Lamentations.

5 Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic May 2018 Page 5 As Holy Week services approach the high point of the resurrection, the Holy Friday, Holy Saturday, and Anastasi services have special meaning. Holy Friday services re-live the un-nailing of Christ from the Cross and his burial in the tomb. In Holy Saturday services, we relive the transformation from the darkness of Christ s burial to the light and joy of the Resurrection Liturgy at midnight. Flowers, representing new life, lead us to Pascha A young parishioner crawls under the kouvouklion during the Apokathelosis service Holy Friday. It is a Greek tradition for children to crawl under the tomb/epitaphio Friday afternoon to illustrate Christ rising up out of the tomb. Above, Jeremy Glavanovits, left, helps support the kouvouklion as Peter Savas, center, and Michael Dorner, right, help cary it in procession on Holy Friday evening. Above, the myrrhbearers throw flowers on the epitaphios Holy Friday eveining. At left, Fr. Nicholas and Fr. Panayiotis spread the light from the light from the altar before proclaiming Christos Anesti in the Resurrection Liturgy later.

6 Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic May 2018 Page 6 Philoptochos Feeds the Hungry in May For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) Feed the Hungry began when Georgia Barris was President of the Metropolis Philoptochos Board. Her vision and research, along with the approval of then Bishop Iakovos, launched this ministry in May of 1991 at the hall of the Annunciation Cathedral in Chicago. Philoptochos chapters in the Metropolis each take a turn hosting a Feed the Hungry serving session. Serving sessions are held at Annunciation on the second and last Tuesday of every month, except for November, when the second session is held on Thanksgiving Day. Metropolitan Iakovos of Blessed Memory served every year at the Thanksgiving session. Holy Apostles Philoptochos has hosted a Feed the Hungry serving session every May since The Metropolis Feed the Hungry Committee suggests that a nutritious meal containing a meat, starch, vegetable, salad, bread, and dessert be prepared for about people. Generous donors from Holy Apostles purchase all the food and beverages. The food is brought in cooked, as the Annunciation Cathedral kitchen can only be used for reheating. Cathedral staff organizes the day, Front to back, Eleni Fosses, Anne Cussick, Arianna Cussick, Thania Panopoulos, and Ionna Burtzos feed the hungry at Annunciation Cathedral in a file photo from helps make the coffee, and oversees the heating of the food. Holy Apostles volunteers serve the meal that has been brought in and then share a small meal together once all the guests Metropolis Oratorical Winner Luke Christy, an H.A. Altar Boy, took first place in the Jr. Division of the Metropolis Oratorical Festival held at St. Demetrios in Hammond, IN Saturday, April 14. He competed against 19 others and will advance to the Archdiocesan competition to be held at St. John the Baptist - Des Plaines, IL on June He will compete against nine other finalists from around the country. Angie Panos prepares the lettuce. have been served. There is typically enough food for second servings and sometimes even more. Birthdays are celebrated at the first serving of each month with cupcakes that the host Philoptochos provides. Holy Apostles volunteers also offer crew socks to those in attendance. At each session, the date of the next serving is announced. People on the street are aware of this ministry and tell others that may benefit from a nutritious meal. Holy Apostles volunteers carpool to the Cathedral. One does not have to be a member of Philoptochos to participate and men are welcome and encouraged to assist with this ministry. Our next Feed the Hungry serving session is Tuesday, May 8. If you are interested in participating, please contact Anne Theophilos at or annetheophilos@aol.com.

7 Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic May 2018 Page 7 Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church May S. Wolf Rd. Westchester, Illinois Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday MID PENTECOST 6:15pm Jr. Dance Troupe Rehearsal 4:30pm Adventure Theater Lock In All Day Adventure Theater Lock In The Deadline For The June Mosaic Is Today Children In The Loft Youth Proclaim Christ 8:15am Orthros 9:30am Divine Liturgy Fellowship Hour 6 7 Philoptochos Feed the Hungry 10:00am TOTS 1:00pm Caregiver Support Group 6:00pm The Way 8 9 6:15pm Jr. Dance Troup Rehearsal 7:00pm Philoptochos Board Meeting :00am 5K Family Run 12 Mother s Day 8:15am Orthros 9:30am Divine Liturgy Fellowship Hour :00pm Philoptochos General Meeting APODOSIS OF PASCHA 16 ASCENSION OF OUR LORD 4:30pm Last Day Of Greek School 6:15pm Jr. Dance Troupe Rehearsal 7:30pm Parish Council Meeting :15am Orthros 9:30am Divine Liturgy Fellowship Hour FEAST DAY OF Ss. CONSTANTINE & HELEN 10:00am TOTS Graduation JR. OLYMPICS JR. OLYMPICS SATURDAY OF THE SOULS JR. OLYMPICS PENTECOST Fellowship Hour DAY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Calendar current as of publication date

8 Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic May 2018 Page 8 Baptisms William, son of Deanna & Cary Heckman Sponsor: Maria Pentaris Coralia, daughter of Kathryn & Geoff Dutton Sponsor: Allison Baier Giuliana, daughter of Keli & Ross Failla Sponsor: Sam Failla Ainsley Renee, daughter of Sofia & Daniel Hatch Sponsor: Thomas Berland Funerals Bernice Spirios Louis G. Chechopoulos Vasiliki Karambelas Catherine Psarros Gus Lekatsos Memorials Popi Kouropoulou Nick Zaharopoulos Dennis Zontos George Varlas Loulouthie Kavouras Silvia Tsoutsouris Louis Chechopoulos Brooklyn, daughter of Marissa & Jason Mendenhall Sponsor: Andrea Argianas Andrew, son of Elaine & Brian Murphey Sponsor: Jenny Panos Wedding Polly Brillakis & Lloyd Stouder Sponsor: Barbara Barkas -Frechett Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church 2501 S. Wolf Rd. Westchester, Il (708) Address Service Requested NONPROFI T ORG. U.S. P OSTAGE PAID BELLWOOD, I L. PERMI T NO. 157 Postmaster: Please deliver by the 3rd of May