ISSUE

33
OCT 2013

Monthly Newsletter for Stewards of Holy Anargyroi Sts. Kosmas & Damianos Greek Orthodox Church

Box & Spoon

2013 Standing Committees

PARISH COUNCIL Aaron Biedermann-President Halina Woroncow-Vice Pres. Tim Kelly Andru Peters-Secretary Dan JerghiuTreasurer Don Jenkins Tia Maragos Erline Holman Robert Lytle STEWARDSHIP / OUTREACH John Maragos Chair Halina Woroncow Ari Kolas Mark Smith Diana Orbelo ICONOGRAPHY Diana Orbelo Chair Tia Maragos Andru Peters Fr. Mark Muoz BUILDING Tim Kelly- Chair Ari Kolas BUDGET Dan Jerghiu Chair Fr. Mark Muoz AUDIT Jacob Peterson Mark Smith John Maragos PHILOXENIA HOUSE Brad Holman Chair GREEK FESTIVAL Dan Jerghiu Chair Lorenda Jerghiu Silent auction Joe Forrer Set-up/Teardown Tim Kelly Outdoor Cooks Johnny Mangouras Marketing Ari Kolas Marketing Penny Kolas Pastries Maria Thomas Pastries Denise Mangouras Pastries Martha Voytovich Market place Andru Peters Beverages Mike Brekke Beer Garden Ali Ostfeld Children Area

For the correct, Christian upbringing of your children: few words, much example, and more prayer are necessary
- Elder Epiphanios Theodoropoulos

The power of prayer cannot be underestimated. Often we think of prayer as an individual activity. But for Orthodox Christians there is an emphasis on the prayer of the whole community. This should also apply to prayer in our family life. A family should pray together. If you are a family of two its quite easy to arrange for prayer together. Currently this is my situation and my wife and I always pray together both evening and night. But when you have a family of four with varying ages it is a bit more difficult. We have in the Church the morning and evening services which are available as reader services which can be read in the home without a priest. The idea taught by Elder Paisios is to have the younger children participate in part of these prayers. He writes, They should read the evening Compline and say to the younger family members, " You can stay with us for a little while, if you want."If the children are somewhat older they can set up a rule; for example fifteen minutes for the older children; two to five minutes for the younger children; and after that, as

much as they want. If the parents make them stay for the entire Compline they will just end up resenting it. We shouldn't pressure them because they have not grasped the power and value of prayer. Prayers are something that should be done every day, both in the morning and evening. The evening prayer is an especially important one for the family because it is a time when the entire family is together. Even when sick or tired you should have your evening prayers even though you may have to cut it short. The morning prayers can be shorter depending on the nature of your family schedule. You can find shorter prayers in the many Orthodox prayer books that are available. It is best to at least stand in the front of your home icon stand together with your children and spouse, light the vigil lamp if its not already burning, and read together a few prayers before everyone heads off to their activities for the day. By engaging the whole family in your daily prayers the unity of the family is nourished. Family life involves many small conflicts which

O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

St. Luke the Evangelist , Oct 18th

can lead to larger ones and separations of members of the family. Divorce has become a major issue. If you are praying together it is much more likely you will not face this traumatic destruction of the marriage bonds. Elder Paisios tells a story about family prayer, of members of the family. Divorce has become a major issue. If you are praying together it is much more likely you will not face this traumatic destruction of the marriage bonds. Elder Paisios tells a story about family prayer, I remember once, when my younger brother got sick, my father said, " Come, let us pray and beseech God to either heal him of the take him so he will not suffer." We all prayed and he became well again. Even at mealtime we all gathered around the table to pray before we began to eat. If anyone started eating before the meal was blessed, we would say, " He committed fornication." You see, we viewed the lack of restraint to be a form of prostitution. It destroys a family to have each member come home, any time they like, and eat alone without good reason." As the elder points out meal time is a natural time to pray. Unfortunately today many families no longer eat together. This should be avoided if at all possible. There is something sacred about eating together. To give thanks to the Lord for the abundance of blessing He provides for us is important for our well being and our relationship with God and the unity of our family. Seek out ways that your family can pray together. If you are a couple you have an easy task. For those with children still at home it's a bit more difficult to get a common prayer time established. But once you do, you will be surprised at the benefits it will bring to your family.from Orthodox Way of Life, reference: Elder Paisios of Mount Athos Spiritual Counsels.

ST. GERASIMOS OF CEPHALONIA CELEBRATED OCT.

20TH

Saint Gerasimos the New Ascetic of Cephalonia was born in the village of Trikkala in the Peloponessos. As a young adult, he became a monk on the island of Zakynthos. On the Holy Mountain he became a schemamonk and studied with the ascetics of Mt Athos. Receiving a blessing from the Elders, the monk went to Jerusalem to worship at the Life-bearing Tomb of the Savior. After visiting many holy places in Jerusalem, Mount Sinai, Antioch, Damascus, Alexandria and Egypt, he returned to Jerusalem where he became a lamp-lighter at the Sepulchre of the Lord. The monk was ordained a deacon and then a priest by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Germanus (1534-1579). St Gerasimos maintained the discipline of

Holy Protection of the Theotokos & OXI Day

Mon. Oct, 28th
Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:30am

an ascetic. For solitude he withdrew to the Jordan, where he spent forty days without respite. Having received the Patriarch's blessing for a life of silence, St Gerasimos withdrew to Zakynthos in solitude, eating only vegetation. After five years he was inspired to go the island of Cephalonia, where he lived in a cave. He restored a church at Omala, and he founded a women's monastery where he lived in constant toil and vigil for thirty years. He prayed on bent knees stretched out on the ground. For his exalted life he was granted a miraculous gift: the ability to heal the sick and cast out unclean spirits.

Let us the faithful hasten to the Theotokos now and venerate her sacred veil, as we chant unto her, singing hymns to praise and honour her, as is fitting; for she shelt'reth with her shelter

As a disciple of the Word of God, with Paul you illuminated the earth and dispelled the gloom in writing Christ's Gospel. St. Luke the Evangelist , Oct 18th

Calendar for October 2013

Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Monday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Oct.2nd-5th Oct. 9th Oct 10th Oct. 14th Oct. 16th Oct. 17th Oct. 17th Oct. 18th Metropolis of Chicago Clergy/Laity Congree Fr Mark away GOYA Faith Night JOY Faith Night Building Committee meeting Parish Council Meeting St. Philothei Project Great Vespers, St. Luke the Apostle and Evangelist St. Luke the Apostle and Evangelist Orthros/Divine Liturgy Philoxenia Meeting Metropolitan IAKOVOS Name Day Banquet- Chicago Oct. 24th-Oct. 26th Fr Mark away GOYA Outing TBA Holy Protection of the Theotokos/OXI Day Orthros/Divine Liturgy Patronal Feast: SS. Kosmas & Damianos GREAT VESPERS Patronal Feast: SS. Kosmas & Damianos Orthros/Divine Liturgy 7pm 7pm 7pm 6:30pm 6pm 6pm 8:30am 6pm 7pm

Wednesday Oct. 23rd Thursday Oct. 24th Sunday Monday Oct. 27th Oct. 28th

8:30am 5pm 8:30am

Thursday Oct. 31st Friday Nov. 1st

Parish Council
50 years of Greek Fest Each year I am moved and amazed at the dedication that makes the Greek Festival a success. This year was no exception. When Midwest summer weekends are so valuable, we are truly blessed to have so many parishioners, friends, and families dedicated to sharing your whole weekend. You all have the gift to make such an effort fun, enjoyable, and a truly memorable experience. Starting with set up on Thursday, to tear down late Sunday night, I did not hear a single complaint. Each station was lit with smiling faces taking pride in their stewardship for our church. I also enjoyed the friendly chants erupting between the veteran Gyro crew and the newly boisterous Loukoumades booth that brought laughs from volunteers and guests alike. Together we served hundreds of pastries, gyros, kabobs, beverages, and dinners, as well as organized a successful silent auction and kids marketplace. We avoided the rain and survived 100 degree heat over even more sweltering grills. More importantly, we enlightened others in our community to our Orthodox faith through our stewardship booth and Fr. Marks thought provoking church tours. It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares about who gets the credit. Thank you all. Aaron Biedermann

SAVE THE DATE: Parish Assembly on November 17th!!

O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

St. Luke the Evangelist , Oct 18th

Youth Team Report

After cleaning up, we moved on to a spirited volleyball game between the parents and teens. The teams are getting to be more evenly matched, but the adults prevailed in the end. Just wait until next year! Our church has instituted some new policies and procedures this year with our childrens well-being in mind. Thank you, parents, for being ready to pick up your Pre-K to Grade 4 children from class at 11:45 each Sunday morning. In addition, we are generating a weekly schedule of parent volunteers to ensure adult supervision in the basement at all times. Please see Lexie Biedermann or Presbytera Michelle to sign up if you have not already done so.

GOYA is happy to announce this years student leaders: seniors, Ali Ostfeld and Mariam Salama, and juniors, Lia Mangouras and Jacob Brekke. We expect their energy will encourage the GOYAns to continue to deepen their commitment to this important ministry and help expand its role in the life of the Church.

GOYA enjoyed serving Coffee Hour this past Sunday, taking their turn at offering hospitality to fellow parishioners and visitors after Liturgy. We are most thankful for the generous donations we received! We will put this to good use in our youth programming for the year.

As a disciple of the Word of God, with Paul you illuminated the earth and dispelled the gloom in writing Christ's Gospel. St. Luke the Evangelist , Oct 18th

Youth Team Report - Continued -

Last, but by no means least, please note that GOYA is currently manning a mens clothing drive to benefit the guests at Dorothy Day House, a nearby homeless shelter. The drive will continue through October 13th. Please look through your closets and share from your abundance with those who are less fortunate. For the King will declare: Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it unto one of the least of these My brethren, you did it unto Me. (Matthew 25:40) Wishing you a blessed, colorful, refreshing fall. Youth Team Coordinators, JOY - Loredana Jerghiuta GOYA - Halina Woroncow and Mike Brekke

Important Sunday School Request: In order to optimize the personal safety of our children all parents are requested to pick up their children from their respective classrooms at 11:45am each Sunday morning. This will discourage children from wandering alone and unsupervised. IN ADDITION, we are seeking parents who would be willing to volunteer each Sunday to case the basement area to ensure adult supervision at all times.

O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

St. Luke the Evangelist , Oct 18th

Philoxenia House News

This has been a very busy month for everyone on the Philoxenia House Committee. Many have been rushing to finish up several important projects before desired deadlines. Since early this year, the committee has been working with Tulip Tree Studios, a graphics design and marketing consultant, to develop a public relations packet for the ministry. Many hours have been spent by Calli Kelly and Angie Chafos critiquing the different style options and content of the material. A smile appeared on committee members faces when it was learned that the project would be completed in time for the Clergy Laity conference in October. Johnny Mangouros and Jacob Petersen have been busy preparing ministry reports for submission at the Clergy -Laity conference. Father Mark and Johnny will be traveling to the conference the first week of October. Jacob has also been preparing for a financial audit which will be presented to the Parish Council and at the General Assembly. Committee members have been busy collecting and submitting photos, stories and reports for the Philoxenia House newsletter. Calli Kelly and Angie Chafos searched to find the most cost efficient means of printing and sending out the newsletter. It was decided that Tulip Tree Studios would also publish the newsletter. Trevor Hamlin had one of the large front lawn trees removed because of the potential danger of large falling branches due to age deterioration. Angie Chafos and Yiannis Kaloumenos have also been busy revising the house check-in/check-out forms. We have had a couple of mechanical issues that needed attention this summer. One of the air conditioners needed replacing, a dehumidifier was purchased for the basement and just recently one of the furnaces needed repair. This has also been a busy summer with guest coming and going. That means Yianni Kaloumenos has been kept busy and there has been a great deal of house cleaning which Anna Pecherski has been prompt and glad to do. Yianni and Johnny are working on an updated DVD of the ministry. Renee Steggerda and Soula Pampori have been valuable voices of wisdom at the monthly meetings and of course Father Mark who guided us both practically and spiritually. We were pleased to receive a large donation from Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox church in Westchester, Il. This was the proceeds from the annual 5K family run that the church holds annually for the benefit of the Philoxenia House ministry. Thank-you so much! In closing I have to thank Don Jenkins for our committee members to -do lists which he creates at each committee meeting. It is this list, Dons brain child, which helps keep us moving and on track until the next months meeting. In Christ, Bradley Holman Chairman of the Philoxenia House Committee

God descends to the humble as waters flow down from the hills into the valleys.
- Saint Tikhon of Vronezh / Zadonsk Wonderworker of All Russia

As a disciple of the Word of God, with Paul you illuminated the earth and dispelled the gloom in writing Christ's Gospel. St. Luke the Evangelist , Oct 18th

Stewardship-Outreach
You might say, but Im not a priest. And Im not a missionary. Where am I going to share my faith with others? WE ALL HAVE A MINISTRY. And wherever we are -- there is our ministry. A little boy was standing in an alley with a broken piece of glass, reflecting the light of the sun to a third-story window. A police officer came by and demanded to know, What mischief are you up to now? The boy to the officer, Nothing sir, my little brother is sick and cant leave our apartment up there on the third floor where no sunlight ever gets into his room. The only sunlight he ever sees is what I reflect from this little bit of glass. You may be the only light someone ever sees. You may be the only Orthodox Christian a person ever meets. What will be this persons impression of the faith? Will he want to know what it is that you have in your heart that makes you such a good person? Or will he say, if this is what an Orthodox Christian is like, then Im not interested. We share our faith not through words BUT BY WHAT WE ARE. There are many people whom we as priests may never reach. For this reason St. John Chrysostom calls on lay people to perform spiritual duties of teaching, social work and mission. No one is entirely without influence. Everything we say and do has a ripple effect. It either hurts or helps. It either leads or misleads. We are responsible and are held responsible by God for the influence we are sending out from our lives. We are called to reflect the light of Christ into the dark room of our little brother, who may not receive any other light. Jesus instructs us to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our father who is in heaven. A little girl once stood in church, staring in amazement at the sun streaming through stained glass windows. With wonder in her little voice she said, Now I know what Christians are! ...They are people through whom the light of Christ shines.

O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

St. Luke the Evangelist , Oct 18th

CHURCH NEEDS LIST

Please Contact Fr. Mark or Jackie to Donate
The vacuum cleaner has been donated!!! Coffee and coffee filters Candles Two AEDs (automated external defibrillator) Metropolis basketball tournament registration fee OCMC support (Divided between Hoppe and GOYA missions) Thank you!!! $110 per case 5 cases per year $4,200 per year $1300 each $300 per year $500 per month

BUDGET CUTS
Please Contact Fr. Mark or Jackie to Donate
Church School texts/supplies Parish youth activities Outreach efforts Repairs: Air Conditioner (7/8/2013) $750 per year $1,000 per year $500 per year $1,000

Pearls from the Desert

Abba Anthony said to Abba Poemen, 'this is the great work of a man: always to take the blame for his own sins before God and to expect temptation to his last breath.'

As a disciple of the Word of God, with Paul you illuminated the earth and dispelled the gloom in writing Christ's Gospel. St. Luke the Evangelist , Oct 18th

Philoptochos Society
Dear brothers and sisters in CHRIST, I am deeply humbled to share with you a new ministry within Philoptochos that the Society has voted in favor of and which Father Mark has given us his blessing on: a Bereavement Ministry. We now have a team of Philoptochos women who are working together to the build this ministry which has been inspired by recent events in our parish where the need for bereavement care has been prevalent. We believe that God is calling us to do this work for Him there have been too many coincidences for many of us in the Society to not believe it. In the months ahead; I will keep you all informed about the growth of this ministry. Every step of the way; we seek Father Marks blessing and the Societys vote and support. May God help us do His Will with devotion, faith, care and love. In the month of October, our members distribute cookies for the Ronald McDonald House and the Hope Lodge every Sunday. The total number of cookies we donate for the month is 1,152! It is a ministry to provide some comfort and support to local charities. On October 25th we honor a special Saint; a woman who inadvertently, just by being, inspired the Apostle Peter to begin to minister to the gentiles in addition to preaching to the Jews. Her name is Saint Tabitha (Jewish) also known as Saint Dorcas (Greek). She is believed to be a widow, a gentile, young and beautiful as her name suggests, Tabitha and Dorcas, both in their respective languages mean the graceful animal gazelle. She was well loved and highly regarded in her Christian community in Joppa. She worked hard for the Lord in her charity to others, especially making clothes and distributing them to the poor. Saint Tabitha, because of her mission to clothe those in need, is our patron Saint of tailors and seamstresses. In the original Greek text of Acts 9:36-43 in which her story is mentioned; she is referred as a mathertria which means a female disciple. In the Gospel, Tabitha becomes suddenly ill and dies. Her Christian community is greatly grieved and send for the Apostle Peter who is preaching in Lydda which is predominately Jewish town about 25 miles away from Joppa. Peter makes the journey and upon arriving, is taken to the upper room where Tabithas body lies. He listens to the grieving widows and parishioners tell him about the good works of this dead woman and how she has inspired them in their own personal faith journey. He asks everyone to leave the room which enables him to be alone with God and he prays. He prays with deep faith in the name of Jesus Christ and just as he has personally witnessed his dear teacher and friend, Christ, achieve; he called for Tabitha to rise and she does. Saint Tabitha goes on with her mission work in helping others for God with quiet steadfast determination until the day she finally dies (again) in her old age. This miracle of raising Tabitha from the dead is the beginning of a pivotal time in Peters life because up until then he was preaching only to the Jews. Upon coming across Tabitha, hearing her fellow Christians describe her inspiring holiness, and witnessing his own miracle of raising this gentile Christian from the dead which led to the conversion of multitudes of believers; Peter realized, by Divine Grace, that God had a greater plan for him which centered on bringing both gentiles and Jews to belief in Jesus Christ. This miracle combined with a vision that Peter later has which leads him to proclaim In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality...in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him...He is Lord of all. (Acts 10:34-36) is the beginning of a change of attitude in Peters ministry for the Lord. He understands that God desires to receive everyone into His Church. This story is an example of how a person who is quietly doing their work for the Lord can change anothers spiritual path for the glory of God. I have witnessed parishioners and visitors here at Holy Anargyroi inspire myself and others simply by being by loving the Lord, by loving the Divine Liturgy, by doing good works and simply doing the best they can for God and their fellow human beings. The spiritual transformation that occurred 2,000 years ago to Saint Peter; still happens today because God is all powerful, all present, and never ending. I am with you always. -Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:20 With love in CHRIST+ Calli Kelly, Philoptochos President

O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

St. Luke the Evangelist , Oct 18th

The Sunday Morning Show

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 BY FR. JOHN 3 COMMENTS

From Jeremiah at the Orthodox Road blog

Upon my first visit in an Orthodox Church, I remember thinking that it was a bit too ceremonial and flashy. There were fancy vestments worn by the priest, candles burning, incense being flung about in a censer, icons painted on the wall, and a procession around the inside of the church with the communion elements. But upon further reflection, it seems showiness is in the eye of the beholder. Take your typical local mega-church for example:

As a disciple of the Word of God, with Paul you illuminated the earth and dispelled the gloom in writing Christ's Gospel. St. Luke the Evangelist , Oct 18th

The Sunday Morning Show - Continued

When you walk in, there is often loud pop/rock/worship music blasting on a very large and expensive sound system. There are screens with some kind of video displaying, camera men setup on perches throughout the auditorium capturing every moment of the action, fancy stage lights that probably beat the heck out of whatever is at the local theatre for plays and drama, perhaps some fog machines, a worship band cranking out some kickin rock music, and an engaging sermon with some kind of accompanying power point or video. I dont mention any of that to condemn it, only to say that I grew up with that and it didnt faze me much. Apparently, flashiness is in the eye of the beholder.

Understanding The Beauty

The more time I spent in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the more I realized that they are actually not flashy or showy. They simply continue to practice the rituals from the ancient church, which contain a great amount of depth and meaning. A few examples: Icons are not works of art, but are windows to heaven. They display not photoreal images of the saints and Savior, but the spiritual reality of those persons to us. They also manifest presence. The bread offered on the altar is baked by those in the congregation as opposed to pre-packaged communion wafers. It represents us being on the altar offering ourselves and the work of our hands to Christ our Lord. At the highest point in the church is the icon of Christ Pantocrator (Ruler, Redeemer). Below that is the icon of the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary) who represents the link between Creator and Creation and strongly affirms that God wrapped Himself in flesh and dwelt among us. And below that icon are all of the saints gathered together with you and me. The Iconostasis (Icon Screen) that separates the altar from the rest of the people in the congregation was originally designed with the intention of holding icons. However, in partially blocking our view of the altar, we are reminded that God is mystery. He beckons us further up and further in, but we will never understand Him fully or figure Him out.

Here we are now, entertain us, convert us, be present

Despite all of that, the Orthodox are not there to entertain or amuse those attending; in fact, many Orthodox will bluntly state that the service is not about us. Having grown weary of the showmanship that dominates much of American Christianity, I welcomed that message. That leads me to my next point. As my godfather told me, unlike the typical evangelical church service, Sunday morning is not about converting people. Following the customs of the early church, it is primarily for those who already believe. The Sunday morning Divine Liturgy is a time of prayers and praise (and a short sermon) that revolve completely around the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus and His presence with us and within us in the Eucharist. Sunday is a Eucharistic Banquet, not an outreach program, which could certainly rile any good evangelicals feathers. Why the inward focus? they might ask, What about all of those lost souls? To that I would say there are six and a half days for evangelism. Why is it wrong to spend a couple of hours each Sunday praising our Savior and praying for the salvation of the world? May the peace and love that overflows from a life transformed in Christ be all of the witnessing that is necessary for us. Not that there isnt room for discussion or even a friendly, light debate, but in the end, I find a life transformed and beautified to be much more compelling than a slick sermon or a well -rehearsed argument. Acquire the Spirit of Peace, and a thousand around you will be saved. ~St Seraphim of Sarov

GOYA CLOTHING DRIVE

9/29 10/13
Bin in the narthex

MENs clothing and blankets for the Dorothy Day House homeless shelter. Clean, wearable, used shirts, slacks, sweaters, jackets, shoes; new socks, underwear, blankets
What we can live without is a treasure for someone in need.

THANK YOU!!