from glory to glory - assumption greek orthodox church · 2016-02-19 · from glory to glory the...

From Glory to Glory The monthly newsletter of the

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Fr. Joseph Strzelecki

Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos

March 2016

1755 Des Peres Road

Town & Country, MO 63131-1405

Phone: 314-966-2255

Kitchen: 314-966-6720 Web Site: www.assumptiongoc.org

Office: Diakonissa Kristen Vogt

Email: [email protected]

Bookkeeper: Diane Sieckmann




Important Upcoming

Dates

March 5 First Saturday of Souls

St Theodore the Recruit

March 6 Meatfare Sunday

March 9 Holy Forty Martyrs of Sevastia

March 13 Forgiveness Sunday

March 14 Clean Monday - Lent Begins

March 19 3rd Saturday of the Souls

The Miracle of Saint Theodore

March 20 Sunday of Orthodoxy

March 25 Annunciation

March 27 St. Gregory Palamas

Questioning our Faith.

Have you ever questioned your faith?

Many of us might be quick to answer this question “Of course not! I have

always been a pious Christian!” Others might hesitate, think back to a difficult

time in their life, and force out a quiet lie “Nope, I’ve never questioned my

faith.” Very few will answer “Of course, who doesn’t?

There is something about this question that tends to put us on the

defensive. There is something about it that makes us feel that there is most

definitely a correct answer, and that answer is a resounding “NEVER!” It is as

if somehow our Church demands that we are completely steadfast at all times in

our faith, that to waver is to be somehow unchristian. This however could not

be further from the truth. To question and to be unsure are human by nature,

only God is unwavering. This myth, that we must be unquestioning of our faith

is not only untrue, but it is harmful. We all have questions, we all have

concerns, and if we think that there is something wrong with us when we

question, we’re going to find ourselves having a true crises of faith. So if it’s

normal to question, why is it that we feel so strongly that it’s wrong to

question?

We are taking cues from shallow Christianity.

My intent here is not to attack other Churches, but to address a reality that

many churches do not have the rich intellectual heritage of the Orthodox

Church. Many Christian Churches in this country are built on the principle that

if we “just believe” we will be saved. If “just believe” and “be saved” is the

foundation of your theology, of course questioning your faith, questioning your

pastor, questioning the bible, are out of the question. In such a church, igno-

rance is bliss. However, this mantra “just believe” is oxymoronic! If it were so

easy to “just believe” and be saved, there would be no need for a church, no

need for a community of believers, no need to teach the faith. There would be

no need for scripture, after all, all you have to do is believe that God will save

you, and he will! The Orthodox faith is the exact opposite. The truly great and

inspiring people of the Church, the Saints, are the very people who questioned.

They’re the people who stood up and made public their questions and their

doubts, and by doing so they enriched their faith, and that of those around them.

Shallow Christianity is shallow because people are afraid to dig deep, digging

into their faith may cause them to lose it. As Orthodox, when we ask questions

about our faith and begin to dig, we find a wealth of knowledge of holy people

who came before us, asking the same questions, and providing brilliant respons-

es. However, if we are afraid to ask, if we are afraid to dig, we will never look

into our past and see what has been laid before us.

Orthodoxy is infallible and we have to be infallible.

The second reason that many fear to express doubts or questions is because

the Orthodox Church claims to be the True Church, and to know The truth [Continued on Page 2]

2

2016 Parish Council

Fr. Joseph Strzelecki


Scott Thompson, President

Greg Simos, Vice President

Elefteria Marcou, Secretary

Gus Harris, Treasurer

Dean Bellos Pam Martin

Despina M. Bellos Farid Sadaka

Daniel Gantner Dr. Tom Stamos

Dr. James Hoeke Tonis Zafiropoulos

Greg Kanteres Jim Zoumbas

Carol Marshall

Adult Orthodox Christians (18 years & older):

Diane Sieckmann

Acolytes:

Alban Mosher, John Nicholas

Bible Study:

Fr. Daniel Morton

Bookstore:

Dr .Joseph Steinger, Diakonissa Kristen Vogt

Cantors:

Steve Bellos

Choir:

Angie Antonopoulos, Stephanie Saunders

Church Tours

Janice Hazeltine

Festival:

Greg Simos, Art Liyeos

Friday Luncheon:

Art Liyeos

Greek School

Rena Pelican

GOYA(9th -12th Grade):

Flora Dimitirou, Diane Sieckmann

Greek Dancers

Kyklos: Dean Bellos

Armonia: Stella Afentoullis

Ta Paidakia: Aliki Malek

Greeters:

Eleni Muprhy, Mary Pitliangas

JOY (4 years - 4th Grade)

Dr. Deborah Cosmopoulos

Jr. GOYA (5th - 8th Grades)

Alki Lappas Case

Kafenio

Art Liyeos

Orthodox Faith & Life:

Dr. Farid Sadaka

Philoptochos:

Elefteria Marcou, President

Premarital Classes

Susan Cassimatis

Prison Ministries:

Bill Goranitis

Stewardship:

Michael Afentoullis

Sunday School:

Diane Sieckmann

Vacation Church School (VCS)

Anna Sadaka

Women’s Bookstudy:

Presvytera Laura Morton

Young Adult Ministry (18-30 yrs):

Fr. Anastasios & Presvytera Elizabeth

Young Married Couples:

Fr. Anastaisos & Presvytera Elizabeth

[Continued from Page 1]

that as members, we are somehow responsible for also knowing The Truth in

the same way. This however is impossible. To know the fullness of the Truth

in the same way that the Church can claim to know the Truth is a denial of our

humanity. We know God to be infinite, and therefore, knowledge of God is

likewise infinite. A human being can never know God fully, and therefore can

never have perfect, unquestioning faith. As Agent Moulder from The X Files

would say “The Truth is out there,” but we as humans will never know the full

truth. This reminds us even more of our need for the Church. By Grace, God

guides Her to the truth and to more perfect knowledge of him in a way that

each of us individually could never aspire to. Questioning, probing her depths

of knowledge is the only way for us to begin to understand an incomprehensi-

ble God.

We are scared to face the fact that we are imperfect.

Both the above responses center around the institution of the Church, but

ultimately “Have you ever questioned your faith” is a personal question. When

we answer “never,” or are tempted to answer in this way, it is usually because

we are insecure in our faith. Questioning our faith is not a sign that we need to

bury our head in the sand and drown out the questions, it is a sign that we need

to open up and explore the two thousand years of questions that the Orthodox

Church has been asking about who Jesus Christ is, how God can be one and

three at the same time, and why He even cares about us. If we are afraid to

question, we give into a self-fulfilling prophecy, because our faith will falter

because of our fear to nourish it by holding it up to the microscope. But most

importantly questioning our faith is the direct result of the chief of the virtues,

humility. Humility is always the prerequisite to asking serious questions. It

assumes from the beginning that yes, there is something wrong with me: Yes, I

am a flawed person: yes, I could know more about my faith. It is pride that

causes us to say no, there is nothing wrong with me: no, I’m perfect the way I

am, no: I know everything there is to know about my faith and have no ques-

tions. Without humility there is no way to advance, both spiritually and in our

day to day lives.

Questioning our faith is not only normal and natural, but it is required for

growth in our spiritual lives. Asking questions and being inquisitive about our

faith does not peg someone as a sceptic or trouble maker, but shows maturity

and desire for growth in the church. It’s when we’re afraid to question that we

have problems. It’s questions that linger, questions that go unanswered that

cause us harm.

As everyone in the parish should be aware by now, I am devoting my

homilies for the rest of this school year to answering questions that any of the

faithful have about the Church, about God, or anything! While I am in the pro-

cess of answering many questions, I hope that everyone takes this opportunity

to ask and have their questions answered!

Faithfully, Fr. Anastasios

The goal is to rise spiritually,

not simply to avoid sin.

St. Paisos of the Holy Mountain

3

Great Lent Great Lent holds a central and important position in

the spiritual life of the Orthodox Church, and should hold

that position in the life of every Orthodox Christian. Plan

now to attend as many of the Lenten and Holy Week

services as you can..Great Compline is chanted on various

evenings. Presanctified Liturgies are celebrated on

Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings. Salutations to

the Theotokos are chanted on Friday evenings. Please see

the monthly calendar for the scheduled times of these

services. In addition:

Keep a good and strict Lenten Fast.

Make a good and sincere Confession.

Set aside casual (and especially harmful) pastimes,

replacing them with prayer and spiritual reading.

Make a special effort to overcome chronic sins in your

own life, and to forgive others.

Increase your donations of time and talent to the

parish and to worthy charities.spiritual edification.

2016 Schedule of Services for the

Sunday Evenings of Great Lenten Fast and

Spiritual “Journey to Pascha”

1st Sunday – The Triumph of Orthodoxy

20 March – 5:00 P.M.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

4967 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108

Host Rector: Fr. Doug Papulis

Guest Homilist: Fr. Sergei_Alekseev

2nd Sunday – St. Gregory Palamas

27 March – 5:00 P.M.

St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church (OCA)

1901 Ann Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104

Host Rector: Fr. Christopher Phillips

Guest Homilist: Fr. Steven Salaris

3rd Sunday – Veneration of the the Holy Cross

3 April – 5:00 P.M.

St. Thomas the Apostle Romanian Orthodox Church

6501 Nottingham Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63109

Host Rector: Very Reverend Archimandrite Theophan

Guest Homilist: Fr. Joseph Strzelecki

4th Wednesday – Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

6 April – 6:30 P.M.

Ss. Cyril & Methody Bulgarian Orthodox Church

4770 Maryville Road, Granite City, IL 62040

Host Rector: Very Rev. Andrew Moulton

Guest Homilist: Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos

4th Sunday – St. John of the Ladder

10 April – 5:00 P.M.

Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church

405 Huntwood Road, Swansea, IL 62226

Host Rector: Fr. Achilles Karathanos

Guest Homilist: Fr. Michael Lillie

5th Sunday - St. Mary of Egypt

17 April – 5:00 P.M.

Protection of the Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Church

(OCA)

112 North Fairdale Avenue, Royalton, IL 62983

Host Rector: Very Reverend Father Frederick Janeček

Guest Homilist: Fr. Achilles Karathonos

All services are sponsored by the Orthodox Christian

Clergy Brotherhood of the Greater St. Louis Area.

Services are followed by a light Lenten Meal and

Fellowship

Fasting Great Lent is a period of strict abstinence. The tradi-

tional fast is as follows:

Monday - Friday: Abstinence from meat, dairy, eggs,

fish, wine and oil (shell fish is allowed).

Every Saturday and Sunday, and March 25, and Holy

Thursday: wine and oil are allowed.

March 25 and Palm Sunday: Fish is allowed.

Wine and oil are not allowed on Holy Saturday.

In addition to this, the number of meals a day and the

amount of food received is often times altered. But the

above fast is probably too difficult for many people, espe-

cially beginners. Please consult your spiritual father for

direction on fasting. Special consideration is always given

to young children and people who are ill.

Do not be irritated either with those who sin or those

who offend; do not have a passion for noticing every

sin in your neighbor, and for judging him, as we are in

the habit of doing. Everyone shall give an answer to

God for himself. Everyone has a conscience; everyone

hears God's Word, and knows God's Will either from

books or from conversation with other people. Espe-

cially do not look with evil intention upon the sins of

your elders, which do not regard you; "to his own

master he standeth or falleth." Correct your own sins,

amend your own life.

+St. John of Kronstadt

4

Congratulations Niko Stamos and Eleni Tambassis Eugenia Kardaris DDS

We were honored to celebrate and participate in the "The Three Hierarchs Award of Excellence” at

the Holy Trinity Cathedral Center in New York City. His eminence Archbishop Demetrios of

America ,Rev. Fr. Stefanos Alexopoulos,Ph.D., Mrs Maria Makedon ,director of Archdiocesan

District office of Education and Mrs. Anne Prokop ,principal, Greek-American Institute, Bronx along

with other officials from Greece and Cyprus.

This Regents exam in Greek language was taken by over 500 students from parochial and public chools in the East

coast and our Greek school , the only one from the Midwest! I am proud to say that even though our classes do not have

the great number of students or the days devoted to Greek language per week ,both of my students not only passed the ex-

am but received an Excellent score! These students are Eleni Tambassis and Niko Stamos !!Their loyalty ,persistence and

endurance for Greek language has been awarded .

Both of their parents, siblings and our principal Ms .Rena Pelican were there to celebrate and share this monumental

moment of their lives. Awards were given by his Eminence Demetrios ! Please ,enjoy the photos anWe look forward to

continuing the preservation and dissemination of the Greek language throughout U.S.A. by us and our youth like Niko and

Eleni !!

Happy 50th Anniversary On February 13, Jim and Elaine

Scott celebrated 50 years of marriage.

They were married at the Assumption

Greek Orthodox Church on Delmar in

University City. Congratulations and

may God grant you many more!!!

Everyone

capable of

thanksgiving is

capable of

forgiveness,

salvation and

then eternal joy

5

Save the Date!

Orthodox Camps

Location: St. Iakovos

Retreat Center

(Kansasville, WI)

Dates:

June 19—25

June 26—July 2

July 10—16

July 17—23

(Transportation will be

provided from St. Louis

only the week of

June 19-25)

Ages: Entering

6th-11th Grade

Cost: $475

Apply at: www.fanari.org

Application Deadline: TBD

Location: Ionian Village

Campgrounds

(Bartholomeo, Greece)

Dates: June 19 – July 8

July 17—August 5

Ages: Entering 9th

Grade, to Graduating

Seniors

Cost: 4500 + Travel to

New York

(Scholarships are

available)

Apply at:

www.ionianvillage.org/

summer-camp

Application Opens

March 1st at 12:00 noon

and usually fills within

1 Hour!

Assumption

Vacation Church

School

“The Armour

of God”

Dates: July 11-15

(AM only)

Ages: Pre K—8th

Grade

Cost: $15 until June

30th ($20 after)

Application form

coming soon!

Location:

Sts Constantine &

Helen Greek Orthodox

Church (Palos Hills, IL)

(bus transportation

provided)

Dates: Memorial Day-

weekend (May 27-30)

Ages: 8-18 Years Old

Cost: $170 for the first

Child $150 for

additional (Last years

pricing)

Application packet

coming soon!

2016 Hellenic

Culture Camp

Monday July 18 -

Friday, July 22.

Questions?

Concerns? [email protected]

35th Annual Junior Olympics

6

Ποιά εἶναι ἡ ἀληθινὴ Ἐξομολόγηση;

Μητροπολίτη Anthony Bloom

Συχνὰ ἁμαρτάνουμε σοβαρὰ ἐνώπιον τοῦ

Θεοῦ. Ὑπάρχουν κάποιες στιγμὲς τῆς ζωῆς

ποὺ μᾶς χωρίζουν ἀπὸ Ἐκεῖνον μὲ ἕναν

ἰδιαίτερα βίαιο τρόπο, στιγμὲς μεγάλης

ἀπιστίας. Επίσης ὑπάρχουν φορὲς ποὺ

προσερχόμαστε στὴν ἐξομολόγηση γιατί

θέλουμε νὰ ἀνανεώσουμε τὴν ἐγγύτητα τῆς

σχέσης ποὺ ἔχει τραυματιστεῖ. Ἂς ἔχουμε

κατὰ νοῦ ὅτι γιὰ νὰ ἐπανασυνδέσουμε τὴ

φιλία μας χρειάζεται ν’ ἀνοίξουμε μὲ

εἰλικρίνεια τὴν καρδιά μας καὶ νὰ

φανερώσουμε τὶς ἀστοχίες καὶ τὰ λάθη ποὺ

ἔχουν πληγώσει αὐτὴ τὴ σχέση. Δὲν

χρειάζεται νὰ καταφεύγουμε σὲ λίστες

ἁμαρτιῶν, οὔτε νὰ ἐρευνοῦμε τὰ βιβλία γιὰ ν’

ἀνακαλύψουμε τὴν ἁμαρτία μας. Ἀλλὰ μόνο

νὰ σκύψουμε μέσα μας καὶ νὰ ἐξετάσουμε τὴ

συνείδησή μας.

Ἂς χρησιμοποιήσουμε ἁπλοὺς τρόπους γι’

αὐτοῦ τοῦ εἴδους τὴν αὐτογνωσία. Τί ἦταν

αὐτὸ ποὺ προτιμήσαμε στὴ θέση τοῦ Χριστοῦ;

Τί εἶναι αὐτὸ ποῦ μᾶς κράτησε σὲ ἀδράνεια,

ὥστε νὰ παραμείνουμε χωρὶς καρπό; Ἂς

προσπαθήσουμε μέσα ἀπὸ τὶς γραμμὲς τοῦ

Εὐαγγελίου νὰ ἐπισημάνουμε ὄχι ἐκεῖνα ποὺ

μᾶς κρίνουν, ἀλλὰ τὰ λόγια ποὺ μιλοῦν στὴν

καρδιά μας, ὅπως ἔγινε μὲ τοὺς μαθητές:

“οὐχὶ ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν καιομένη ἦν ἐν ἡμῖν, ὡς

ἐλάλει ἡμῖν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ καὶ ὡς διήνοιγεν ἡμῖν

τὰς γραφάς;”

Ἂς ἀνακαλύψουμε κι ἐμεῖς τὸν λόγο ποὺ μᾶς

θερμαίνει τὴν καρδιά, ποὺ ἀγγίζει τὰ βάθη τῆς

ὕπαρξης καὶ μᾶς φέρνει σὲ κοινωνία μὲ τὸν

Κύριο. Αὐτὸ εἶναι τὸ κριτήριο. Στὴν

πραγματικότητα δὲν ἔχει τόση σημασία ἂν

ἀθετήσαμε κάποιους κανόνες. Αὐτὸ ποὺ μᾶς

ζημιώνει εἶναι ὅτι ἀπομακρυνόμαστε ἀπὸ τὴν

εὐλογημένη κοινωνία τῆς χάριτός Του.

Ἂς ἐρευνήσουμε λοιπὸν ἀπὸ τὴν ἀρχή, ὄχι μὲ

τὴ στείρα λογική τῆς ἐνοχῆς, ἀλλὰ μὲ ἀπώτερο

σκοπὸ νὰ σταθμίσουμε πὼς χάσαμε τὴν

ἐμπιστοσύνη καὶ τὴν ἀγάπη ποὺ πρὸς στιγμὴν

γευθήκαμε. Ἂς θυμηθοῦμε ἐκεῖνα τὰ λόγια ποὺ

πύρωσαν τὴν καρδιά μας κι ἔδωσαν

καθαρότητα στὸ λογισμό μας, ποὺ κίνησαν τὴ

θέλησή μας στὸ ἀγαθὸ καὶ ἔφεραν γαλήνη στὰ

μέλη μας καὶ τὰ μεταμόρφωσαν ἀπὸ σάρκινα σὲ

σῶμα ἱερό: ἱερὸ γιατί μέσα ἀπὸ τὸ βάπτισμα

ἑνωθήκαμε μὲ τὸν σαρκωμένο Χριστό, μέσα

ἀπὸ τὸ Χρίσμα γίναμε δοχεῖο τοῦ Πνεύματος

καὶ μὲ τὰ ἄχραντα μυστήρια γινόμαστε Σῶμα

Χριστοῦ. Αὐτὴ τὴν ἐμπειρία ἂς μεταφέρουμε

στὴν ἐξομολόγηση, μετανοώντας ὄχι γιὰ κάτι

ἀφηρημένο ποὺ βρίσκεται σὲ κάποια λίστα

ἁμαρτιῶν, ἀλλὰ γιὰ κεῖνες τὶς ἐπιλογὲς ποὺ

διέρρηξαν τὴ φιλία καὶ κοινωνία μας μὲ τὸν

Σωτήρα Χριστό.

Ζοῦμε συχνὰ μέσα στὸ ψέμα. Κατασκευάζουμε

γύρω μας ἕναν κόσμο ὅπου μόνο ὁ θάνατος

μπορεῖ νὰ θριαμβεύσει. Ἀρνούμαστε τὸν

πλησίον μας καὶ κλείνουμε μόνοι μας τὸ δρόμο

ποὺ ὁδηγεῖ στὴ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ζητοῦμε

ἀπὸ τὸν Κύριο συγχώρεση ἁμαρτιῶν, ἀλλὰ δὲν

ἔχει νόημα νὰ ἀναζητοῦμε μία τυπικὴ ἄφεση.

Πρέπει νὰ διψοῦμε γιὰ ἀληθινὴ συμφιλίωση,

στὸ πλαίσιο τῆς ὁποίας θὰ ἀναθέσουμε στὸν

Θεὸ τὴν ἀναξιότητα καὶ τὴν ἀπιστία μας – ὄχι

μόνο πρὸς Ἐκεῖνον ἀλλὰ καὶ πρὸς τὸν πλησίον,

τὸν φίλο, τὸν γνωστὸ καὶ συγγενῆ μας.

Ἂς ἐμπιστευόμαστε καθημερινὰ τὸν λογισμό

μας στὸν Θεὸ μὲ εἰλικρίνεια. Κι ὅταν

προσερχόμαστε στὴν Ἐξομολόγηση ἡ εὐχὴ τῆς

συγχωρήσεως θὰ ἔχει ἀληθινό, πραγματικὸ

νόημα: τὴν ἐπανασυγκρότηση μιᾶς φιλίας ποὺ

ὅσον ἀφορᾶ τὸν Θεὸ παραμένει ἀναλλοίωτη

ἀλλὰ ὡς πρὸς τὸ δικό μας μέρος χρειάζεται νὰ

τὴν ἐπιδιώξουμε. Κι αὐτή μας ἡ πρόθεση

πρέπει νὰ στηρίζεται ἀπὸ ἀποφασιστικότητα.

Κι ἡ ἀποφασιστικότητα ἀπὸ πράξη καὶ

καινότητα ζωῆς.

Για την αντιγραφή: Δημήτρης Κάγκαρης

7

Icon of St. Gregory of Palamas Icon 8 x 11

$65.00

Purple Altar Table Covering for Great Lent

$850.00

Purple Gospel Covering For Great Lent

$150.00

Purple Cover for Lectern

Holy Water Blessing Cross

Mother’s Day Reception

Anonymous

Fathers Day Reception

Please call the Church Office at 314-966-2255 if you

would like to donate any of these items.

Additional Icons are needed to complete the final

phase of the Church iconography. The choir loft balcony

wall will have

2 Angels $4,000.00 each

1) Maggie Zografakis, in memory of her parents

2) Eleftherios and Aleka Karagiannis in memory of her

mother Vasiliki Kolivaki

12 Busts $3,500.00 each

1. St. Alexander Nevsky, in Memory of Danny Taylor

by John Surgant

2. St. David of Trebizond, in memory of Adamantia and

James Menas, by John Surgant

3. TBD by John Surgant

4. TBD by John Surgant

5. Donor needed

6. Donor needed

7. Donor needed

8. Donor needed

9. Donor needed

10. Donor needed

11. Donor needed

12. Donor needed

Please coordinate your request with Fr. Joseph and

314-966-2255. Following is a list of suggested Saints.

St. Agne

St. Anthimos of Chios

St. Argyrios

St. Athanasios of Parios

St. Barlaam

St. Dimas, the Good Thief

St. Ephraim the Syrian

St. Ioasaph

St. Isaac the Syrian

St. John the Faster

St. Justin Popovich

St. Justinian the Great

St. Longinos, the Centurion

St. Makarios of Corinth

St. Mark of Ephesus

St. Methodia of Kimolos

St. Mercurios

St. Moses the Ethiopian

St. Nicodemos of Mt. Athos

St. Nifon of Constantia

St. Nikephoros of Chios

St. Photios the Great

St. Porphyrios of Kapsokalivia

St. Prokla, the Wife of Pontus Pilate

St. Ruth

St. Savvas the New

St. Telemachos

St. Theodore the Studite

There are also still several ceiling icons available for

donation:

South Wall Ceiling Icons $9,000

1. The Meeting of Our Lord

2. The Transfiguration of Christ

3. The Entrance into Jerusalem

4. The Resurrection of Lazarus - The Beck Family

5. The Dialogue with the Samaritan Woman - The Rodes

Family in memory of Nikolas, Lillian, Louis,

Doula and George.

North Wall Ceiling Icons $9,000

1. The Prayer of Christ

2. The Betrayal

3. Christ’s Judgment by Pilate

4. The walk Towards Golgotha

5. He Is Not Here- He Is Risen

6. Touching the Wound.

New Iconography

Other Needs

Completion of Church Iconography

8

Donations for Great Lent and Holy Week-2016

Flowers

Daffodils (Sunday of Holy Cross), March 15

Maria Sakellariou

Flowers for the Icon of the Annunciation, March 25

In memory of Evangelos & Kleanthie Theodorou

Palms & Daphne (Palm Sunday)

Sid & Victoria Ambort

Flowers for the Mystical Supper Icon, Holy Thursday

Chris & Despina Zeris

Rose petals for the Epitaphios

Jim & Elaine Scott

Candles

Priest’s Resurrection Pure Beeswax Candles

Elaine & James Scott

7 Candles for Holy Wednesday Holy Unction

Angie & John Koulouriotis

12 candles for 12 Twelve Holy Gospels of Holy

Thursday evening

Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kotakis

3 candles of the Cross (Stavromenos) Good Friday

Mike & Oksana Labis

4 Candles for the Epitaphios

David & Elaine Stevens in Memory of Matina Stevens

Palm Sunday Altar Vigil Candles

In Memory of Amy Simos by Greg Simos, and Chris &

Nicole Simos;

Easter Sunday Altar Vigil Candles

Mrs. Photini Vlachos

Other Items

Antho nero (rose water) for Holy Week

Mr. & Mrs. Ollie Aslan

White Sheet for the Body of Christ

Jim & Elaine Scott in Memory of George & Mary

Petrides

Eggs for Easter Sunday

Anonymous in Memory of Bill Leon

Toulle for Easter eggs Anonymous in Memory of Bill Leon

Holy Wednesday Holy Unction - Olive oil, flour, cotton

balls

Byron & Darlene Magafas

Incense for use during Holy Week

Donor Needed

Mageritsa (Paschal Soup)

Donor Needed

Palm Sunday Luncheon, April 24

Donor Needed

Five Friday evening Salutation (Xairetismi) services

1st Friday, March 18

Flowers Vangel & Lila Nicholas

Coffee hour Lila Nicholas

2nd Friday, March 25

Flowers Dimitrios & Bessie Theodorou

Coffee hour - GOYA

3rd Friday, April 1

Flowers Kosta & Chrisoula Panopoulos

Coffeehour Sunday School

4th Friday, April 8

Flowers Athanasios & Kalliope Deros

Coffee Choir

5th Friday, April 15

Flowers Maria & Peter Kafalenos

Coffee hour Philoptochos

Flowers for Icon of the Bridegroom,

Nymphios, of Palm Sunday evening

Mrs. Sofia Evangelopoulos

33 Gardenias for the Epitaphios

Sofia & Paraskevie Liyeos , Niko, Aristotelis and Evan

Vojcic in memory of their papou, Steve Evangelopoulos

Rose petals for the First Resurrection service

Mr. & Mrs. James Beys

Flowers for medium-sized Icon of the Resurrection

Bill and Freda Simos

Flowers for large-sized Icon of the Resurrection

Anonymous in Memory of Bill Leon

Rosebud vases for Palm Sunday

Angelo & Tina Pappas

Rosebud vases for Easter Sunday

In Memory of their grandson Mason Dale by Donna &

Victor Roesch

Flowered Wreath of the Crucified Lord

Br. Charles S. Anthony & Mrs. Irene Anthony In loving

memory of the Monk

Flowers for the Epitaphios ($1,000.00 needed)

Donors Needed

Easter Lilies or Chrysanthemums (24 needed)

Donors Needed

9

We are finally preparing for Lent! The date of Pascha changes every year, and this year it is on May 1st., so we

are only now beginning the special time leading up to Pascha, known as Great Lent.

10

Memorials

May their memories be eternal!

Jan 31 1-year Emilia Patelis

Feb 7 1-year Polixeni Exarhou

17-year Mary Labis

25-year Anastasia Kirkou

Feb 21 40-day Angelo Leara

Feb 28 1-year Danny Taylor

Mar 20 1-year Constantinos Vithoulkas

Mar 27 1-year Kaliope Liontos

4-year Michael Liontos

Apr 3 1-year Jordan Gabriel Sadaka

1-year Paraskeve (Voula) Stratos

11-year John Stratos

14-year George Kapros

Apr 17 1-year Helen Papavramides

4-year Stergios Papavramides

4-year Nicholas Georgen

Baptisms

* Congratulations to Andrew and Jill Tomaras on

the baptism of their daughter, Elaina on Saturday,

February 13. The Godmother is Joanna Farris.

In Our Prayers: Nora Bangert

Jim Beys

Tom Dubis

Seraphima Henderson

Agne Karagianis

Jean Kotakis

Michael Labis

John Surgant, Sr

Elizabeth Despina Tsaoussis

Chris & Despina Zeris

Evening in Athens Greek Dinners Saturday March 5, join Sts. Constantine and Helen

Greek Orthodox Church for their series of dinners

featuring tasty home baked Greek entrees, and pastries

served in the casual and friendly atmosphere of their

church hall. Lenten dishes are available. These dinners are

open to the public. For more information, please call 618-

277-0330

405 Huntwood Rd.,

Swansea, Il 62226.

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Important

Please inform Fr. Joseph immediately when you or

any member of your family is sick or hospitalized, so that

appropriate prayer and visitation may be scheduled.

Hospitals do not notify clergy of patients, even if

you list yourself as a Church member.

Missing from Church: Two green-covered books in

Arabic and English are missing from the Church. They

are out-of-print and Fr. Joseph needs them. Please call

the office if you can help.

Blessed Icons: Three icons were left in the Holy Altar

to be blessed, but don’t have names on them. Please call

the office if one of them belongs to you. They need to be

picked up. Thank you.

tel:618-277-0330

tel:618-277-0330

11

Remember you can read the entire Assumption Monthly

Newsletter online at assumptiongoc.org,

or go to: http://seekandfind.com/directory/assumption-

greek-orthodox-Church_820.html

College Addresses In an effort to keep in touch with, and minister to, our

college students, we ask anyone with a son or daughter in

college to contact the Church office with the address,

phone, and email.

Unique Mission Outreaches to Albania and

Mexico

Join an OCMC Orthodox Mission Team to Mexico or

Albania in March 2016. Be a visible expression of

solidarity with the faithful in these unique ministries.

Work with Albanian youth leaders to host a conference

for young adults and reach out to and engage college

students at the University of Tirana’s Orthodox Student

Center, while ministering alongside OCMC missionaries to

Albania. The dates are March 19 - 27, 2016.

In Mexico, offer youth and adult catechism to educate

and encourage the faithful in remote communities of San

Esteban and Pisaflores, outside of Mexico City. Spanish-

speaking applicants are encouraged to apply. The dates are

March 26 - April 2, 2016. Team members will teach

children basic catechism and craft activities in a Vacation

Bible School format, offer adult catechism and attend

worship services with the local communities. This is a

unique opportunity to present the Faith to Aztec people in

rural Mexico!

Mission Teams serve our Holy Orthodox Church’s

unending mission effort to make disciples by sharing in a

journey of Faith. If you are interested in serving in His

vineyard, contact OCMC for additional opportunities. Visit

www.ocmc.org, e-mail [email protected], or call 1-877-463

-6784 ext. 141 or ext 142.

AHEPA Scholarship

Any seniors interested in applying for the AHEPA

Scholarship, please contact Basil Pappas

[email protected]) for the Ahepa scholarship forms

and information regarding due dates. Mr. Pappas will

send the necessary forms directly to you.

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

Prison Ministry Report Bill Goranitis Following is a list of the Assumption Prison Ministry

accomplishments for 2015. I want to thank everyone for all

of their efforts.

Filled a food pantry which is used to help ex-offenders and

their families. Monetary donations from our fund were used

to obtain Aldi gift cards which were used to purchase this

food.

Philoptochos made a significant monetary contribution to

our fund.

Monetary donation made by us to OCPM (Orthodox

Christian Prison Ministry).

Monetary donation made by us to the prison ministry of

Father David Ogan.

Additional food was obtained for the food pantry that is

used to help ex-offenders and their families. Again,

monetary donations from our fund were used to obtain Aldi

gift cards which were used to purchase this food.

Monetary donation made by us to provide a place to live for

a man leaving prison and who would be homeless without

aid. St. Nicholas also contributed.

Conducted an infant/toddler supplies drive.

Donated supplies and monetary donations collected during

our infant/toddler supplies drive to infants and toddlers of ex

-offenders.

Female hygiene kits made by members of our Prison

Ministry team were distributed to female ex-offenders.

Collected and donated Christmas gifts for the children of

ex-offenders.

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church received a certificate

of appreciation from the United States Probation Office,

Eastern District of Missouri for its prison ministry work.

http://www.ocmc.org

mailto:[email protected]


12

Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Corner:

The Orthodox Mission Team of St. Louis works to nurture an awareness within our local churches of the need to

evangelize, catechize, and support missionary efforts and programs globally

Missions Sunday is March 13th. Striking a Balance: The Importance of Mission Teams to Alaska

By Alex Goodwin

Alaska, though as much a part of the United States as any other state, is

a land apart. It is unique in its history and culture. It is because of this

history and the Native Alaskan people that the ministries of the OCMC are

so important there.

In Alaska, Orthodoxy was the first expression of Christianity that was

presented to the native people. Thanks to the efforts of men like St.

Herman, many of the Alaskan people came to accept the Faith. The roots of

the Church run deep in Alaska, but today Alaska is a much different place

than it was in St. Herman’s day. The people of Alaska are trying to strike a

balance between preserving their traditional way of life while embracing what modernity has to offer.

This journey can be especially difficult for the youth. The allure of secular society is strong. The case for the

pursuit of convenience and materialism is pretty easy to make, especially in villages that can feel isolated by vast

distances and an unforgiving climate. The importance of a life grounded in the Faith can be a more difficult case

to make. The benefits may not be immediate, and the journey may not be easy.

This is why the Mission Center sends teams of volunteers to Alaska every year. They work with the youth.

They share with them the fullness of the Orthodox Faith that has been an integral part of their culture for

centuries. Through fellowship, fun activities, teaching, and worship, young Alaskans are able to experience a

living, vibrant Orthodoxy that can impact their lives more than anything the secular world has to offer. They

come away with a sense of community among themselves, with people of the same faith, and the generations that

have preceded them.

The missionary witness in Alaska is needed

among the Alaskan youth now more than ever!

Please prayerfully consider joining one of the three

teams that will serve by offering youth camps in

2016.

If you or anyone you know is interested, please

visit http://www.ocmc.org/about/open_teams.aspx,

e-mail [email protected], or call 1-877-463-6784

ext. 141.

http://www.ocmc.org/about/open_teams.aspx


13

You are invited to a wonderful and fun evening of food

and fellowship! All adults are welcome for a potluck

dinner followed by a spiritual discussion.

Saturday, March 19

And

Saturday, April 9

6:00 p.m.

More information to follow

Please Save the Dates!!

No children, please.

Modern Greek History and Culture Dr. Nikos Poulopouos

March 10 -April 13

Thursdays, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm

St. Louis County Library Headquarters

1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63131

This six (6) week course will examine major features

of Modern Greek history, culture and society. Although a

part of the course will deal with nation building and the

political history of Greece, we will also examine the broad

historical trends that have shaped the distinct cultural,

social, and political developments in the Balkan region

from the late 18th to the end of the 20th century.

Open to the Public

This is the third of a three part lecture series.

Inquires

email: [email protected] or

Phone: (314) 475-5083

Please remit registration fee of $10.00

(Students free)

to

Hellenic Society

636 Pine Creek Dr.

Chesterfield, MO 63017

Festival Baking

It will be here before you know it! Festival

preparations have begun. Every Wednesday the

ladies will be preparing food for the festival.

If you are interested in helping please call

Amalia Karakasis at 314-495-0305.

Festival dates are Friday, May 27-Monday, May 30!

15

Please join His Grace, Bishop

NEOFITOS Of Nyeri and Mt. Kenya

Tuesday, March 29th 6:30 pm

For the Service of Great Compline

Followed by a reception and presentation on

“Fasting, Prayer, and Mission”

The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

1755 Des Peres Rd, Town & Country, MO 63131

The

Daughters of Epiros

invite you to their

Annual

Apokreatiko

Glendi Saturday, March 12

Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Tickets: $25.00 (Children under 12 Free)


1755 Des Peres Road

Dinner with a Special Kids’ Meal

Music by Pericles Production Cash Bar

Raffle Prizes Face Painting,

Costumes Encouraged

16

Greek Independence Day Luncheon

April 3

Immediately Following Divine Liturgy

Come and Enjoy Lenten Luncheon Menu Adults: $15.00

16 and under: Free

Poems and Skits Performed by the Greek School Students

Guest Speaker: Dr. Deborah Cosmopoulos

The Greek Independence Day Luncheon is Donated by the Family of Harry and Agni Karagiannis in Loving Memory of Kostandinos and Efthimia Karagiannis

17

March 11

Fried Cod Fish, Hush Puppies & Slaw…….$8.00

Baked Fish with Stewed Green Beans with Potatoes ..$7.00

Moussaka…………….…..$7.00

(eggplant, potato, zucchini and ground beef casserole0

Gyro Sandwich……………….$5.00

(seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread

with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce)

Chicken Avgolemeno Soup…….Sm. $3.00 Lg. $5.00

2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)……….....2 for $3.00

Spanakopita (spinach pita) or Tyropita (cheese pita)...$3.00

Greek Salad with olive oil dressing.....................$5.00

Dessert……….$3.00

(Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake)

March 25

Fried Cod & Catfish Combo with

Hush Puppies & Slaw . . . . . .$8.00

Baked Fish with Mixed Vegetables. . . . . $7.00

Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) . . . . . .$6.00

Gyro Sandwich.............................$5.00



Lentil Soup…….Sm. $3.00 Lg. $5.00






March 18

Corned Beef & Cabbage . . . . . . . . . .$8.00

Baked Fish with Rice……...…..$7.00

Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole)……..$6.00

Gyro Sandwich.................$5.00



Split Pea Soup…….Sm. $3.00 Lg. $5.00






March 4

Shrimp Saganaki . . . . . . . . . . . .z$9.00

Baked Fish with Mixed Vegetables . . . . . . . . $7.00

Moussaka…………….…..$7.00

(eggplant, potato, zucchini and ground beef casserole)

Gyro Sandwich..............$5.00



Clam Chowder…….Sm. $3.00 Lg. $5.00






Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 1755 DES PERES ROAD

(Just north of Des Peres 14 Cine)

FRIDAY LUNCHEONS

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

March 2016 Menu subject to change

Cash, Checks and

Credit Cards accepted:

Master Card,

VISA, Discover,

American Express

Kitchen Phone:

314-966-6720

Web Site:

assumptiongoc.org

Email:

[email protected]

18

Su

n

Mo

n

Tu

e W

ed

Th

u

Fri

S

at

Div

ine

Lit

urg

y T

imes

are

Ap

pro

xim

ate

Fa

st D

ays

are

Sh

ad

ed

Fea

st D

ays

are

Bo

xed

1

5:4

5 p

m G

reek

Sch

ool

6:3

0 p

m V

esp

ers

7:1

5 p

m Y

outh

Nig

ht

7:2

0 p

m B

ible

Stu

dy

2

2:0

0 p

m K

afen

io

3

10

:00

am

Wom

en’s

Book

S

tud

y

7:0

0 p

m M

etro

poli

tan

K

alli

stos

War

e at

SL

U

4

11

:00

am

Fri

day

Lu

nch

5 1

st S

atu

rd

ay

of

the

So

uls

8

:45 a

m O

rth

ros

10

:00

am

Div

ine

Lit

urg

y

a

nd

Mem

ori

al

5

:00

pm

Gre

at V

esp

ers

6

:00

pm

GO

YA

6 M

eatf

are

Su

nd

ay

8:3

0 a

m O

rth

ros

9:4

5 a

m D

ivin

e L

itu

rgy

&

Su

nd

ay S

chool

12

:00

pm

Ora

tori

cal

F

esti

val

7 D

air

y A

llow

ed

8

Da

iry

All

ow

ed

5:4

5 p

m G

reek

Sch

ool

6:3

0 p

m V

esp

ers

7:2

0 p

m B

ible

Stu

dy

9 D

air

y A

llow

ed

Ho

ly F

orty

Marty

rs

of

Seva

stia

9

:00

am

Ort

hro

s

10

:00

am

Div

ine

Lit

urg

y

2

:00

pm

Kaf

enio

10

Dair

y A

llo

wed

10

:00

am

Wom

en’s

Book

S

tud

y

7:0

0 p

m W

om

en’s

Book

Stu

dy

11 D

air

y A

llow

ed

11

:00

am

Fri

day

Lu

nch

12

2n

d S

atu

rd

ay o

f th

e

So

uls

- T

he

Holy

Asc

eti

cs

9

:00

am

Ort

hro

s

10

:00

am

Div

ine

Lit

urg

y

a

nd

Mem

ori

al

5

:00

pm

Gre

at V

esp

ers

6

:00

pm

Dau

gh

ters

of

E

pir

os

Ap

ok

reat

iko

13

Ch

eese

fare

Su

nd

ay

8:3

0 a

m O

rth

ros

9:4

5 a

m D

ivin

e L

itu

rgy

&

Su

nd

ay S

chool

12

:00

Phil

op

toch

os

M

eeti

ng

6:3

0 p

m F

org

iven

ess

V

esp

ers

14

Cle

an

Mo

nd

ay

8

:30

am

Ort

hro

s 1

1:0

0 a

m G

reat

Com

pli

ne

12

:00

pm

Len

ten

Lu

nch

eon

2

:30 p

m V

esp

ers

6:3

0 p

m G

reat

Com

pli

ne

w

ith C

anon

of

St.

A

nd

rew

15

5:4

5 p

m G

reek

Sch

ool

6:3

0 p

m G

reat

Com

pli

ne

wit

h

C

anon

of

St.

An

dre

w

7:1

5 p

m Y

outh

Nig

ht

NO

Bib

le S

tud

y

16

2:0

0 p

m K

afen

io

5:3

0 p

m 9

th H

ou

r 6

:00 p

m P

resa

nct

ifie

d

L

itu

rgy &

Len

ten

Potl

uck

17

10

:00

am

Wom

en’s

Book

S

tud

y

6:3

0 p

m G

reat

Com

pli

ne

wit

h C

anon

of

St.

An

dre

w

7:0

0 p

m W

om

en’s

Book

Stu

dy

18

9

:00

am

9th

Hou

r

9:3

0 a

m P

resc

anti

fied

L

itu

rgy

11

:00

am

Fri

day

Lu

nch

7:0

0 p

m 1

st S

alu

tati

on

s

t

o t

he

Th

eoto

kos

&

C

off

ee

19

3rd

Sa

turd

ay

of

the

So

uls

- T

he

Mir

acle

of

St.

Th

eod

ore

9

:00

am

Ort

hro

s

10

:00

am

Div

ine

Lit

urg

y

a

nd

Mem

ori

al

5

:00

pm

Gre

at V

esp

ers

6

:00

pm

Ad

ult

Ort

hod

ox

C

hri

stia

ns

(AO

C)

20

Su

nd

ay

of

Ort

ho

do

xy

8

:30

am

Ort

hro

s

9:4

5 a

m D

ivin

e L

iturg

y,

S

und

ay S

cho

ol

and

P

roce

ssio

n

5:0

0 p

m S

und

ay o

f

O

rtho

do

xy V

esp

ers

&

D

inner

at

St.

Nic

ho

las

21

2

2

NO

Gre

ek S

chool

(Sp

rin

g

B

reak

)

6:3

0 p

m G

reat

Com

pli

ne

7:2

0 p

m B

ible

Stu

dy

23

2:0

0 p

m K

afen

io

5:3

0 p

m 1

st H

ou

r

6:0

0 p

m P

resa

nct

ifie

d

L

itu

rgy &

Len

ten

Potl

uck

24

10

:00

am

Wom

en’s

Book

Stu

dy

7:0

0 p

m W

om

en’s

Book

Stu

dy

25

An

nu

ncia

tio

n

9

:00

am

Ort

hro

s 1

0:0

0 a

m D

ivin

e L

itu

rgy

11

:00

am

Fri

day

Lu

nch

7:0

0 p

m 2

nd

Sal

uta

tion

s to

th

e T

heo

tok

os

& C

off

ee

Hou

r

26

12

:00

pm

Jr.

GO

YA

5:0

0 p

m G

reat

Ves

per

s

27

St.

Greg

ory

Pa

lam

as

8:3

0 a

m O

rth

ros

9:4

5 a

m D

ivin

e L

itu

rgy

&

Su

nd

ay S

chool

5:0

0 p

m L

ente

n V

esp

ers

A

t S

t. M

ich

ael’

s C

hu

rch

28

2

9

5:4

5 p

m G

reek

Sch

ool

6:3

0 p

m G

reat

Com

pli

ne,

Pre

sen

tati

on a

nd R

ecep

tion

b

y B

ish

op

Neo

fito

s of

K

enya

30

2:0

0 p

m S

enio

rs C

lub

5:3

0 p

m 1

st H

ou

r 6

:00 p

m P

resa

nct

ifie

d

L

itu

rgy &

Len

ten

Potl

uck

31

10

:00

am

Wom

en’s

Book

S

tud

y

7:0

0 p

m W

om

en’s

Book

Stu

dy

If I h

ave a

ny w

orth

, it is

to li

ve m

y life

fo

r God

so as

to te

ach

thes

e peo

ple;

even

thou

gh so

me o

f the

m st

ill lo

ok

down

on m

e.

St. P

atrick

Mar

ch 2

01

6

Ass

um

pti

on

Gre

ek O

rth

od

ox

Ch

urc

h

19


1755 Des Peres Road

Town and Country, MO 63131-1405

Address Service Requested

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage

PAID St. Louis, MO

Permit No. 4628

For Consideration

It would be hard to find a better example of how we must

not be lazy and leave prayer and work until the next day

than that which is given us by St Ephraim the Syrian: ‘Once

a brother was inspired (by the devil) to think: “Today I’ll

give myself a rest, and tomorrow I’ll keep vigil.” But he

answered the thought thus: “Who knows; maybe I shan’t get

up tomorrow either - so I’d better get up today.” So Also,

before he began work, he was inspired with this thought:

“Let me give myself a rest today, and I’ll start work tomor-

row.” He again replied: “No; I’ll start work today, and the

Lord will look after tomorrow.” And St Antony teaches: ‘As

each day dawns, plan your life as though it were your last

on earth, and keep yourself from sin.’

The Prologue from Ochrid: Lives of the Saints and Homilies for Every Day in the Year, vol. 4 by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic. Translated by Mother Maria. Lazarica Press, Birmingham, 1985.

From the Orthodox Study Bible

2 Corinthians: 7:1

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us

cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and

spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

7:1 An escape from filthiness requires more than thinking

repentant thoughts. For we are enmeshed in a spiritual war

zone, entrenched in patterns of sin that become habitual.

Often, darkness becomes imprinted in our souls and bodies so

that even our wills are bypassed and we sin automatically. To

cleanse ourselves means that by the promises of God, we

embark on a sustained struggle for holiness. This cleansing

includes genuine sorrow for our sins, confession, and

repentance. It means a willful avoidance of sin-arousing

situations, reconciliation with those we have wronged, the

resolute practice of Christian virtue, and cleaving to God

through faith and prayer. It calls us to participation in the holy

sacraments. Is this too difficult for us humans? Yes. Thus the

Holy Spirit, who cleanses us from every stain and heals our

infirmities, who empowers us to live this life of peace with

God and repentance before Him.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982

by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

from glory to glory - assumption greek orthodox church · 2016-02-19 · from glory to glory the...

Documents