Fellowship Today's fellowship is sponsored by the altar boy's and their families. Everyone is invited to Plato Hall for fellowship.

Annual Parish “Cutting of the Vasilopita”: Please note that the “Annual Cutting of the Vasilopita” in our Parish will take place in Church this morning, immediately following the Divine Liturgy.

Vasilopita Celebration The 50th Anniversary Vasilopita Celebration hosted by the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos will be held this evening, January 10, 2010 at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 N. Sheridan Rd. in Chicago. The celebration benefiting Saint Basil Academy will begin at 6:00 P.M. Donation is $10. Tickets are available in Plato Hall after Liturgy. Please see Nancy Pilafas or other board members for your tickets. Hearty appetizers and desserts will be served. Please join us for an evening of fellowship.

ZACCHAEUS AND THE TREE We recall the story of Zacchaeus who was too short to see Jesus in the crowd. So he climbed a sycamore tree. From this tree he saw Jesus and Jesus saw him. The Lord called him down from the tree, as you recall, to salvation. Legend has it that in later years Zacchaeus used to rise early every morning and carry a bucketful of water to this tree and carefully watered its roots. On one occasion his wife followed him and when she asked the reason for this strange concern over an old sycamore tree, Zacchaeus said, "This is where I found Jesus."

What a sycamore tree was to Zacchaeus, the Church is to us: this is where we find Jesus. To express our appreciation and to enable others to also keep finding Jesus, like Zacchaeus we bring our Stewardship offering of love to Church every Sunday morning.


NOTES: This morning, prior to the “Annual Cutting of the Vasilopita”, The Ladies Philoptochos will pass a special tray for the St. Basil’s Academy for underprivileged and abused children. This Institution is a special ministry of Ladies Philoptochos Society Chapters throughout our Holy Archdiocese, and it has been through their sustained and committed efforts that many children have found shelter, support and love throughout the many decades. This morning, when this special tray is passed, your gift will great be appreciated.

Those persons/families interested in taking home one of the poinsettia plants that have beautifully adorned our Solea and Church during this Christmas and Holiday Season are invited and welcome to do so following Divine Liturgy this morning.


Conversion To Orthodoxy Classes To Be Held Starting January 2010: Please be informed that Father Timothy will be conducting classes beginning in January, 2010, for all those individuals interested in converting to the Eastern Orthodox Faith. All those interested are asked to please contact Father Timothy directly either during the Coffee Fellowship Hour, or call the Church Office at 773.626.3114 and ask to speak to him.

Saint Catherine’s Renovation Project: We are grateful to the individuals, families, and organizations who have responded to the appeal calling for the renovation of our beloved Saint Catherine’s Chapel. Several items have already been claimed, and we invite those who have not as yet, offered their support to this most worthy project, to please consider doing so. Enclosed in this weekly bulletin you will find the wish list. If you are interested in donating towards one of those items, or wish to contribute towards the overall project, please call the Church Office or make your donation payable to The Assumption Church”.

Website News www.AssumptionChicago.org There have been many exciting changes to our web site, check out the photo album with its many new pictures which now include Junior Olympics, Mini-Golf, Harvest Day and many more events. Keep an eye on our site for more changes to come. If you would like to be added to the list, please contact the church office and give them your address.

Please Note The Sacraments of the Orthodox Church, including the reception of Holy Communion, are reserved for those of the Orthodox Faith only, and who are also in Good Standing Ecclesiastically with the Church. If you are a visitor from another Denomination/Faith, we welcome you as an observer and guest.

Ushers Andrew Kanel, Chris Limperis, Peter Panton, Tom Poulos and Voula Spyropoulos.