VOICE THE. Sunday, October 28th, th Annual Community Dinner Dance. Saint Spyridon Community Hall. THE VOICE September Volume No.

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1 THE VOICE THE VOICE September Volume No. 265 TABLE OF CONTENTS Father s Article... 1 Archangels... 3 Iconography Update... 4 P.T.A Sunday School... 6 Youth Ministry... 7 Orthodox Studies... 8 Greek School... 8 Philoptochos... 9 August in Pictures Stewardship Community News Registry Liturgical Schedule Activities Calendar Community Events ST. SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH S. RIDGELAND AVE. PALOS HEIGHTS, IL WWW. SAINT- SPYRIDON.ORG Hymn of Note Did you know that on a Sunday morning, if you happen to see the gospel book placed in the narthex it means that you are already late? During the Orthros service on a typical Sunday the priest reads the Eothinon or morning gospel. On most Sundays this morning gospel speaks of the Resurrection which is the theme for every Sunday, and the priest reads it from the right side of the altar table. This is done as a depiction of the angel who proclaimed the resurrection to the myrrh-bearing women while sitting at the right side of Christ s empty tomb. After the morning gospel is read, the priest proceeds to the solea and the faithful come to venerate the gospel book and particularly the icon of the resurrection which is depicted on the gospel cover. After all those present have come to venerate, then the gospel is placed in the narthex. This is done so that everyone who happens to enter the church later on and has missed the hearing of the resurrection gospel would also have the chance to venerate it and be reminded of the day s theme. 95th Annual Community Dinner Dance Sunday, October 28th, 2012 Saint Spyridon Community Hall

2 The Voice - H ΦΩNH Official Monthly Community Publication of St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church S. Ridgeland Avenue Palos Heights, IL REV. FR. TILEMAHOS ALIKAKOS IERATIKOS PROESTAMENOS Church Office Hours:... Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: , 2313 or 0787 Fax: office@saint-spyridon.org Web: Parish Council Officers Taso Panagiotopoulos... President James Korbakes... 1st Vice-President Konstantinos Labrakis... 2nd V. President Tom Zentefis... Secretary Larry Kekempanos... Assistant Secretary Nicholas Chibucos... Treasurer Gus Kolyvas... Assistant Treasurer Auxiliary Officers Stylianos Bonanos... Chanter Toula Georgiopoulos... Philoptochos Georgia Theoharis... P.T.A. Kiki Kzazakis... Kentro Lambrini Stavrou... Plutarchos Greek School Anna Angelos... Zoe Kopanis... Sunday School Director Nicky Glikis... Choir Director Dana Vasilakos... G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. Joanne Spinos... Cherubs Patrice Pagunas... HOPE Fr. Tilemahos... Byzantine Music Panagiotis Mihalopoulos... Iconography Fr. Tilemahos... Bible Study A. Sinzianu & V. Drikos... Handmaidens N. Chibucos & N. Mataragas... Altar Boys John Angelos... Athletics And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Continued from page 1) Of course, during the rest of the Orthros and the Divine Liturgy, we have the chance to hear the message of the Resurrection again. In the Divine Liturgy we hear the resurrection apolytikia and other hymns from each of the eight tones. But we also hear two sets of hymns that directly reflect on the particular theme of the morning gospel: The exaposteilaria and the eothina. Now there are eleven morning gospels, one from the gospel of St. Matthew, two from St. Mark, three from St. Luke, and five from St. John. The cycle begins every Paschal season and then week by week we proceed through each of the eleven gospels with the perspective exaposteilaria and eothina. Therefore, there are eleven eothina, chanted right before the great doxology, toward the end of Orthros. These eleven hymns will be our Hymns of Note in the months to come. The eleven eothina were written and composed by St. Leo the Wise. He was emperor of the Byzantine Empire in the ninth century and was deemed the Wise because of his extreme love of learning and prolific writings. Among his writings were over 150 liturgical hymns, among which are the eleven eothina commenting on the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus as they are described in the eleven morning gospels. The first eothinon is based on the passage of Matthew 28: It is the same passage that is read during the sacrament of Holy Baptism for the very obvious reason that it contains the final commission of Christ to go and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19) The hymn is the following: The Lord stood before His disciples, who had ascended the mountain for his being lifted from the ground. They worshipped Him, and when they had been taught that authority had been given him everywhere, they were sent out to proclaim His Resurrection from the dead and His restoration to Heaven. And Christ, God and Savior of our souls, promised unfailingly that He would be with them for ever. On this post-resurrection appearance of Jesus the response of the apostles is the act of worship. No longer do they doubt Jesus divinity. They fall on their knees and confess Him as their Lord and God. As we come to approach God s house, an icon of Christ, or the Holy Eucharist, do we do so with a worshipful heart? When we say Kyrie Eleison, Lord have mercy, do we address Him with the reverence due to our Lord and God? In a world where kingship and lordship are antiquated terms, do we even understand how to view someone as Lord and King? We have a hard time in our western culture understanding the concept of supreme authority belonging to any person or even to God. We judge authority against the measure of common sense, human reasoning, and science. We often despise and disregard voices of authority and we tend to side 2 The Voice

3 (Continued from page 2) with a person s rights and privileges over his duties, responsibilities, or limitations placed by any authority, law, or tradition. Consequently, while Jesus has authority over heaven and earth, we have lately pushed Him over to the heavenly realm and claimed the earthly for ourselves. Like the apostles, we must be taught that Christ has authority everywhere and over all things. He has authority over how we spend our time and treasure, how we eat, how we sleep, how we marry, how we raise our family, how we work, how we live, and how we die. His words and His teachings, as interpreted by His Church, are authoritative once we choose to accept Him as Lord and Savior and call ourselves Christians. When we pick and choose only parts of Christ s authority over us we do not only betray our own baptismal pledge but we also betray others who might expect to be inspired or encouraged by our convictions. In other words, when we show that we do not take our faith seriously, others will dismiss it. But when we do abide by the promises we chose to make, then other might commit to Orthodoxy as well and therefore follow the example of the apostles as one true Fr. Tilemahos kicked off 's 8th year with an agiasmo. This apostolic church. year The choice to abide by Christ s authority is indeed difficult. For many over centuries, it cost them even their life. The key to remember is however that Christ promised to always be with us until the end of the age. He is with us through the sacraments of healing, forgiveness, and life within the Church. He is with us when we exercise our eyes of faith through prayer and patient asceticism. He is with us in the least of the brethren whom we find in our acts of selfless giving. He is with us in the gift of a loving family. He is with us in the gift of a loving community of believers who all seek first the kingdom of heaven which is at hand. Jesus is always with us in His way, when two or three are gathered in His name, when any of us are in time of need, when we are ready to leave this world having known Him, and obeyed Him, and loved Him with all our heart, mind, and soul until the end of the age. Amen. Fr. Tilemahos promises to be a great adventure! I am excited to report that school started out quite uneventful. The students jumped right in as if we had been in class all summer. I was delighted to meet my new students and just as enthusiastic to have seen how much the returning students have grown in the past few months. The 4 s began their calendar work and proved to be great leaders in the classroom. Meanwhile the 3 s already are doing big work, from punching to sandpaper numbers. We are going to have a fun year! ~Mrs. Anna Upcoming Events: Sept. 10th...After school activity forms will be accepted. Sept. 19th...1st day of after school activities. Sept. 27th...Open House St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 3

4 4 The Voice ICONOGRAPHY UPDATE We wish to thank all the donors who contributed to our Iconography Project during the month of August In memory of Peter Korbakes: The Bently Family, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Bisbikis, Anonymous, Mr. & Mrs. Telemahos Bogas, Mrs. Theony Bouras, The Brienzo Family, Mr. & Mrs. Dan Bienzo, Mr. & Mrs. R. Buckwater, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Tuma, Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Coutris, Mr. & Mrs. Andy Economos, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Euseeff, Mrs. Georgia Evangelopoulos, Ms. Ruth Faklis, Georgiou Family, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Georgiopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Ted Georgiopoulos, Mrs. Irene Giardina, Ms. Mary Flynn, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Gomez, Mr. Al Guzman, Jane & Rosemary Hanlan, Paul & Liz Hoevel, Mr. & Mrs. George Jordan, Mr. Tom Jordan, Mr. & Mrs. Akela Karampelas, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Karas, Mrs. Pat Katsenis, Mr. & Mrs. Edmund Kelly, Jeanne, Pat, and Ann King, Mrs. Helen King, Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Klenn, Mr. & Mrs, Louis Klioris, Ms. Grace Koehler, Mr. & Mrs. John Koliopoulos, Mrs. Zoe Korbakis & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Gus Labrakis, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Lobuda, Ms. Jennifer Leake, Mrs. Betty Lillios, Mr. & Mrs. George Leonakis, Ms. Helen Maniakis, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Marchione, Ms. Victoria Menlo, Mrs. Irene Mihas, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Napleton, Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Panagiotopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Paraskevopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. James Park, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Paxinos, Dr. Mary Peters, Mr. James Polk, Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Rousonelos, Mrs. Charlotte Sobotnik, Mr. & Mrs. Tony Soracco, Enzo & Kimberly Spinelli, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Szcasny, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Szczazny, Ms. Carmen Sierra, Mrs. Nick Theodore, Mr. & Mrs. George Theoharis, Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Ulrich, Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Ulrich, The Vlamis Family, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Wsol, Mr. Tim Zimbones, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Polimenakos, Mr. & Mrs. Chistopher Chiames, Sandy & Stephanie Episcopo, Mr. Richard Kiel, Hagop Kholambian. Mr. Bill Katsenis, & Mr. Stanley Freidlander. Correction from the August Issue: Mrs. Ida Trakadas offered a donation in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Jim & Jane Fotopoulos. In the next few issues of the VOICE we will highlight the lives of the saints that have been donated to our Iconography Project. With the prayers of our patron Saint Spyridon, their icons will soon be adorning our church edifice. The icons that are pledged or donated so far are the following: +The Ascension of our Lord +The Feast of Pentecost +Panagia with child +Panagia with the Prophets +Sunday of Thomas +St. Moses the Ethiopian +St. Tilemahos the Peacemaker +St. Nikitas +St. Anna +St. Argyres +St. Nifon +St. Peter of Argos +St. Ruth +St. John the Faster +St. Agne +St. Polycarp of Smyrna +St. Theodore +St. Luke the Surgeon +St. Arsenios of Cappadocia +St. Triantafyllos +St. Epaminondas +St. Leonidas +St. John Maximovich +St. Antipas +St. Cyprian +St. Justina +St. Olga +St. Nicholas Planas +St. Efraim the Syrian We have two more icons available to complete Phase I. The icons available are the two scenes from the life of St. Spyridon. Let us honor our patron Saint Spyridon and help to complete this first phase of our iconography. St. John the,faster Patriarch of Constantinople September 2nd He was a goldsmith at first, then, by God's providence and for his great virtues, was ordained priest. As a young man, St John was once walking with an old monk from Palestine, Eusebius. Suddenly, a voice came to Eusebius from some invisible source: 'Father, don't walk on the right of great John!' This, the voice of God, was predicting the high service to which John was soon to be called. After blessed Eutychius' death, John was chosen as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was most unwilling to accept, but was overawed by a heavenly vision and thus gave his consent. He was a great faster, a man of prayer and a wonderworker right up to his death, entering into rest in 595. After his death, his only possessions were found to be a wooden spoon, a linen shirt and an old cassock. His writings on repentance and confession are well-known.

5 P.T.A. NEWS This Parent Teacher Association, P.T.A. consists of the Greek School & Church School teachers, the parents of the Greek and Church School students and parishioners who are interested in the education of our children. The purpose of the P.T.A. is to help and support the different programs of our schools. Over the years, the P.T.A. has spearheaded projects such as our community center stage, refurbishing our classrooms, and our college student scholarships. Over this past summer, the P.T.A. hosted the Back to School Retreat. In place of the Vacation Bible School, the P.T.A. hosted over 100 students in a one day retreat on Saturday, August 11th. The retreat featured many arts and crafts, and helpful presentations by professional counselors and speakers on the topics of bullying, organizational skills, and internet safety. The day ended with the blessing of the backpacks and a litany around the church. You may enjoy photos from the retreat on page 10 of the VOICE. This fall, the P.T.A. is planning a new initiative for our Greek School students. An additional teacher will be sponsored by the P.T.A. to offer a Greek Language seminar called The Greek Experience to our 6th graduates who are now in Junior High or High School. The seminar will be held every Friday during regular Greek School hours. Furthermore, the same teacher will offer digital presentations on various cultural topics. Every Monday, different Greek School classes will rotate to what is called Culture Break so that they may enjoy Sights and Sounds of Greece in an interactive manner. The thought is to bring Greece and its culture closer to our students since most of our students have never visited Greece. Furthermore, during this new program the students will have a chance to converse in Greek and to reinforce much of what they learn in their regular classroom. The cost of this initiative is projected at $5,000. Once more, the P.T.A. will be partnering with our Parish Council for our 95th Anniversary Community Dinner Dance which will take place in our Community Hall on Sunday, October 28th. The P.T.A. is calling on all the parents of our schools to support the Ad-Book and the Raffle which are the main fundraisers for our P.T.A. Ad-Book sponsorship forms are available on our parish website, in the church office, and in the community hall. On November 17th, the P.T.A. will be hosting the Chicago Metropolis Advent Retreat. Children from throughout the Chicago Metropolis will come to enjoy a fun-filled day learning the theme: Prepare the Way of the Lord. More details will follow from our Sunday School teachers. Projects such as these go along with the regular support given to our staff and students of our schools, the Lenten Retreat, the Christmas Outing, and many other social and educational events that benefit our Saint Spyridon Families. All parents and teachers of our schools are asked to join the P.T.A. and show that our priority at Saint Spyridon s is to provide a nurturing and beneficial environment for all our children and their families. Everyone is called to attend the 1st P.T.A. meeting: Monday, September 10th at 5:30 p.m. President: Mrs. Georgia Theoharis St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 5

6 YOUTH MINISTRIES RELIGIOUS EDUCATION For over eighty years, the Religious Education Ministry of Saint Spyridon has offered the basic knowledge of our faith to our young parishioners. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and the hard work of the P.T.A., all children ages 3-18, have the opportunity to learn and be inspired by our teachers, and to participate in different retreats and events such as the Lenten Retreat, the Oratorical Festival, the Advent and Lenten Projects, Bible Bowl, Christmas Pageant, Christmas Outing, Godparents Sunday, the mission drive, the Saturday of Lazarus breakfast, Vacation Bible School and much more. The Sunday School year begins on Sunday, September 9th. Highlights for the fall semester are: Godparents Sunday October 21st (Luncheon following the Liturgy) Walk for IOCC Saturday, Nov. 3rd (Swallow Cliff Woods 9:30 a.m.) Metropolis Advent Retreat Sat., Nov. 17th (Hosted by St. Spyridon) Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 23rd Registration is required and forms are available in the church office and on Director : Mrs. Zoe Kopanis Sunday School Staff: Director: Mrs. Zoe Kopanis Assistants: Mrs. Irene Giardina & Presbytera Georgia Alikakos Pre-K: Connie Papadatos, Effie Papadopoulos, Manar Janinah, Toni Eliopoulos. Tiffany Grimmanis Kindergarten: Presbytera Georgia Alikakos, Cindy Polyzos 1 st Grade: Maria Perros, Kiki Vasiliou 2 nd Grade: Olga Dinos 3 rd -4 th Grades: Stella Parhas, Rebecca Righetti, Christina Voutiritsas 5 th -6 th Grades: Jann Kolyvas, Kathy Karopoulos 7 th -8 th Grades: Angela Evangelopoulos High School Girls: Helen Pappas, Olibia Stamatoglou High School Boys: Anastasios Berdusis, Omar Sweis, Kerry Anastasopoulos SUNDAY SCHOOL GUIDELINES 1) Bring all your children to Sunday School every Sunday. Do not ask them if they want to go to Church or Sunday School. Children do not usually understand the importance of religious training when they are young. Set the example, and take them with you to Church every Sunday. We have classes beginning with Pre-School through Grade 12 (ages 4 to 17). 2) Be sure that the children are at St. Spyridon Church on time (9:45 a.m.), to attend the Divine Liturgy and Sunday School. Make an effort that the children are not absent from Sunday School because it makes it harder for them to follow the lessons. 3) Have the children attend both the Divine Liturgy and their classroom discussions. Both are very important. Sunday School every Sunday, will begin with the Liturgy at 9:45 a.m. followed by a classroom period and ending at 12:15 p.m.. 4) Join the other parents and adults in the Church for Liturgy every Sunday. Your children will become faithful Orthodox Christians if they have your example to follow. 5) Take time on Sunday and other days to talk with your children about God, Christ, our Orthodox faith. Let them see and hear what you believe. It makes all the difference in the world when children see and realize that their parents are believers and practice their faith. 6 The Voice

7 YOUTH MINISTRIES CHERUBS Under the wing of the, Cherubs is a toddlercaregiver program that welcomes babies from 40 days to 4 years old, along with the caregivers. The group meets every Tuesday, at 10:30 a.m.. The class is given free of charge, sponsored by the. All Orthodox families are welcome. The first meeting is Tuesday, September 11th. Advisor: Mrs. Joanne Spinos HOPE HOPE is a weekly youth program for children 3 to 6 years old, where they learn about their Orthodox Faith in addition to their Sunday School education. The class meets for an hour every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. The first meeting is Saturday, September 15th Advisor: Patrice Pagunas & Presbytera Georgia JR. G.O.Y.A. & G.O.Y.A. Advisor: Dana Vasilakos, goya@saint-spyridon.org Boys and girls in 6th-8th grades (Jr. GOYA) and in High School (GOYA) are welcome to join. Various athletic, social and religious activities are held as well as other programs. Meetings are held weekly. First meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 19th. ALTAR BOYS Nick Chibucos & Nick Mataragas - Advisors. altarboys@saint-spyridon.org Boys ages 7-17 are able to serve as Altar Boys. Along with their Altar duties, weekly meetings and other events programs are held. If you wish for your son to participate please see Fr. Tilemahos. The first Altar Boy meeting is on Sat., September 15th 10 a.m. HANDMAIDENS Advisors: Angela Sinzianu & Vasiliki Drikos. handmaidens@saint-spyridon.org Girls ages 7-17 are called to serve as Handmaidens. Weekly meetings are geared toward service projects that teach young girls to offer their time and talents to the church and to the community at large. Program runs September through May. The first Handmaidens meeting is on Sat., September 15th 10 a.m. JUNIOR CHOIR Advisor: Mrs. Nicki Glikis. Sunday School Students 8-17 are called to sing at our Junior Chior. There are several Sundays reserved for the Jr. Choir to chant the Divine Liturgy. Practice schedules will be arranged by the Jr. Choir Director. The Jr. Choir first Liturgy will be on Sunday, September 30th. ATHLETICS Advisor: Mr. John Angelos All our youth is invited to participate in the St. Spyridon s Athletic Program. Pee-Wee Basketball for kids Pre-K 4th will be on Saturday mornings at 11:00 a.m. 1st day is Sept. 15th. Grammar School Basketball for boys and girls 5th-8th is on Fridays, at 6:30 p.m. 1st day if Sept. 21st. High School Boys Basketball will practice on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. 1st Day is Sept. 19th. GREEK DANCE This year, the Greek Dance classes will be taught during Greek School. Every Friday, Greek Dance classes will be directed by Mr. Angelo Angelos during Greek School hours. Greek Dance students from our Greek School and other students who wish to learn Greek Dance, who are not in Greek School, will be divided into six groups. Instruction will be given to three groups each Friday, so each Greek Dance student will have class every other Friday. The Greek Dance students will rotate in performing during the Greek School celebrations and finally all the students will perform at the end of the year ceremony and at the Summer Festival. While registration is automatic for Plutarchos students, non- Plutarchos students are welcome to register for the Greek Dance classes. The schedule for the dance classes will be posted after the first day of Greek School. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 7

8 PARISH MINISTRIES ORTHODOX STUDIES PROGRAM BIBLE STUDY Once again our Adult Religious Education groups will gather weekly to discuss a variety of topics pertaining to living our Orthodox faith. The topic for this year will be Jesus Sermon on the Mount. This particular passage contains a wealth of Jesus teachings, including the Beautitudes and His stand on many of the ethical issues of our time. The Greek Bible Study meets on Monday, at 7:00 p.m., following the 6:30 p.m. Paraklesis. The first class will take place on Monday, September 24th. The English Bible Study meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. The first class will take place on Tuesday, September 25th. BYZANTINE MUSIC SCHOOL The Byzantine Music School of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, provides the basics in the art of Byzantine Music for both children and adults. Children must be at least 9 years old. The branch of the school for the southern suburbs of Chicago is hosted by Saint Spyridon. Classes are offered at the following times. Beginning Students: Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. Intermediate Students: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Advanced Students: Fridays at 6:30 p.m. The Wednesday classes begin on September 19th and the Friday class on September 21st. ICONOGRAPHY SEMINAR On its fourth year, our Iconography seminar will once again welcome new and old students to learn how to make icons. Mr. Panagiotis Michalopoulos, a professional iconographer, is donating his time to teach both children and adults the art of iconography. Registration Form is available at the church office and online. The Registration Fee for this class is $100 for stewards of Saint Spyridon. Classes are offered on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. The 1st day of class is on Wednesday, September 19th. PLUTARCHOS GREEK SCHOOL The Afternoon Greek School is held twice a week on Mondays and Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and is recognized by the Education Ministry of Greece and the FEK 49/T.B./ Grade levels are Pre-School through 8th Grade. The curriculum encompasses the Greek language, Reading, Writing, Conversation, Dance, History, Religion, Ecclesiastical Hymns, Geography of Greece. In our effort to always improve our Greek School Program we have added three new programs for our students. First, we have separated our 7th & 8th grade students into a weekly Greek Language Seminar which will be held every Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This Seminar called The Greek Experience will be conversational and cover a variety of topics such as Greek History, Georgraphy, and culture. On Mondays, the seminar students are welcome to assist in the younger classrooms in order to earn community service hours and to practice what they have learned by helping other students. Secondly, we have included the Greek Dance lessons within the regular teaching hours. Each class will receive 17 dance lessons, same as in prior years, which will take place on Fridays, with each grade going to dance school every other week. Each grade will rotate in performing at our Greek School celebrations. All of the students will then perform at the Graduation and at the Greek Festival. Finally, the P.T.A. will be sponsoring a Greek School teacher to run Culture Break. Every Monday, classes will rotate into the Culture Break class for a digital presentation on a variety of topics such as Greek History, Georgraphy, or Culture. The purpose of this class is to bring the experience of Greece closer to our children and to also give them an opportunity to converse and reinforce what they are learning in class. Registration forms and other school information is available in the church office and on Spyridon.org. First Day of Greek School Monday, September 10th 8 The Voice

9 Dear Parishioners and Friends of Philoptochos, PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS The summer is almost over and with excitement and wonder we anticipate the arrival of the new Ecclesiastical Year. This year again we will work hard as we have done in the past to promote the works of Our Lord and the goals of Philoptochos. Our commitment to charity and assisting our fellow man will be our priority, as we plan our projects and events for the year. AXIOS was the chanting heard on the 19th of August as we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of our beloved Fr. Nikiforo Tzerdimos to the Priesthood. The love, the respect and reverence was apparent and visible at the elegant reception that followed the Divine Liturgy. All the faithful of the St. Spyridon family congratulated Father and Presbytera and wished them many more years of good health and happiness. The ladies of Philoptochos along with the ladies of the PTA hosted the beautiful event honoring Fr. Nikiforo and Presbytera Helen Tzerdimos. AXIOS! IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: September 22, 2012-Metropolis of Chicago Ladies Philoptochos Annual Luncheon September 18, 2012-Christian Philoxenia luncheon, following the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church October 7, Annual Philoptochos Luncheon To benefit our Angela Malfas and other philanthropic endeavors October 9, Christian Philoxenia luncheon following the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church May Our Lord bless all of us with good health, love and humility so that we may continue with our charitable works. With Sisterly Love, Toula Georgiopoulos Philoptochos President St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 9

10 BACK TO SCHOOL RETREAT 10 The Voice

11 BACK TO SCHOOL RETREAT GOLF OUTING 2012 THANK YOU TO ALL OUR GOLFERS St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11

12 St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 95th Anniversary Community Dinner Dance St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church of Palos Heights, Cordially invites you to the celebration of our 95thAnnual Dinner Dance Sunday, October 28th, 2012 Cocktails: 5:30 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Open Bar Dinner catered by Chef Dean Eliacostas Music & Fellowship Donation: $45.00 adults $10 children under 12 Church Community Hall Call the Church Office (708) or at for Reservations by October 21st. 95th Anniversary Commemorative Album The Parish Council and the P.T.A. of our community are working on the Album for our 95th Annual Dinner Dance to be held on October 28th, 2012 at our community hall. Dedications are now being accepted on behalf of parishioners and businesses, as well as in memory of loved ones. Supporting the Ad Book is also an excellent way to ensure the well being of our parish and its ministries for generations to come. The Album Sponsorhip forms are available in the church office and at our website: The deadline for submission of forms is October 20th, The Donation for the ads are as follows: Half Page: $50 * Full Page: $100 Inside covers: $250 * Outside Back Cover: $500 Please show your support for the 95th Anniversary Commemorative Ad Book by submitting your dedication today! Stewardship 2012 Progress Report As of August 31st, 2012 Pledged Stewards: 293 Average Stewardship: $ Amount of Stewardship: $112,948 Stewardship 2012 Goal: 400 Stewards The Stewardship Committee thanks our 293 Stewards who have fulfilled their pledge for the 2012 year. We wish to express our gratitude for your commitment to the Lord s work through our Church of Saint Spyridon. And to you who have not yet pledged, we ask of you to commit yourself and your family so that the Word of God may continue in His glorious name. NEW STEWARDS 8/12 Mr. & Mrs. Nika Alex, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Alexopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Tareq Amin, Mr. Rick Angell & Ms. Andrea Kapidis, Ms. Vasiliki Goutis, Mr. & Mrs. Aris Halikas, Mr. & Mrs. Willie Jenkins, Ms. Jennifer Klioris, Mr. & Mrs. John Korbakis, Mr. & Mrs. Domenicos Kosteris, Ms. Margaret Koutsoubas, Mr. Andre Malamis, Mr. Harry Marines, Ms. Anasasia Panousis, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Perakis, Ms. Penny Poninski, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Rodogiannis, Ms. Evagelia Rogiokos, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Skiadopoulos, Mrs. Connie Tovar, Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Tsantilis, Mr. & Mrs. Anestis Tsonis, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Vainikos, Mr. & Mrs. Sofoklis Vasiliades, Mr. & Mrs. Apostolos Vassilakis, Mrs. Maria Venardos, Mr. & Mrs. John Willis 12 The Voice St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11

13 MANY THANKS TO OUR GOLF OUTING SPONSORS & DONORS! Quality Inn & Suites George A. Pappas George Korbakes & Co. James Korbakes Dr. Amiel Pappas Poulos Construction Oliver s Bar Emmanuel Papadopoulos Besbekos & Associates Besbekos, Ettinger & Schroeder Orland Park Dental Specialists Premium Dental Lab Morse Fresh Market Freshline Foods Julliani s Pizza Hills Funeral Home Skarpathiotis Pediatrics Martini Blu Oak Lawn Chiropractic Dr. George Danos Bill Stuber Insurance RBC Wealth Management Taso Panagiotopoulos Nick s BBQ Kallemeyn Auto Rebuilders PapaJoe s Restaurant Billy Boy s 95th Produce Eggman Restaurant 115 Bourbon Street Oak Lawn Restaurant Flap-Jacks Pancake House BSF&L Insurance Bon-a-Pit Kenwood Liquors Louie s Chophouse T & A Mobil Basil s Greek Dining Georgios Banquets Huck Finn Restaurant Dr. Chris Kolyvas & Family Andrew & Georgia Besbekos Angelo Besbekos & Family Dennis Wholesale Les Brothers Restaurant Anonymous BAPTISMS The daughter of Jimmy Rush and Melissa Corse was baptized on August 19th, and was given the name Stamatina. Her sponsor was Andrianna Kavvadas. The son of Julio Monreal and Jamie Corse was baptized on August 19th and was given the name Demetrios. His sponsor was Sophie Fatouros. The son of Julio Monreal and Jamie Corse was baptized on August 19th and was given the name Athanasios. His sponsor was Thomas Corse. The son of Mr. & Mrs. John and Emilia Willis was baptized on August 26th and was given the name Alexander William. His Sponsor was Nicoletta Rousos. In Memoriam FUNERAL Mrs. Beverly (Vasiliki) Vallas fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, August 11th. Her funeral took place on Wednesday, August 15th, and her internment was at Evergreen Cemetary. May her memory be eternal. MEMORIALS Sunday, August 12th 1year for Stella Hlis Sunday, August 19th 6 months for Helen Meklis Sunday, August 19th 40 days for Katerina Papadopoulos On behalf of the family of the late Leo Bizoukas, we wish to thank the following parishioners who offered donations in his memory during the month of August: Mr. Pete Kolyvas, Alexandra Suvajlo, Bill & Carole Polimenakos, Ms. Sylvia Felecos, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Georgiopoulos, Mr. Jim Korbakes, Mr. & Mrs. Chris & Betty Catsogiannis, Mr. & Mrs. Pete Paxinos, Mr. & Mrs. George Limperis, Mr. & Mrs. John Bellas, Gus Pliagos & Family, Moira Maroney, Mr. & Mrs. Zaharias Bousies. Also the following donations were made in memory: Bessie Doimas in memory of Vasiliki Vallas, Jamie Christ & Marilyn Johnson in memory of Sotira Thermon. Thank You We wish to thank everyone who offered contributions for the flower decorations during the fast of the Panagia, including Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Meklis, Mr. & Mrs. Akela Karampelas, Ms. Georgia Malamis, Mr. & Mrs. Pete Kolyvas, Mrs. Panayiota Paraskis, Rev. Fr. Nikiforos & Presbytera Helen Tzerdimos, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Catsogiannis, Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Makris, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Georgiopoulos, Mrs. Pat Poziopoulos, Mrs. Joanne Les, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Charalambos, Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Karamagiannis. and all the anonymous donors....to all the donors for our food pantry....to everyone who baked prosfora and artoclasia for St. Spyridon s Vigil....to all the donors for the Labor Day Picnic....to Michael Flamburis who donated restaurant equipment for our kitchen. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 13

14 ΓΙΝΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝΑ Το Χριστιανικό πρόγραμμα της Εκούσιας Εισφοράς μας δίνει την ευκαιρία να ανταποκριθούμε στην αγάπη του Χριστού με το να διαιωνίσουμε τις διδασκαλίες του Κυρίου και την αποστολή της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας μας. Η Εκούσια Εισφορά θέτει την ευθύνη για την υποστήριξη της Εκκλησίας εκεί που ανήκει, δηλαδή σε μας τους ίδιους. Ευχαριστούμε πολύ τις 293 οικογένειες που εκπλήρωσαν τις υποχρεώσεις τους για την φετινή χρονιά. Οι υπόλοιποι παρακαλούνται να ανανεώσουν την συνδρομή τους προς την Εκκλησία μας, συμπληρώνοντας την Κάρτα Υποσχέσεως και επιστρέφοντάς την, μαζί με το δώρο της αγάπης τους, στο γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας. ΥΨΩΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ Παρακαλούμε, όσους απο τους Ενορίτες έχουν βασιλικό στο σπίτι τους για την εορτή του Τιμίου Σταυρού, να τον φέρουν στην Εκκλησία μας μέχρι τη 13η Σεπτεμβρίου και να τον δώσουν στο Γραφείο μας. Christian Philoxenia All Greek Orthodox Seniors of the South Suburbs are invited to the Christian Philoxenia Hosted by the parish of Sts. Constantine & Helen Palos Hills, IL Tuesday, September 18th, 2012 Orthros, Divine Liturgy & Artoklasia 8:30 a.m. Followed by the Luncheon, music and fellowship Free of Charge Please call Sts. Constantine & Helen (708) by September 12th to make reservations. ΑΠΟΘΗΚΗ ΤΡΟΦΙΜΩΝ Μή ξεχνάτε ότι η εκκλησία μας παρέχει τρόφιμα σε οικογένειες που έχουν ανάγκη. Τούτον τόν μήνα ζητούμε κυρίως σχολικά είδη για τους παιδιά των οικογενειών που υποστηρίζει η αποθήκη μας, καθώς και συσκευασμένα τρόφιμα για πρωϊνό όπως cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, κ.λ.π. Θα θέλαμε να ευχαριστήσουμε όλους τους δωρητές για την αγάπη και την συνεχή γενναιοδωρία τους προς τους συνανθρώπους μας που βρίσκονται σε υλική ανάγκη. 14 The Voice

15 Saturday, September 1st Sunday, September 2nd Saturday, September 8th Sunday, September 9th Thursday, September 13th Friday, September 14th Saturday, September 15th Sunday, September 16th Monday, September 17th Saturday, September 22nd Sunday, September 23rd Monday, September 24th Wednesday, September 26th Saturday, September 29th Sunday, September 30th Monday, October 1st Saturday, October 6th Sunday, October 7th Σάββατο 1 Σεπτεμβρίου Κυριακή 2 Σεπτεμβρίου Σάββατο 8 Σεπτεμβρίου Κυριακή, 9 Σεπτεμβρίου Πέμπτη, 13 Σεπτεμβρίου Παρασκευή 14 Σεπτεμβρίου Σάββατο, 15 Σεπτεμβρίου Κυριακή, 16 Σεπτεμβρίου Δευτέρα 17 Σεπτεμβρίου Σάββατο 22 Σεπτεμβρίου Κυριακή 23 Σεπτεμβρίου Δευτέρα, 24 Σεπτεμβρίου Τετάρτη 26 Σεπτεμβρίου Σάββατο, 29 Σεπτεμβρίου Κυριακή 30 Σεπτεμβρίου Δευτέρα 1 Οκτωβρίου Σάββατο 6 Οκτωβρίου Κυριακή 7 Οκτωβρίου SCHEDULE OF DIVINE SERVICES Beginning of the Indiction - Agiasmos 9:00 a.m. Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. 13th Sunday of Matthew, Orthros & Div. Liturgy - 8:00 a.m. Nativity of Theotokos, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday before Holy Cross, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Great Vespers at Holy Cross Church, Justice, IL 7:00 p.m. Exaltation of the Precious Cross, Orthros & Divine Liturgy - 7:30 a.m. Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday after Exaltation of Cross Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Great Vespers at St. Sophia Church, Elgin, IL - 7:00 p.m. St. Sophia, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Paraklesis to the Theotokos 6:30 p.m. Great Vespers - 6:00 p.m. 1st Sunday of Luke Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Paraklesis to the Theotokos 6:30 p.m. St. John the Theologian Orthros & Divine Liturgy - 8:00 a.m. Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. 2nd Sunday of Luke Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Agiasmos 9:30 p.m. * Paraklesis 6:30 p.m. Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. 3rd Sunday of Luke Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ Της Ινδίκτου, Αγιασμός 9:00 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. 13η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Γενέθλιον της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή προ της Υψώσεως του Τιμίου Σταυρού Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Εσπερινός στον Ι. Ναό του ΤιμίουΣταυρού στο Justice, IL 7:00 μ.μ. Η Υψωσις του Τιμίου Σταυρού, Ορθρος & Λειτουργία 7:30 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή μετά της Υψώσεως του Τιμίου Σταυρού, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Εσπερινός στον Ι. Ναό της Αγίας Σοφίας στο Elgin, IL 7:00 μ.μ. Αγ. Σοφίας, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Παράκληση της Θεοτόκου της Μυρτιδιώτισσας 6:30 μ.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. 1η Κυριακή του Λουκά, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Παράκληση της Θεοτόκου 6:30 μ.μ.. Αγίου Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου, Όρθρος και Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. 2α Κυριακή του Λουκά Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 μ.μ. Αγιασμός 9:30 π.μ. * Παράκλησις 6:30 μ.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός -6:00 π.μ. 3η Κυριακή του Λουκά Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 μ.μ. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 15

16 September 2012 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 2 Sunday School & Greek School Registration Senior Choir begins 9 1st Day of Sunday School Greek School Registration Philoptiochos Meeting 16 Sunday School 23 Sunday School 30 Sunday School Jr. Choir Sunday Philoptochos Luncheon 3 Labor Day Community Picnic 11am-4pm 10 1st day of Greek School- Agiasmos 4:30 pm P.T.A. Meeting 17 Greek School-4:30 pm 24 Greek School-4:30 pm Greek Bible Study- 7pm 4 1st day of Archangels 11 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. 18 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. 25 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 7:00 p.m. 5 Parish Council Meeting 7:30 pm Byz. Music 6 pm Iconography - 6 pm GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm HS B-ball 8 p.m. 26 Byz. Music 6 pm Iconography - 6 pm GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm HS B-ball 8 p.m Greek School 4:30 p.m. Parent Night 7:00 p.m. 21 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Byzantine Music 6:30 GS B-ball 6:30 p.m. 28 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Byzantine Music 6:30 GS B-ball 6:30 p.m. 1 Start of the Ecclesiastical New Year 15 Altar Boy Mtg 10 am Handmaidens 10 am HOPE 10:00 a.m. Pee-Wee Ball 11:00 a.m. 22 Altar Boy Mtg 10 am Handmaidens 10 am HOPE 10:00 a.m. Pee-Wee Ball 11:00 a.m. 29 Altar Boy Mtg 10 am Handmaidens 10 am HOPE 10:00 a.m. Pee-Wee Ball 11:00 a.m.

17 PARISH NEWS THANK YOU MRS. IDA Our community of Saint Spyridon thanks Mrs. Ida Trakadas and all her dedicated crew for their service to our Kentro Bookstore. Mrs. Ida served our Kentro with much zeal and love and we thank her and her committee for their years of service. Mrs. Kiki Kazazakis and Mr. Gus Rougas, will be serving the Kentro Bookstore starting in September, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE Any high school student who requires community service prior to graduation should contact the Church office at their earliest convenience. COLLEGE STUDENTS We ask all college students (whether living at home or on campus) to please submit their mailing address to the Church office by September 14th, 2012, so that all the names can be placed on the Church mailing list. FESTIVAL 2012 We wish to thank everyone you helped at this year's festival. As you can see from the Preliminary results (as of 8/18/2012) our church had a successful festival. Profit from Festival Operations decreased substantially, due to some much needed improvements in our electrical system and equipment. REVENUES Raffle Revenue 45, Food/Admiss/All other 59, Total Revenue 104, EXPENSES Raffle Prizes 11, Operating Expenses 36, Total Expenses 48, PROFIT Profit from Raffle 33, Profit from Fest Operations 23, Total Profit 56, Annual St. Spyridon Philoptochos Fall Luncheon Sunday, October 7th, 2012 after the Divine Liturgy, in the Community Hall Donation: $15 for adults * $5 for children All proceeds to benefit our Angela Malfas and other Philanthropic Ministries of our Community ΓΕΥΜΑ ΤΗΣ ΦΙΛΟΠΤΩΧΟΥ Η Φιλόπτωχος Αδελφότης θα προσφέρει γεύμα μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία της Κυριακής, 7 Οκτωβρίου, 2012 Όλα τα έσοδα θα διατεθούν για τις ανάγκες της Ευαγγείας Μάλφας και άλλων φιλανθρωπικών σκοπών τις κοινότητας μας. Τηλεφωνήσετε το κοινοτικό γραφείο για κλείσεις θέσεων. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 17

18 St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church S. Ridgeland Avenue Palos Heights, IL Attend Church Regularly with Your Family! CALENDAR OF EVENTS September 3rd Parish Labor Day Picnic September 4th 1st Day of Archangels September 5th Parish Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. September 9th 1st Day of Sunday School Philoptochos September 10th 1st Day of Greek School P.T.A. Meeting September 11th 1st Day of Cherubs September 14th Parent Night for all Youth Ministries September 15th 1st Day of Hope, Altar Boys & Handmaidens Meeting & Pee-Wee B-ball September 19th 1st Day Iconography, Byzantine Music & 1st Meeting of GOYA & Jr. GOYA September 22nd Metropolis Philoptochos Luncheon September 24th 1st Day of Bible Study in Greek September 25th 1st Day of Bible Study in English September 30th 1st Day of Junior Choir October 7th Philoptochos Luncheon October 21st Godparents Sunday October 28th 95th Anniversary Dinner Dance Join the September Sign-Up Register for the following parish ministries Altar Boys Athletics Byzantine Music Catechism Church School Cherubs GOYA & Jr. GOYA Greek School Greek Dance Handmaidens HOPE Iconography Jr. Choir