The Trophybearer. The unblemished lamb C H U R C H S T A F F I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Assumption Greek Fest. Council Connections

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1 C H U R C H S T A F F The Trophybearer Parish Priest/Editor: Fr. Christodoulos Margellos Parish Council President: Mary Rankin The unblemished lamb J U N E? J U L Y Philoptochos President: Susan Matos Sunday School Director: Dn Paul Speed Caretaker: Jason Leon I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Retreat Center Grand Opening Assumption Greek Fest Council Connections Stewardship Update Service Schedule Saints of June & July Community News

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6 ALTAR BOY SERVICE SCHEDULE FOR JUNE/JULY 2015 On Sunday, June 7 th, 2015: Team 2 Nikolas Jacobs, Alek Jacobs, John T. Jones, John Mott, Michael Pyevich, Ben Florence, Peter Matos, Ian Matos. On Sunday, June 14 th, 2015: Team 1 Gabriel Florence, Ethan Kirkpatrick, Charlie Cudworth, Andrew Leon, George Elias, Zach Elias, Gabriel Elias, Tomas On Sunday, June 21 st, 2015: Team 2 Nikolas Jacobs, Alek Jacobs, John T. Jones, John Mott, Michael Pyevich, Ben Florence, Peter Matos, Ian Matos. On Sunday, June 28 th, 2015: Team 1 Gabriel Florence, Ethan Kirkpatrick, Charlie Cudworth, Andrew Leon, George Elias, Zach Elias, Gabriel Elias, Tomas Elias. On Sunday, July 5 th, 2015: Team 2 Nikolas Jacobs, Alek Jacobs, John T. Jones, John Mott, Michael Pyevich, Ben Florence, Peter Matos, Ian Matos. Tomas Elias. On Sunday, July 12 th, 2015: Team 1 Gabriel Florence, Ethan Kirkpatrick, Charlie Cudworth, Andrew Leon, George Elias, Zach Elias, Gabriel Elias, Tomas Elias. On Sunday, July 19 th, 2015: Team 2 Nikolas Jacobs, Alek Jacobs, John T. Jones, John Mott, Michael Pyevich, Ben Florence, Peter Matos, Ian Matos. Tomas Elias. On Sunday, July 26 th, 2015: Team 1 Gabriel Florence, Ethan Kirkpatrick, Charlie Cudworth, Andrew Leon, George Elias, Zach Elias, Gabriel Elias, Tomas Elias. June/July 2015 Parish Council Sunday Duty List On Sunday, June 7 th, 2015 members on duty: Steve Eckert, Mary Rankin, Mary Kay Eckert. On Sunday, June 14 th, 2015 members on duty: Mary Rankin, Joe Burmeister, Gus Pappas. On Sunday, June 21 st, 2015 members on duty: Harry G. Coin, Brad Crosson, Mike Patramanis. On Sunday, June 28 th, 2015 members on duty: Steve Eckert, Mary Rankin, Mary Kay Eckert. On Sunday, July 5 th, 2015 members on duty: Mary Rankin, Joe Burmeister, Gus Pappas. On Sunday, July 12 th, 2015 members on duty: Harry G. Coin, Brad Crosson, Mike Patramanis. On Sunday, July 19 th, 2015 members on duty: Steve Eckert, Mary Rankin, Mary Kay Eckert. On Sunday, July 26 th, 2015 members on duty: Mary Rankin, Joe Burmeister, Gus Pappas. Coffee Hour Hosts for June/July 2015 On Sunday, June 7 th, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: Dn. Paul & Romilie Speed. On Sunday, June 14 th, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: 2015 High school graduates. On Sunday, June 21 st, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: Joe Burmeister. On Sunday, June 28 th, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED On Sunday, July 5 th, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED On Sunday, July 12 th, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED On Sunday, July 19 th, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 6 On Sunday, July 26 th, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

7 JUNE/JULY 2015 SERVICE SCHEDULE Sunday, June 7 th All Saint Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, June 14 th 2 nd Sunday of Matthew Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, June 21 st 3 rd Sunday of Matthew Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Father s Day Wednesday, June 24 th Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Orthros: 8:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m. Sunday, June 28 th 4 th Sunday of Matthew Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 29 th Saints Peter & Paul the Apostles Orthros: 8:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 30 th Synaxis of the Holy Apostles Orthros: 9:00 a.m. At Assumption parish in East Moline, IL Sunday, July 5 th 5 th Sunday of Matthew Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 11 th Saint Euphemia the Great Martyr Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m. Sunday, July 12 th 6 th Sunday of Matthew Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, July 19 th Sunday of the Holy Fathers Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 20 th The Prophet Elias Orthros: 8:30 Parish Feast day for Dubuque, IA Divine Liturgy: 10:00 Wednesday, July 22 nd Saint Mary Magdalene Orthros: 8:00 a.m. Saint Markella of Chios Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m. Friday, July 24 th Saint Christina the Great Martyr Orthros:: 8:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m. Sunday, July 26 th 8 th Sunday of Matthew Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Saint Paraskevi of Rome Monday, July 27 th Saint Panteleimon the Great Martyr Orthros: 9:00 a.m. At Assumption East Moline 7

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9 NATIVITY OF THE FORERUNNER JOHN THE BAPTIST: He that was greater than all who are born of women, the Prophet who received God's testimony that he surpassed all the Prophets, was born of the aged and barren Elizabeth (Luke 1: 7) and filled all his kinsmen, and those that lived round about, with gladness and wonder. But even more wondrous was that which followed on the eighth day when he was circumcised, that is, the day on which a male child receives his name. Those present called him Zacharias, the name of his father. But the mother said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." Since the child's father was unable to speak, he was asked, by means of a sign, to indicate the child's name. He then asked for a tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And immediately Zacharias' mouth was opened, his tongue was loosed from its silence of nine months, and filled with the Holy Spirit, he blessed the God of Israel, Who had fulfilled the promises made to their fathers, and had visited them that were sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, and had sent to them the light of salvation. Zacharias prophesied concerning the child also, saying that he would be a Prophet of the Most High and Forerunner of Jesus Christ. And the child John, who was filled with grace, grew and waxed strong in the Spirit; and he was in the wilderness until the day of his showing to Israel (Luke 1:57-80). His name is a variation of the Hebrew "Johanan," which means "Yah is gracious." SAINT MARINA THE GREAT MARTYR: This Martyr lived during the reign of Claudius II ( ). She was from Pisidia of Cilicia and was the only daughter of a certain priest of the idols. On being orphaned by her mother, she was handed over to a certain woman who instructed her in the Faith of Christ. When she was fifteen years old, she was apprehended by the ruler of Olmbrius, and when asked her name, homeland, and faith, she answered: "My name is Marina; I am the offspring of the Pisidia; I call upon the Name of my Lord Jesus Christ." Because of this she endured bonds, imprisonment, and many whippings, and was finally beheaded in the year 270. Saint Marina is especially invoked for deliverance from demonic possession. SAINT IRENE CHRYSOVALANTOU: Saint Irene, who was from Cappadocia, flourished in the ninth century. Because of her great beauty and virtue, she was brought to Constantinople as a prospective bride for the young Emperor Michael ( ); however, as Saint Joannicius the Great foretold, it was God's will that she assume the monastic habit instead. She shone forth in great ascetical labours, and suffered many attacks from the demons; while yet a novice, she attained to the practice of Saint Arsenius the Great, of praying the whole night long with arms stretched out towards Heaven (see May 8). God showed forth great signs and wonders in her, and she became the Abbess of the Convent of Chrysovalantou. She was granted the gift of clairvoyance and knew the thoughts of all that came to her. She appeared in a vision to the king and rebuked him for unjustly imprisoning a nobleman who had been falsely accused. Through a sailor from Patmos to whom he had appeared, Saint John the Evangelist sent her fragrant and wondrous apples from Paradise. She reposed at the age of 103, still retaining the youthful beauty of her countenance. After her repose, marvelous healings beyond number have been wrought by her to the present 9 day.

10 Community News PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Will be on Tuesday, June 9 th at 7:00 p.m. in the Green room. SAINT GEORGE LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS 2015 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: It is again time to recruit membership to our St. George Philoptochos Society. Joining Philoptochos really means actively living and practicing our Orthodox faith. It also means being an important part of a truly dynamic force of humanitarian outreach in our community. There can be no better response to the question of why join Philoptochos than to say your membership and participation is the manifestation and witness of your faith as an Orthodox Christian. All women and men in the St. George parish are invited to be members. All prospective members are welcome to attend our meetings and learn what we are all about! See enclosed sign up form for more information, PARISH CELEBRATION RESCHEDULED TO THE FALL: Due to His Eminence Schedule we are moving our 105/40 celebration to the fall following the Greek Festival. More details will be announced soon. GRADUATE SUNDAY: On Sunday, June 14 th following the Divine Liturgy. We at Saint George will celebrate all of the students at our parish but especially those who are graduating from High School and College. It is a chance for us to congratulate all of them on begin the next step in the journey of their life. We will present all the graduates with a special gift. Following the liturgy our graduates will be hosting the coffee hour to give them an opportunity to thank all of you for your support and prayers. Please join us on the 14 th to celebrate as a parish. SAINT IAKOVOS RETREAT CENTER GRAND OPENING: On Saturday, June 13 th Fr. Christodoulos will be traveling to the Metropolis Retreat center to kick off the grand opening. We will begin the day at 11:00 a.m. with a special Agiasmos service (Blessing of the Water) followed by a lunch and tours of the facilities. There will be things for families of all ages. We will be collecting a special tray on Sunday, June 7 th for the Retreat center. If you are interested in attending please see Fr. Christodoulos. FANARI CAMP: The time has come once again to register for Fanari Camp. Fanari this year will be held at our new Metropolis Retreat Center. The dates are Session 1 All Grades June Session 2 10 th & 11 th grades only June Session 3 All Grades July Session 4 All Grades July This is open for kids going into 6th grade to 11th grade. This is an opportunity for our children to get to know children from all around the Metropolis of Chicago. Please see Fr. Christodoulos if your child is interested. REACHING OUT: In an attempt to reach out to former parishioners of St. George we are asking all members to please call the church office with the names of any former members who have fallen away from the church. Fr. Christodoulos will then reach out to them. Please if you have anybody in mind please call the church office or speak with Fr. Christodoulos HOSPITAL VISITS: If you or a family member are in the hospital, please call the office. Ever since the change in the privacy laws, hospitals are reluctant to call churches. Please call us so that we can avoid missing our parishioners in their time of need. KOLYVA FOR MEMORIALS: As many of us know in order to have a memorial in the Orthodox Church we need to have Kolyva. Because of this we have started offering to make Kolyva for anyone who needs to have one and either does not have time or does not know how to make them. We will charge $ for a tray and it will be ready for Sundays. Families are welcome to help with the making of the Kolyva as well. For more information on ordering Kolyva contact the church office. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: For the coffee hour during the summer months. If you are interested please see the sign up sheet located outside the Church office.. EVENING MEAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Do to scheduling conflict, the person who was hosting the evening meal on October 28 th Is no longer able to serve that day. So we are in need of someone to take over October 28 th. If anyone is interested or wants further information please see Dena Manta. EVENING MEAL HOST FOR JUNE & JULY: the Evening meal in June will be hosted by Ken & Helen Stiegal on June 24 th. Then the evening meal in July will be hosted by Nancy G. Coin, Darlene Lingris & Dena Manta on Wednesday, July 22 nd. 10

11 SAINTS PETER & PAUL: The divinely-blessed Peter was from Bethsaida of Galilee. He was the son of Jonas and the brother of Andrew the First-called. He was a fisherman by trade, unlearned and poor, and was called Simon; later he was renamed Peter by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, Who looked at him and said, "Thou art Simon the son of Jonas; thou shalt be called Cephas (which is by interpretation, Peter)" (John 1:42). On being raised by the Lord to the dignity of an Apostle and becoming inseparable from Him as His zealous disciple, he followed Him from the beginning of His preaching of salvation up until the very Passion, when, in the court of Caiaphas the high priest, he denied Him thrice because of his fear of the Jews and of the danger at hand. But again, after many bitter tears, he received complete forgiveness of his transgression. After the Resurrection of Christ and the descent of the Holy Spirit, he preached in Judea, Antioch, and certain parts of Asia, and finally came to Rome, where he was crucified upside down by Nero, and thus he ascended to the eternal habitations about the year 66 or 68, leaving two Catholic (General) Epistles to the Church of Christ. Paul, the chosen vessel of Christ, the glory of the Church, the Apostle of the Nations and teacher of the whole world, was a Jew by race, of the tribe of Benjamin, having Tarsus as his homeland. He was a Roman citizen, fluent in the Greek language, an expert in knowledge of the Law, a Pharisee, born of a Pharisee, and a disciple of Gamaliel, a Pharisee and notable teacher of the Law in Jerusalem. For this cause, from the beginning, Paul was a most fervent zealot for the traditions of the Jews and a great persecutor of the Church of Christ; at that time, his name was Saul (Acts 22:3-4). In his great passion of rage and fury against the disciples of the Lord, he went to Damascus bearing letters of introduction from the high priest. His intention was to bring the disciples of Christ back to Jerusalem in bonds. As he was approaching Damascus, about midday there suddenly shone upon him a light from Heaven. Falling on the earth, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" And he asked, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus Whom thou persecutest; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." And that heavenly voice and brilliance made him tremble, and he was blinded for a time. He was led by the hand into the city, and on account of a divine revelation to the Apostle Ananias (see Oct. 1), he was baptized by him, and both his bodily and spiritual eyes were opened to the knowledge of the Sun of Righteousness. And straightway- O wondrous transformation! - beyond all expectation, he spoke with boldness in the synagogues, proclaiming that "Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 9:1-21). As for his zeal in preaching the Gospel after these things had come to pass, as for his unabating labors and afflictions of diverse kinds, the wounds, the prisons, the bonds, the beatings, the stonings, the shipwrecks, the journeys, the perils on land, on sea, in cities, in wildernesses, the continual vigils, the daily fasting, the hunger, the thirst, the nakedness, and all those other things that he endured for the Name of Christ, and which he underwent before nations and kings and the Israelites, and above all, his care for all the churches, his fiery longing for the salvation of all, whereby he became all things to all men, that he might save them all if possible, and because of which, with his heart aflame, he continuously traveled throughout all parts, visiting them all, and like a bird of heaven flying from Asia and Europe, the West and East, neither staying nor abiding in any one place - all these things are related incident by incident in the Book of the Acts, and as he himself tells them in his Epistles. His Epistles, being fourteen in number, are explained in 250 homilies by the divine Chrysostom and make manifest the loftiness of his thoughts, the abundance of the revelations made to him, the wisdom given to him from God, wherewith he brings together in a wondrous manner the Old with the New Testaments, and expounds the mysteries thereof which had been concealed under types; he confirms the doctrines of the Faith, expounds the ethical teaching of the Gospel, and demonstrates with exactness the duties incumbent upon every rank, age, and order of man. In all these things his teaching proved to be a spiritual trumpet, and his speech was seen to be more radiant than the sun, and by these means he clearly sounded forth the word of truth and illumined the ends of the world. Having completed the work of his ministry, he likewise ended his life in martyrdom when he was beheaded in Rome during the reign of Nero, at the same time, some say, when Peter was crucified. 11

12 St. George Greek Orthodox Church st Ave Rock Island, IL Phone: Fax: Priest Office READERS FOR JUNE/JULY 2015 On Sunday, June 7 th, 2015: Angela Spurgetis On Sunday, June 14 th, 2015: Alexa Florence. On Sunday, June 21 st, 2015: Ethan Kirkpatrick. On Sunday, June 28 th, 2015: Mary Rankin On Sunday, July 5 th, 2015: Kay Coin On Sunday, July 12 th, 2015: Michael Pyevich. On Sunday, July 19 th, 2015: Bill Johnson On Sunday, July 26 th, 2015: Angela Spurgetis PRAYERS FOR OUR SHUT INS: Have we taken for granted our health? Some of our members who are no longer able to come to church would always appreciate a phone call just to say hello. Please take time during the Lenten season give them a call and say hello. Ted Bagatelas Elaine Froumis Steve Spurgetis Janice Smirles Mary Gianulis Judy Pappas Anne Allen 12