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WINTER ANCHOR 2014-15 Father John’s Article

THE anchorTHE anchor St. Andrew Greek Orthodox ChurchSt. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church

5649 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 606605649 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660

773773--334334--4515 (ph)4515 (ph) 773773--334334--3468 (fax)3468 (fax)

www.standreworthodox.orgwww.standreworthodox.org (email) [email protected](email) [email protected]

Rev. John N. Kalomas, ProistamenosRev. John N. Kalomas, Proistamenos

Rev. John G. Kutulas, Proistamenos EmeritusRev. John G. Kutulas, Proistamenos Emeritus

Fr. Stamatios G. Sfikas, SynefemeriosFr. Stamatios G. Sfikas, Synefemerios

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Andrew’s:

Every year on the 15th of November I do two things. First I put up my Christmas lights around the outside of the house because it is the beginning of the Christmas Fast, but it is also my daughter Katrina’s birthday. Then I take out my Christmas CDs and listen to as many, if not all, of the songs - all the way up to the 12 days after Christmas. I came across a song a few weeks ago on one of my CD’s, which was written by John Denver of blessed memory. It actually perpetuates into our lives the true meaning of the holiday and what the season that we are celebrating really means. It shows the beauty of the miracle of life, especially that one life that was born in a manger, as well as what Christmas truly means to all and how one should really look at it.

The Lyrics are as follows:

The season is upon us now, A time for gifts and giving. And as the year draws to its close, I think about my living. The Christmastime when I was young, The magic and the wonder. But colors dull and candles dim, And dark my standing under. Oh little angel, shining light, You've set my soul to dreaming. You've given back my joy in life, And filled me with new meaning. A Savior king was born that day, A baby just like you. And as the Magi came with gifts, I've come with my gift too. That peace on earth fills up your time, That brotherhood surrounds you. That you may know the warmth of love, And wrap it all around you. It's just a wish, a dream I'm told. From days when I was young; Merry Christmas little Zachary, Merry Christmas everyone; Merry Christmas little Zachary, Merry Christmas everyone. It is a very beautiful song that supposedly was asked by a close friend of John Denver to write it for his child that was born on or around Christmas. Take a moment, if you have never heard it sung, to go to YouTube and listen to it. Yes the words at the beginning are about the season that is upon us, for as we see that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. It is during the Christmas Season that we take a moment to pause and reflect about the year that is closing and what our life had experienced throughout the year; many joyous days and maybe even some difficult ones.

For me, two come to mind, both on opposite ends of the spectrum. The first being my daughter, Katrina, graduating from High School and going to Carthage College; a time and moment when parents are proud and joyous of their child and their successes. Yet the difficulty on the other side was the loss of Presvytera’s mother which was a sad time amongst a joyful event.

Christmas though brings a time to reflect on both and to draw from it the magic and the wonder. Not only what it showers upon the glorious event of a Saviour king being born that day, but how that wondrous event of Christ’s birth brings the events of the year, whether good or bad, into a light of peace and the mystery of miracles through thankfulness. Yes, thankfulness that God allowed us once again to embrace an entire year and to come to a point that brings all wonders into simplicity.

I took a moment to reflect as the song above was being sung and I have to say that it is not a mistake that the celebration of Thanksgiving and the Christmas Season is celebrated so close together for it is a time to be thankful to God above and see the wondrous good through the miracle of life. I wept when I said goodbye to my mother-in-law, but I thanked God that he allowed me 24 years to have great memories with her. I wept seeing an empty bed in my daughters room when she went away to college, but I thanked God for the first 19 years that he has given to me of the splendid gift of not only Katrina, but also of Nicholas and Kiki.

You see my beloved Christmas is not a time that we should allow ourselves to be weighed down by the grievous blows that we have received through the waves of life that have come crashing down upon us; no, Christmas is the time when we should look at what are the glories that our Lord has given us whether it is the gifts that we still possess or the memories that have been so cherished. Ebenezer Scrooge allowed the grievous blows of the loss of his love because of money to harden his heart and not allow the beauty of the simple child born in a cave to warm the cold and callousness of his life. He didn’t allow the bright star that led the Magi to the manger to enlighten the darkness of the depths of his soul. He lived his life in misery and made all those around him miserable; all but I

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The Anchor—WINTER 2014-15

ST. ANDREW GREEK ORTST. ANDREW GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCHHODOX CHURCH

His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos

Metropolis of Chicago

Rev. John N. Kalomas, Proistamenos

Rev. John G. Kutulas, Proistamenos Emeritus

Fr. Stamatios G. Sfikas, Synefemerios

Contact Fr. John at 773-334-4515 or Email him at [email protected]

PARISH COUNCIL 2014

Terri Mikuzis President Kosta Zografopoulos 1st Vice President/ Facilities Phil Hatzopoulos 2nd Vice President/ Stewardship George Marks 3rd Vice President/Finance Bill Aslanides Secretary Steve Hastalis Assistant Secretary Nick Hatzopoulos Treasurer Peter Alexopoulos Financial Secretary

MEMBERS

Michael Bartholomew Jeffery Chrones Milton Fasseas Nick Karafotias Spiro Kondos Nick Kontos Mark Poulakidas Frank Prokos

STAFF & MINISTRY LEADERS

Pastoral Assistant: Julie Tziolas Financial Secretary: Vivian L. Davros Philoptochos President: Vonnie Karafotias Chanters: Nicholas Christacos & Dean Theodoropoulos Choir Director: Dr. Peter Jermihov Narthex Committee: William Alexopoulos, Leo Manta, Matthew Bezanes, James Chrones, Michael Davros, Solon Tsaoussis Sunday School Coordinator: Greek School Principal: Father John Kutulas Mommy and Me Advisor: Stephane Collopy JOY Advisors: Tia Manolakas, Nia Tsokolas, GOYA Advisors: Georgia Loomas Young Adult Ministry: Tatiana Vukotic, Anastasia Papas, & Eleni Papas Website: Julie Tziolas

SERVICES FOR THE MONTHS OF

DECEMBER, JANUARY, & FEBRUARY

Sunday Mornings Orthros at 8:00AM; Diving Liturgy at 9:30AM

Feast of St. Spyridon Friday, December 12

Divine Liturgy at 10AM

Eve of Christmas Wednesday, December 24

Royal Hours at 9AM; Vesperal Liturgy at 6PM

CHRISTMAS Thursday, December 25

Orthros at 8:30AM; Divine Liturgy at 10AM

Feast of St. Stephen Saturday, December 27 Divine Liturgy at 10AM

Restitution of Feast of Christmas & ForeFeast of the Circumcision of our Lord

Wednesday, December 31 Orthros at 9AM; Divine Liturgy at 10AM

Great Vespers at 7PM at St. Basil Church, Chicago

Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord & the Feast of St. Basil the Great

Thursday, January 1 Orthros at 9AM; Divine Liturgy at 10AM

Eve of Epiphany Monday, January 5

Royal Hours of Epiphany at 7AM Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil and Great

Agiasmos at 8AM

FEAST OF EPIPHANY Tuesday, January 6

Orthros at 8AM; Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and Great Agiasmos at 9:30AM

Feast of St. John the Baptist Tuesday, January 7

Orthros at 9AM; Divine Liturgy at 10AM

TO VIEW MORE PARISH

PHOTOS, PLEASE VISIT OUR

WEBSITE:

www.standreworthodox.org

The Anchor—WINTer 2014-15

would say his nephew Fred.

Maybe if we take a page out of that book A Christmas Carol we may learn something important about the miracle of Christmas and the miracle of life; how it is not the expense of the gift but the richness of what it really brings. Scrooge had to learn from the Spirits of the Past, Present, and Future events that also are part of our lives. From the past he saw himself still holding Christmas dear to his heart up through his apprenticeship at Fezziwig’s establishment. It was only after his break up with his fiancée Belle, who saw the growth of his greed which she could not accept, that Christmas became a Bah Humbug to him. It would help us abundantly to reminisce about the past Christmases of our lives. Think of when we were young and we had our parents on Christmas, and how those long past memories, are memories of cherished times. I sit back and think of all the Christmases and the miracles of having my parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, dear friends many of which are no longer part of this world or have moved on because life itself has allowed us to grow. It is still the past miracles of our life that nothing can ever shatter the beautiful memories that the Christ child allowed us to have in celebration of His birth.

What about the present? For Scrooge, the present wasn’t about how miserable he was but how he affected those around him with his misery. Even though they say that misery loves company, it could never be so for his employee Bob Cratchit or even his nephew Fred. For in the present they both celebrated the miracle of life and friendships with those dear to them on Christmas Day. They even went as far as toasting Scrooge, that miserable miser who started to see maybe something that he had closed out for many years. Yes, even Scrooge started to show some concern if the miracle of life would remain in Tiny Tim. The present is the time to make the effort in embracing the beautiful miracle of the day in which our Lord has created so that we can rejoice and be glad in it. As we are approaching Christmas, every day that our Lord gives us, up to Christmas Day itself and not only on Christmas Day but even the day after, must be decided how will we celebrate that miracle of the gift of Christmas? How will we honor the importance of the Christ Child lying in the manger surrounded by the cattle and sheep, the Blessed Mother and Joseph, the Shepherds and the Wise men? What gift can we give for what He has given us for the present day? Only one thing and it is the same thing that our Lord gave us on that day, the miracle of humility and love. Only a child; a small child shows the beauty of simplicity, humility and love. That is why Charles Dickens the author of A Christmas Carol stated that “It is good for adults to regress once in a while to the state of childhood; and no better time than Christmas.”

So finally the future! What does that have in store? Many say don’t worry about it for we don’t know if we will ever see the next day. But that is the beauty of the miracle of the future that every new day that comes into our lives turns from the future to the present. Yet even the future plays an integral role, for another famous individual in my life was Charles M Shultz and one of his Peanuts characters Linus said “A person has to be careful about things he might regret years from now.” Scrooge saw this through all that he had was taken down and being sold even as he lay there in his bed dead on Christmas Day. The one thing greater than his misery, and this was deep in his soul, was being alone. Even in death they took a very expensive shirt he was to be buried in off of his body and replaced it with a ragged one. This reminds me of the parable of the rich farmer in which he said “And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up

for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry. But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' So it was the moment Scrooge sees his name on the tombstone that finally brings to him the issue of his mortality. That being a miserable miser and vindictive to all who he encountered was unproductive and against the beauty of the miracle of the season, for he was living already the life of one who was already dead to the world and not as one who rejoices in the glories of what the Christ Child brought to all mankind; freedom from death.

For us my beloved what we must do, especially on Christmas day, is to thank our Lord above for the day he gave us; to thank him for all the past Christmases and of the one that we prayerfully will be celebrating this year. It doesn’t hurt to say also Καί του

Χρόνου να είμαστε καλά (And to next year again to celebrate together). For the future is the legacy of what the past and present has brought. It is how you will touch someone this year on Christmas with either an act of kindness, or just a beautiful word of Merry Christmas that can change a person to find hope in the future of their lives. It was this commitment of Scrooge when he confessed that he will honor and hold the beauty of Christmas till his last breath in front of the Spirit of the Future that allowed him to give to the two gentlemen funds to feed the poor, as well as to change how he looked at his employee Bob Cratchit -even though Bob may have thought that Ebenezer had gone off the deep end. Yes Scrooge found Bethlehem, the manger and the Birth of our Lord and Saviour at that moment in his heart in which it was always there. It was only covered up by the ugliness of greed, hate and misery through all his years. This was the miracle that happened to Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. So what will be our miracle this year? There will be one! It will happen and we may never realize it. There will be though a miracle for Christmas 2014 for everyone. Even if we don’t realize it at that moment, what we need to do is reflect and ask ourselves did I somehow affect another individual in a positive way this past Christmas? Did I allow myself to find Bethlehem, the manger, and the Christ Child during this Christmas Season by doing something of good cheer, or compassion for those who were in need; and not only physically, but also spiritually? This is the miracle of Christmas and as you can see it is very, very inexpensive yet you can never put a price tag on it. I leave you therefore my beloved with a beautiful story of a miracle, which had a price of one dollar and eleven cents. It was sent to me by a friend a long time ago and it shows to us the miracle of Bethlehem which is kingly because it was King David’s city; the manger which shows us humility and the Christ Child which shows us love and life.

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully, placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door. She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it! 'And what do you want?' the pharmacist

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During this Christmas season, please let us know if you have a loved one who is in the hospital or nursing home, or is a shut in, and is in need of Holy Communion. Fr. John and Fr. Stamati will be making visitations during the

week of December 7. Please contact Julie at the church office at 773.334.4515 with the name, contact information, and location so that we may schedule a visitation time.

asked in an annoyed tone of voice.. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he said without waiting for a reply to his question. Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's really, really sick....and I want to buy a miracle.' 'I beg your pardon?' said the pharmacist. 'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?' 'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little. 'Listen, I have the money to pay for it.. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.' The pharmacist's brother was a well-dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a miracle does your brother need?' ' I don't know,' Tess replied with her eyes welling up I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.' How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago . 'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audible. 'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.' 'Well, what a coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.' He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.' That well-dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. 'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?' Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost....one dollar and eleven cents...plus the faith of a little child.

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law. The story ended with this oath below and it was signed by an individual.

MY OATH TO YOU...When you are sad.....I will dry your tears. When you are scared.......I will comfort your fears. When you are worried......I will give you hope. When you are confused.....I will help you cope. And when you are lost...and can't see the light, I shall be your beacon...shining ever so bright. This is my oath......I pledge till the end. Why you may ask?....Because you're my friend. Signed: God My friends let us all remember that the Little Lord Jesus who laid down His head as the Christmas Carol states is the same Jesus who also laid down His life for all of us and through the miracle of His birth and His Resurrection we are saved. My prayers therefore are this; may the miracle of Christmas bring the beauty of the season that is upon us with the Spirit of the Past which are the beautiful sweet memories of past Christmases. The Spirit of the Present of Christmas 2014, which is the encountering of good and joy in your life as well as those lives that you touch and are surrounded by. And the Spirit of the Future that God grants us the years to celebrate many more Christmases together with family and loved ones. May the many miracles of Christmas be as priceless as the story above, and as the song of John Denver ends with Merry Christmas little Zachary, Merry Christmas everyone, I also end it with Merry Christmas my blessed St. Andrew Family and Friends, Merry Christmas everyone and a Blessed and Healthy New Year.

Fr. John N Kalomas

Members of the St. Andrew community have had the privilege of serving lunch to approximately 100 less fortunate fellow human beings on the first Saturday of the month for more than 15 years at the First Presbyterian Church in Evanston. For more information and if you would like to join this mission, please contact Fofo Egan.

ST. ANDREW’S FOOD PAST. ANDREW’S FOOD PANTRYNTRY More and more everyday less fortunate people are asking churches for food. In these difficult times St. Andrew would like to help them, but in order to do so we need your help.

Please help us restock our food pantry with items such as: cereal, oatmeal, rice, pasta, pasta sauce. Also, canned items of tuna, tomato sauce, soup, vegetables, fruit or any other non-perishable items. It is helpful if the canned goods have a flip-top lid. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

Christine Bezzanes Florence Dasaky Bess Davis Stacey Diacou Helen Giannakopoulos Effie Kakavas Adeline Kalant Vicki Karagiannis Evangeline Mistaras Samia Sami Aspasia Sarris Frances Tsaoussis

Thank you all for your continued help and support throughout the year!

OFFICE MAILINGS


December 9, 2014

Beloved Stewards of St. Andrew,

Χριστός Γενάται! Δοξάσατε! * Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

As the year comes to an end, it is common for us to wonder where the time has gone. The coming of the New Year, often brings us into a period of reflection – did I have a positive or negative year? Did I meet professional and/or personal goals? How did I grow as a person in Christ? For me, this period of reflection seems even more apparent as the chapter of one book closes in my life and another is set to begin. I sit and contemplate my time here at St. Andrew as I am preparing to complete my years of ministry here and begin my new ministry as Dean of the Annunciation Cathedral beginning January 1st.

Two and a half years ago I came to St. Andrew’s to begin my ministry in the church just having completed my time at seminary. Emotions of great excitement and eagerness overpowered me for the great opportunity to come and serve such a historic and vibrant community of our Holy Metropolis. Not knowing what to expect, I walked into the doors of a beautiful community full of life and great ministries!

Under the loving and tender guidance of Fr. John Kalomas, you, the stewards of the parish, opened your arms and hearts, and welcomed me into the community with much of the same excitement I shared. Not only did you entrust me and welcome me to pray with you every Sunday but you also offered me the opportunity to undertake many programs of the parish. Today, two and a half years later, I am most thankful to our Lord for placing me in such a loving parish, which truly trusted me and gave me the opportunity to be a part of a parish family.

The time has truly passed quickly and my time at St. Andrew will always be filled with great memories. I came to you as an unmarried pastoral assistant - you were with me for my wedding to my beloved Presbytera Katerina, you were with me through both my ordinations to the Deaconate and to the Holy Priesthood, and you were with me for the birth and baptism of little Anastasia. So many memorable life moments that we were able to share together; full of memories and love that will last to us all for years to come.

To my students and parents of the Greek School, I am very happy and moved to have had you and your children as part of our Greek School Family. I did my best to support you and your children’s needs while enhancing your children’s development in Greek language, history and culture. As we worked towards these goals, I truly appreciated your input and support as parents. As your priest and principal, I tried to be as eager as possible to share information with you regarding your child’s progress and welcomed all of your questions and comments. I hope that as parents and co-educators you will continue dedicating some time each day to studying, learning new vocabulary, and reinforcing what your child has learned at school. I ask you to keep on submersing your children in the Greek language and culture at every possible moment. Support your children’s interest in learning Greek by talking to them about the importance of dual language

development. Please continue to emphasize the importance of the Greek language at home, as this will help maintain and develop Greek language skills for our youth for all their lives!

To the parents and members of our Youth Programs and Religious Education Program, continue to reach for the stars! The struggles in today’s society are many but there is nothing more important in this earthly life we live than our Lord and His Church. I know that many times we may be torn between extra curricular activities and the programs that our church offers, including church services. The decision should be easy – although on the surface there might be a struggle, the reward in heaven will be great! Continue to come to the ministries offered, continue to grow in love and fellowship, continue to remind yourselves “if not now, then when?” You are the future of the church, you are the hope of the church, and we are responsible for keeping our promise to Christ through our baptism to be active and vibrant members of the Orthodox faith, personally and as a community. We have had many good times and great events and those times have room to grow and get bigger and better. I know you have the ability to do just that!

To the members of the Parish Council, Philoptochos and PTO, I thank you for all that you have done for me personally but also for all that you do and continue to do for the greater good of St. Andrew and the parishioners. You have become leaders of the community and examples to all. Under the love and guidance of Fr. John, there is no goal too great that you will not be able to achieve. As a group, all things are possible as long as you continue to work together for the greater good of the church and all that She has to offer her faithful.

To Fr. John Kalomas, our beloved and faithful proiestameno and his family I extend my sincerest appreciation for the time we spent together. He has truly taken me under the shelter of his wing teaching me how to love the people of God at all times and under all circumstances. I look forward to constantly seeking his advice as I begin my new ministry at the Cathedral. I know the time spent with Fr. John was short but the life lessons and his examples will remain with me always. Presbytera Kiki, Katerina and Nicholas have truly become an extension of our own family and we look forward to keeping the bond we have fostered with them for the years to come.

I, along with Presbytera Katerina and Anastastia, will always remember our time here and we will be thinking of each and every one of you. We thank all of you for your continued love and support and we humbly ask that you continue to pray for us as we will continually pray for you.

May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ keep all of you well so that you may continue serving His Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church for many years!

With paternal love, blessings and gratitude I humbly remain your faithful servant,

+Fr. Stamatios G. Sfikas

It is with deep joy and yet also sadness that we announce that on Jan 1, 2015 Fr. Stamatios Sfikas will be leaving his duties as associate pastor to St. Andrew’s and be the Proestamenos and

Dean of the Annunciation Cathedral on LaSalle Street. We thank Fr. Stamati for his two and half year service as a pastoral assistant and clergyman to the St. Andrew’s community and wish him, Presvytera Katerina and their daughter Anastasia the many blessings as they begin the new era of their lives in ministering in the Lords Vineyard at the Annunciation Cathedral. AXIOS!


The tradition of baking and cutting a spe-cial "pita" (which can mean a loaf of bread, a cake, or even a pie) each year on Janu-ary 1st is observed in honor of our holy father Basil the Great, archbishop of Caes-area in Cappodocia-- hence its name "Vasilopita" meaning "St. Basil's Bread." This tradition is observed in both parish churches and in the homes of the faithful. What is the meaning of this tradition and how did it begin?

For centuries upon centuries, parents, grandparents and godparents have related the following to Orthodox children about St. Basil and the Vasilopita. One year, during a time of terrible famine, the emperor levied a sinfully excessive tax upon the people of Caesarea. The tax was such a heavy burden upon the already impoverished people that to avoid debtors' prison each fami-ly had to relinquish its few remaining coins and pieces of jewelry, including precious family heirlooms. Learning of this injustice upon his flock, St. Basil the Great, the archbishop of Caesarea, took up his bishop's staff and the book of the holy Gospels and came to his people's defense by fearlessly calling the emperor to repentance. By God's grace, the emperor did repent! He canceled the tax and in-structed his tax collectors to turn over to St. Basil all of the chests containing the coins and jewelry which had been paid as taxes by the people of Caesarea. But now St. Basil was faced with the daunting and impossible task of returning these thousands of coins and pieces of jewelry to their rightful owners. After praying for a long time be-fore the icons of our Master Christ and His All-Holy Mother, St. Bas-il had all the treasures baked into one huge pita. He then called all the townspeople to prayer at the cathedral, and, after Divine Liturgy, he blessed and cut the pita, giving a piece to each person. Miracu-lously, each owner received in his piece of Vasilopita his own valua-bles. They all joyfully returned home, giving thanks to God who had delivered them from abject poverty and to their good and holy bish-op St. Basil the Great! In remembrance of that miracle wrought by God as a result of St. Basil's love and defense of his people, Ortho-dox Christians have observed the tradition of the Vasilopita each year on January 1st-- the date on which St. Basil reposed in the Lord in the year 379.

Please join us for our Parish Vasilopita on Sunday, January 4, following Divine Liturgy. The Metropolis of Chicago Vasilopita Celebration will also be on Sunday, January 11 at 6PM at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Elmhurst

As we quickly approach the Holiday Season, it is time for us to reflect on the Parish of St. Andrew’s. On Sunday, November 16, 2014, we

once again planned our General Assembly and Stewardship Sunday. And again we were unable to have a quorum. Although the Parish Council understands the demands of our families with athletic events and other responsibilities, we need to have families interested in the ministries and financials of the community. We can only do our job with the cooperation twice a year of the community. Our next Parish General Assembly will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at 7:00pm in the President’s Room. Please make an effort to attend and find out what the Parish Council is planning.

Our Winter Food Fest will be on Saturday, January 10, 2015 and Sunday, January 11, 2015. We will once again ask for volunteers for making souvlakia, pastries, helping with serving, and other jobs which are available. Please check the flyers that are around the church. It is a fundraiser for the church and also fun to be a part of. We look forward to seeing all of you over those two days.

From the Parish Council and myself, we wish to all of our Stewards a Blessed and holy Christmas, and a New Year filled with Good Health, Happiness, and Love

Terri C. Mikuzis

by Fr. Tom Fitzgerald

Epiphany, one of the oldest and most important Feast days of the Orthodox Church, commemorates the manifestation of the Holy Trinity which took place at the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River. Recognizing rich meaning in this event, Or-thodoxy believes that when Christ was baptized, it not only marked the beginning of its public ministry and revealed the Trinity, but also signified that the entire creation is destined to share in the glory of redemption in Christ. While Christ entered into the Jordan to be baptized, two things were hap-pening: He was identifying Himself with the people He had come to save; and, He was identifying Himself with the whole of Creation which was represented by water. Through His bap-tism, the Lord revealed the value of the created world and He redirected it toward its Creator. Creation is good and it be-longs to God.

The Great Blessing of Water is held on the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany and on the day itself, following the Divine Litur-gy. The Blessing not only remembers the event of Our Lord's baptism and the revelation of the Holy Trinity but also ex-presses Orthodoxy's belief that creation is sanctified through Christ. The Blessing affirms that humanity and the created world, of which we are a part, were created to be filled with the sanctifying presence of God. After the solemn blessing, the Holy Water is distributed to the faithful and is used to bless homes during the Epiphany season. When the faithful drink the "Epiphany Water," we are reminded of our own bap-tism. When the Church blesses an individual, or object, or event with the water, we are affirming that those baptized, their surroundings, and their responsibilities are sanctified through Christ and brought into the Kingdom of the Father through the Spirit.

In addition to the Great Blessing of Water, there is a Lesser Blessing of Water service which can take place at anytime. Usually, it is celebrated when a home is blessed, on the first day of the month, the beginning of the school year, and be-ginning of new responsibilities.

If anyone would like to have their home and/or business blessed for Epiphany, please contact the office to speak to Fr. John to make an appoint-ment after January 6.


40 Day Blessings Mila Alexandra, daughter of Angela and Allan Koncarevic

Mark, son of Diana and Stefan Zestrea Nikolette, daughter of Maria and Bill Katris

Audrey Margaret, daughter of Alexis and Raymond Koukari Louisa Astara, daughter of Sophia Matsas and Matthew Baldwin

Cecilia Mae, daughter of Nicole and David Chiscon

Baptisms Korina, daughter of Matthew and Monica Douvikas

Anastasia, daughter of Thomas and Alison Regan Schnoell Matthew Constantine, son of Christopher Barrientos and Efthimia

Tsakalis Alexander, son of Sotiri and Sarah Tsakalis

Anastasia, son of Anastasios and Tonya Bakritzes Demetrios, son of Anastasios and Tonya Bakritzes

Alexander, son of Evangelos and Stamatoula Giannoulis Stella Camille, daughter of Jessica and Michael Halkias

Katerina, daughter of Christos and Marianthi Thanopoulos Constantina, daughter of Ruby and Fotios Psyhogios

Alexia, daughter of Ruby & Fotios Psyhogios Anastasia, daughter of Fr. Stamatios and Presbytera Katerina

Sfikas Phoebe, daughter of Kristen and James Christopulos

Athanasia, daughter of Rachel and Johnny Varvouletos Vasilios, son of Lucy and Vasilios Lazaridis

Abigail (Evangelia), daughter of Hariklia and Mark Serlo

Weddings Noelle Doundoulakis and Will Hubbard

Susan Danavi and David Ghantous Angelo Poulos and Bethany Teska

John Ellis and Kristy Rudnicki Sophia Thiakos and Greg Giesking

Amanda James and Alexander Winter Anastasia Loukas and Simeon Spirrison Angie Kotsinonos and Michael Gianaras

Funerals

Georgia Theophelos Nikolaos Karnezos Angelo Haralampus

Bessie Trigourea Gus Kotsovos Beatrice Marks

Memorials John Rizakos - 40 days Paul Thanos - 40 days

George Pilacoutas- 40 days Georgia Theophelos- 40 days Angelo Haralampus - 40 days Nikolaos Karnezis - 40 days Bessie Trigourea -40 days

Constance Gregory Bacaintan—40 days

Gus Kotsovos—40 days Theophania Bouris- 3 & 6 mo Despina Peroustianis - 6 mo Haralambos Drakakis - 1year

Vasiliki Valkanas—1 year Thrassos Averkiou—1 year

Stylianos Angelakos - 1 year Savas Melidis - 2 years

Alexandros Dollas - 4 years Sotirios Karafillidis - 5 years Chris G. Kalogeras -8 years Francine Melonides - 9 years Irene Balsavias– 11 years

Mihali Elias - 11 years Nicholaos Diamantidis - 14 yrs Angeline Galineas - 14 years

Dimitrios Elias - 15 years Eleni Elias - 15 years

Petros Romas - 16years George Travlos - 17 years

Konstantin N Hatzopoulos– 20 years

Mary Spiropoulos - 24 years Stephen Galineas - 40 years

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP IS...

…learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ’s Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work, for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God.

…our active commitment to use all our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledg-ment of Christ’s redeeming love.

…caring for the needs of others.

…offering one’s self to God as He offered Himself to us.

…what a person does after saying “I believe…”, as proof of that belief.

…devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as parish, as diocese/metropolis, as national Church and as Church universal.

From Oriented Leadership by Williams & McKibben

FOR REFLECTION…

In the Gospel of Saint Matthew (6:19), Jesus instructs us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal….” Often in life, we pursue and collect those things that do not last. We must ask, “One hun-dred years from now, where will our possessions be?” Our greatest bless-ing is our family. As Or-thodox Christians, we are called to be stewards of this great gift. If we are faithful to this calling, perhaps our Lord will say to us as he did to the faithful steward, “Well done good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:23).


CHRISTMAS 2014 NEW YEAR AND EPIPHANY 2015 ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ 2014 ΝΕΟΝ ΕΤΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΑ 2015

Sunday, Dec 21 Sunday before the Nativity

Orthros - 8:00 a.m. / Divine Liturgy - 9:30 a.m.

Κυριακή, 21 Δεκ Κυριακή πρό της Χριστού Γεννήσεως

`Ορθρος - 8:00 π.μ. / Θεία Λειτουργία - 9:30 π.μ.

Wednesday, Dec 24 Eve of the Birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ & Feast Day of St. Eugenia

Service of the Royal Hours – 9:00 a.m.

Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil – 6:00 p.m.

Τετάρτη, 24 Δεκ Παραμονή των Χριστουγέννων καί τής Αγίας Οσιομάρτυρος Ευγενίας

Ακολουθία των Μεγάλων Ωρών – 9:00 π.μ

Μέγας Εσπερινός καί Λειτουργία τού Αγίου Βασιλίου- 6:00μ.μ.

Thursday, Dec 25 The Birth in the Flesh of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ

Orthros - 8:30 a.m. / Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.

Πέμπτη, 25 Δεκ Η ΚΑΤΑ ΣΑΡΚΑ ΓΕΝΝΗΣΗΣ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΘΕΟΥ ΗΜΩΝ ΙΗΣΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ

`Ορθρος – 8:30 π.μ. / Θεία Λειτουργία – 10:00 π.μ.

Saturday, Dec 27 St. Stephan the Protomartyr

Orthros – 9:00 a.m. / Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.

Σάββατο, 27 Δεκ Εορτή του Αγίου Στεφάνου του Πρωτομάρτυρος


Wednesday, Dec 31 Restitution of the Feast of Christmas/ Forefeast of the Circumcision in the Flesh of our Lord


Great Vespers – 7:00 p.m. at St. Basil Church Chicago, 733 South Ashland Avenue

Τετάρτη, 31 Δεκ Απόδοσις των Χριστουγέννων / Παραμονή τής κατά σάρκα περιτομής του Κυρίου


Μέγας Εσπερινός – 7:00 μ.μ. εις το Ναό του Αγίου Βασιλείου στό Σικάγο, 733 S Ashland

Thursday, Jan 1 FEAST OF THE CIRCUMCISION IN THE FLESH OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS

CHRIST and FEASTDAY OF ST. BASIL THE GREAT


Πέμπτη, 1 Ιαν. Η ΚΑΤΑ ΣΑΡΚΑ ΠΕΡΙΤΟΜΗ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ ΗΜΩΝ ΙΗΣΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ και ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΥ

ΤΟΥ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ


Monday, Jan 5 EVE OF EPIPHANY Royal Hours of Epiphany - 7:00 a.m. Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil & Great Agiasmos - 8:00 a.m.

Δευτέρα, 5 Ιαν. Παραμονή Θεοφανείων Ακολουθία των Μεγάλων Ωρών Θεοφανείω – 7:00 π.μ.

Μέγας Eσπερινός και Θεία Λειτουργία του Αγίου Βασιλείου και Μέγας Αγιασμός–8:00 π.μ

Tuesday, Jan 6 EPIPHANY

Orthros – 8:30 a.m. / Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and Agiasmos – 9:30 a.m.

Τρίτη, 6 Ιαν. ΤΑ ΑΓΙΑ ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΑ

`Ορθρος – 8:30 π.μ. / Θεία Λειτουργία του Χρυσοστόμου και Αγιασμός - 9:30 π.μ.

Wednesday, Jan 7 Synaxis of St. John the Baptist

Orthros – 9:00 a.m./Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.

Τετάρτη, 7 Ιαν. Σύναξις του Αγίου Ιωάννου του Προδρόμου



DECEMBER UPCOMING EVENTS

LOUKOUMI BOOK SALE During the month of December Philoptochos will be selling these books. They make great gifts! Every book that is purchased an-other book is donated to a charity of our choice. We will be donating those books to UI Pediatrics along with the gifts that the Sunday School Children bring. The author also donates back: $2 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital & $2 to National Philoptochos. Stop by the Philoptochos table after church or see Kathy Siavelis. Be a part of this out-reach project!!

TIPS TO ENCOURAGE SUCCESSFUL READERS By Philoptochos Literacy Committee

Be a good role model, let your children see you read.

Set aside a regular time to read to your children every day.

Surround your children with reading material.

Have a family reading time.

Encourage a wide variety of reading activities.

Go to the library frequently.

Be knowledgeable about your children's progress.

Use a variety of aids to help your children: computers, text-books, games, visual aids and books on tape.

Show interest in and enthusiasm for your children's reading.

Build a love of language and learning by engaging your chil-dren in meaningful conversation.

Together we CAN make a difference! ****************************************************

Dear Philoptochos Members and Friends, As you will see below we have been very busy over the past few months. First, on behalf of the ladies in Philoptochos we are very proud to CONGRATULATE, Arlene Siavelis Kehl, Kathy Siavelis and Marilyn Tzakis for being reappointed to the National Philopto-chos Board, and to Arlene for being reappointed 1st Vice-President to National. Thursday, September 4, we had our first meeting of the Ecclesias-tical Year. We had over 25 women at our meeting, who enjoyed a potluck dinner. What a wonderful way to begin the year! Thank you to all who attended. Thank you to Cindy Melas who helped organize Holy Cross Ves-pers/Feastday & to all the ladies who baked and helped with this event. Saturday, September 21, we had 2 tables who represented our chapter at The Metropolis of Chicago Ladies Philoptochos Annual Luncheon. This luncheon benefited St. Iakovos Retreat Center, Philoxenia House in Rochester, MN., and the Metropolis Philopto-chos Philanthropic Endeavors. Thank you Demetra Christus for coordinating this event. It was a lovely afternoon. Thursday, October 9, we had an Oktoberfest gathering in the Presidents’ Room. We had over 35 ladies in attendance. During

the evening we had a pumpkin carver who carved a 100 lb pump-kin. We enjoyed fall type foods along with hot apple cider and homemade Corn Chowder. Thank you to Marilyn Tzakis and Seva Johnson for making this evening enjoyable. We also were given goody bags. Saturday, October 25, we held our breakfast meeting. Thank you to Terri Mikuzis for making her delicious French toast bake and homemade coffee cake and to all those who brought items to the meeting. We began making our fleece blankets that will be given to the UIC Pediatric Unit. We have over 15 blankets that we will be giving the children at Christmas. It was a wonderful morning of fellowship. Thank you to those who joined us. Saturday, November 1, the ladies visited The Greek American Rehabilitation Care Centre. I would like to thank Maria Kotsinis for coordinating this delightful afternoon. (see thank you below) I would like to thank the following people who volunteered to bake and/or come to serve at the home. They are: Helen Papaio-annou, Peggy Papaioannou, Patty Harrison, Gena Brelias, Georgia Farlekas, Patty Harrison, Seva Johnson, Timi Pappas, and Cynthia Melas. This year we served rice pudding, paximathia, koulouria, yaourtopita, kourambiethes, pound cake, strawberries, cantaloupe, Greek and American coffee and apple cider. Hope to see you all next year and a blessed Holiday season to all. Thanks, Maria Ko-tsinis Sun, Nov 9, we had our “Grab a Lunch.” The proceeds to this event are going to the St. Nicholas Shrine at Ground Zero. Thank you Marilyn Tzakis for organizing this and to Vicki Laudizio, Ar-lene Siavelis, Kathy Kaporis, and Patty Tsaoussis for helping. Thank you Kathy Siavelis for making the board which explains what this project is about. A big thank you to those who support-ed this fundraiser. We were able to raise $550. Along with this event and other donations made we have collected $1578 towards this campaign. Watch your bulletin for more events to help sup-port this worthy cause. 2015 Membership: We are now accepting 2015 Philoptochos Membership. See form below. Volunteer Form 2014 - 2015: Please take a few moments and look at the form below and sign up where you would like to help. Your support is greatly appreciated. Everyone is welcome!

Vonnie Karafotias, Philoptochos President

JANUARY MEETING NOTICE: Philoptochos Breakfast Meeting

Saturday, January 24 at 9:30AM in the Presidents’ Room Fleece Blanket /Cookie Baking Projects

RSVP to Vonnie by Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at [email protected] or call 630-378-4878

so we may prepare for breakfast and how many blankets we will need to purchase. Please bring a scissors. Bring a friend!!

JANUARY UPCOMING EVENTS:

Metropolis Vasilopita: The Philoptochos is now selling Tickets to the Metropolis of Chicago Citywide Vasliopita event. Tickets will be sold Sundays following church up until the event and are $10 or see one of the board members for tickets.

This year the event will take place at St. Nicholas, Greek Or-thodox Church, Oak Lawn, IL on Sunday, January 11 at 6pm.

Please support these children in need. Additional information on St. Basil’s Academy and their good works can be found at


www.saintbasilacademy.org. If you cannot attend in person, we are happy to accept donations.

Feed the Hungry: Please join the Philoptochos for the Feed The Hungry program at Annunciation Cathedral on Tuesday, Janu-ary 27, 2015 at 10:45am. Your two hour commitment of serving a hot meal to approximately 200 guests will be appreciated. Please contact Patty Tsaoussis at 773-467-8810 or email [email protected], if you can join us.

We are also collecting ONLY clean coats, scarves, hats, gloves, clothing for both men and women (NO CHILDREN’S ITEMS). These garments are available for our guests to take after they have been served a hot meal. Because many of our guests are homeless, these items are much needed and appreciated. You may drop off your items at church no later than Sunday, Jan 25. Drop off bins will be provided in the hallway of the auditorium.

FEBRUARY MEETING NOTICE Philoptochos Meeting

Thursday, February 12 at 6:30PM in the President’s Room Bring your favorite Appetizer to share with everyone.

We will be having a guest speaker. (more details to follow) RSVP to Vonnie by Monday, February 9, 2015,

at [email protected] or call 630-378-4878 so we may prepare for this event. Bring a friend to the meeting to

see what Philoptochos is all about!

FEBRUARY UPCOMING EVENTS:

“Go Red for Women” is the American Heart Association’s na-tional call to increase awareness and help prevent disease. This is the number one killer of American women.

Here is information from National Philoptochos:

The statistics make it clear why awareness is important. Ninety per-cent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. Only one in five women believes that heart disease is her greatest health risk. The most important statistic, eighty percent of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made the right choices for their hearts involving diet, exercise and not smok-ing. Join in the mission to fight heart disease in women today!

National Philoptochos Society is designating Sunday, February 1, 2015 as Go Red Sunday and asking ALL women around the coun-try to wear red when attending Church.

Stop by the Philoptochos table to get information from the Ameri-can Heart Association or go to their website www.heart.org for info.

SAVE THE DATE!!! APOKREATIKO GLENDI Saturday, February 7. Join Philoptochos for this fun filled event for

the whole family! See flyer in anchor for more details! ________________________________________________________________________________________________

BOOK REVIEW:

St. Andrew’s Women’s Philoptochos will be having Triple award winning writer, and author of Seasons of Sun, Pau-la Renee Burzawa (Akouris) as she presents “Tasso’s Journey“

Tasso's Journey is the love story of her Yiayia and Papou. He was from Sparta (Magoula) and she from Vassara

Tasso is in the race of his life to protect his family as Nazi troops invade Greece. Facing countless challenges, his struggle to understand purpose forces him to examine his personal faith.

Tasso’s destiny is far from what he imagined. John Dedakis, CNN: “Paula Burzawa does it again. She brings family history alive in this gripping saga of survival, faith, and en-during love. If you liked Seasons of Sun, you'll love Tasso's Jour-ney.” More details to follow!!

PHILOPTOCHOS COMMITMENTS

It is with the fundraising that we do and with your support that we are able to help with the following:

SEPTEMBER COMMITMENTS/NATIONAL $1000 for the Retired Clergy Association Benevolent Fund

$500 to Holy Cross/Hellenic College

OCTOBER COMMITMENTS/NATIONAL $500 for the Emergency Fund (Natural Disasters)

Planned Other Philanthropy $1000 to St. Iakovos Camp/Retreat Center

Unplanned Philanthropy $350 – Aid to Greece & Cyprus

NOVEMBER COMMITMENTS/NATIONAL $500 to SS. Cosmas & Damianos - Ecumenical Patriarchate,

$500 to National Sisterhood of Presbyteres

Planned Other Philanthropy $1000 Greek American Rehabilitation Centre

Unplanned Other Philanthropy $1578 St. Nicholas Shrine at Ground Zero

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER COMMITMENTS

Planned Other Philanthropy $500 Care for Real – Thanksgiving Turkeys

December Commitments

National $500 General Medical Fund

$100 UNICEF

Metropolis $150 Metropolis Christmas Wish List for the needy

$300 Metropolis Open House

Planned Other Philanthropy $500 Chicago Food Depository for Care For Real


St. Andrew’s Philoptochos - Volunteer Form – 2014 &2015 St. Andrew’s Philoptochos invites ALL of the ladies in the parish to join in helping with any of the events listed below and to join us at our monthly meetings. Your time and talent is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Vonnie Karafotias, Philoptochos President

Please put a X next to what you’d like to volunteer for. Please return to church office or email it to [email protected]

December, 2014 ___ Sun, Dec 7,14, 21 & 28 St. Andrew’s Vasilopita—selling tickets

___Thursday, December 11 Christmas Dinner Outing ___Sunday, December 14 Metropolis Christmas Open House

Special Trays – 2015

___Sunday, January 4 Vasilopita Tray

___Sunday, March 15 HC/HC Lenten Event Tray

January, 2014

___Sunday, January 4 Vasilopita/ sponsoring Coffee Hour

___Tuesday, January 27 Soup Kitchen – Annunciation Cathedral

Name:_____________________________________________ Phone:________________________________________

Email:_____________________________________________ Please Note: Dates and Times Subject for change.

February, 2014

___Sunday, February 1 Go Red Sunday/Sponsoring Coffee Hour

___Friday, February 6 Glendi Set-up 6pm (church)

___Saturday, February 7 Glendi – Fellowship 6pm, Dinner 7pm

March, 2014

___ Sunday, March 15 4th Annual Lenten Luncheon

___ Saturday, March 28 Bake-a-thon 9:30am (Palm Sunday Bake Sale)

PHILOPTOCHOS 2015 STEWARDSHIP Philoptochos is you and me making a difference. National Philoptochos is the largest women’s Christian

charitable organization in the U.S. We are 27,000 strong nationwide!! Our St. Andrew’s Women’s Philoptochos Society supports and helps those in need here in our community and beyond. Philoptochos assists the elderly, the sick and the poor. We give to Orthodox missions, IOCC, St. Basil’s Academy, local

hospitals, neighborhood food pantry and other places. Philoptochos works to make the lives of others better.

We pray you choose to be part of St. Andrew’s Women’s Philoptochos in your time, talent, and support. It is only through your generous commitment that we are able to pursue our philanthropic mission.

Suggested Annual Membership Donation: $40.00 To be distributed as follows: National Philoptochos: $15.00 & Metropolis Philoptochos: $6.00. Any additional amount supports the good works of our chapter.

Please print a copy of this form and complete the requested information

Name _______________________________________________Spouse ________________________________________

Address ________________________________________City _____________________ State ______ Zip _____________

Phone Number ___________________ Cell Number_________________Email ____________________________________

Donation Amount ____________ Please make check payable to St. Andrew’s Women’s Philoptochos Society (SAWPS). Mail this form and payment to: St. Andrew’s Women’s Philoptochos Society Attn: Membership, 5649 N. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660

************************************************** Whether you can help for one hour or spend the day with us, your time is appreciated!!

Please indicate the SAWPS activities that interest you:

____Holy Cross Vesper/Names Day –Sept. 13 & 14

____ Blanket Making – October. & January

____IOCC Walkathon – September or October

____ Nursing Home – November/month may vary

____Thanksgiving Food Baskets – November

____St. Andrew’s Vesper/Names Day – November 29 & 30

____Christmas Food Baskets – December

____Dinner Dance Committee - December

____Christmas Dinner Outing – December

____Vasilopita/Coffee Hour – January

____Feed the Hungry/Annunciation Cathedral – January

____Go Red Sunday – February

____Lenten Lunch/Veneration of Holy Cross - March

____Glendi Committee – February/March

____Spring Event - April

____Baking - Lent and/or when needed – Month varies

____Bake Sale/Palm Sunday – Month varies

____End of Year Dinner Outing - June

____Boutique - As needed/July Festival

____Breakfast/Dinner Meetings - Coordinate

____Bulletin Board - Ongoing

____Public Relations - Ongoing

____Membership - Ongoing

____Programs for Monthly Meetings – Ongoing


ORATORICAL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE 2015 Sunday, February 1 – 3& 4 yr. olds & Kindergarten

Sunday, February 8 – 1st & 2nd Grades Sunday, February 15 – 3rd & 4th Grades

Sunday, February 22 – 5th & 6th Grades Sunday, March 8 – Jr. Division (7th-9th Grades)

Sunday, March 15 – Sr. Division (10th-12th Grades)

Finally, throughout the months of February and March, our Sunday Church School Students will be participating in our Annual Parish St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Program. As we have done every year, each of our Sunday Church School Classes will be making their presentations at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on their assigned days. In this manner, a few classes can be highlighted each week, and our Parish Family can enjoy and admire the efforts of our children in smaller segments. Our Oratorical Festival will culminate when our Junior High and High School Students make their presentations in at the end of February and beginning of March. We encourage all of our children to be in Sunday Church School each week, so that they can properly prepare for their Oratorical presentations. We invite everyone within our Parish family to support the efforts of all our children in witnessing to our Orthodox Faith. You will enjoy each and every one of their presentations.

ΗΜΕΡΟΜΗΝΙΕΣ ΕΚΔΗΛΩΣΕΩΝ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΩΝ

ΓΡΑΜΜΑΤΩΝ

HELLENIC LETTERS CELEBRATION SCHEDULE

Κυριακή, 18 Ιανουαρίου 2015 10:00 π.μ. Μνημόσυνο στην μνήμη εκπαιδευτικών,

Ραδιοεκφωνητών, Δημοσιογράφων, Διανοουμένων, στον Αγιο Γεώργιο Σικάγου

Sunday, January 18, 2015 10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Liturgy and Memorial Service in

Memory of Greek Teacher, Journalists, Radio and TV Announcers at St. George, Chicago

Σάββατο, 24 Ιανουαρίου 2015 3:00 μ.μ. Πανσχολική Εορτή, στην Εκκλησία των Αγίων

Πέτρου και Παύλου

Saturday, January 24, 2015 3:00 p.m. Metropolis Wide Greek School Celebration, at SS.

Peter & Paul, Glenview, IL

Κυριακή, 25 Ιανουαρίου 2015, 10:00 π.μ. Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία στον Αγιο Δημήτριο Σικάγου,

και 2:00 μ.μ Γεύμα και απόδοση Βραβείων στους μαθητές που αρίστευσαν στην έκθεση «Το Άγραφον»

Sunday, January 25, 2015 Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox

Church, Chicago, IL

2:00 P.M. Hellenic Letters Celebration Luncheon at the Chateau Ritz Banquets, 9100 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL

Τετάρτη, 29 Ιανουαρίου 2014 Eσπερινός των Τριών Ιεραρχών στην Εκκλησία των Αγίων

Κωνσταντίνου και Ελένης

Wednesday, January 29, 2014 Great Vespers for the Feast of the Three Hierarchs at SS.

Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Palos Hills

Πέμπτη, 30 Ιανουαρίου 2014 Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία των Τριών Ιεραρχών στην

Εκκλησία του Αγίου Ιωάννη

Thursday, January 30, 2014 Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Three

Hierarchs at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Des Plaines, IL


ST. ANDREW GREEK

ORTHODOX CHURCH

COMMUNITY

CHRISTMAS CARD 2014

With Christmas rapidly approaching, St. Andrew’s will once again distribute a

community Christmas card. This year, all paid stewards will be listed on the card,

and will be asked to donate $20 towards this effort. If you do not want your name

listed, please let the office know by Friday, December 5.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR!


DECEMBER 7–Youth Choir 14–Adult Choir

21–Women’s Choir 28–Adult Choir

JANUARY 4–Adult Choir

11–Youth Choir 18–Men’s Choir 25–Adult Choir

FEBUARY 1–Adult Choir 8–Youth Choir

15–Women's Choir 22-Adult Choir

MARCH 1–Chanters

8–Youth Choir 15–Adult Choir 22-Men’s Choir 29– Adult Choir


OCTOBER 17, 2014

Golden Gloves Night was a big success in 2014. There was a lot of buzz and great anticipation this year for this event. Having had fun in the past, guests returned to the event this year with old friends, neighbors and family members from other parishes. The professional look of the hall, the great buffet dinner, a unique venue and a fresh approach to camaraderie in the church led everyone to an enjoyable night.

The room was set up with a professional boxing ring in the mid-dle and black fabric draping the walls. The overhead lighting was lowered to enhance the candle lit tables and the spotlights on the ring focused on the boxers. There were seven bouts of box-ing with three rounds per bout featuring young boxers from clubs around the city. Cocktail hour began with hors d'oeuvres and an open bar, NCAA football on the big screen and good conversa-tion as people filtered in. A delicious buffet featuring Ribeye Steaks and Rigatoni Marinara with Basil and Garlic, Oven Roast-ed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus and a Caprese Salad really added to the Steakhouse feel of the evening while still offering some-thing for everyone's palette. Dinner was followed by a coffee and dessert buffet and, later in the evening, cigars were sold for

enjoyment in the outdoor tent. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the ring announcer and ring girls who added profes-sional, yet colorful, flavor to the evening.

This parish council event could not have been a success without the generous support of our bout sponsors. A huge debt of grat-itude is owed to Peter A. Mikuzis of Carlson, Mikuzis & Taylor, Inc., Michael Laudizio of Laudizio & Associates Tax Inc., George Demos of First Associates, First Temporary LTD, Bill and Anna Stotis and Family, George Marks of Mellos Snacks, Becky and Phil Hatzopoulos, and Alex Gianaras and the Giana-ras Family for underwriting this event. We also thank Peter Alexopoulos who prepared and cooked the delicious meal and Kosta Zografopoulos who orchestrated the set up and clean up crews. And, finally, we thank Terri Mikuzis, President of the Parish Council and Fr. Kalomas for their commitment to this event and assistance. We appreciate your support.

Lastly, the event could not have been a success without all of you who attended. We extend our great thanks for your belief and support of the event and your kind words afterwards. We thank those of you who diligently worked spreading the word of the event and brought your family and friends and we look for-ward to chairing this event in the future.

Jeff and Hellena Chrones


St. Andrew’s 6th Annual Winter Food Fest Saturday, January 10, 2015 – 3 – 8pm & Sunday, January 11, 2015 – Noon – 3 pm

Come and enjoy Greek Food, Beer, Wine, Pastries & other Greek delicacies. Admission is FREE with plenty of parking on the church grounds. For more infor-mation, call the church office at 773-334-4515 or email [email protected]

50/50 Raffle/5 tickets for $20 or $5 per ticket. Sell tickets to your friends and family. The church will re-ceive half the proceeds and the winner will receive the other half. The more tickets sold, the greater benefit to the church and the lucky winner. Stop by the table after church in the auditorium. Please return money and tick-ets on Sundays or mail them to the church office, attn: Winter Food Fest.

You can also help to support St. Andrew’s by offering to help as well. Help defray the costs by making a dona-tion from the Wish List. All forms are also on line on the website at www.standreworthodox.org.

St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church

5649 N. Sheridan Rd.

Chicago, IL 60660

St. Andrew’s 6th Annual

Winter Food Fest

January 10 – 11, 2015

Saturday 3 – 8 pm

Sunday Noon – 3 pm

Greek Food, Beer, Wine, Pastries & other Greek Delicacies, Orthodox Books, Raffle

50/50 Raffle: 5 tickets for $20 or $5.00 per ticket

Admission Free

For more information, call the church office at 773-334-4515

5649 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, 773-334-4515

[email protected], www.standreworthodox.org

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