In Memoriam 9 Months: Peter (Panagioti Karagiannis) Karras
1 Year: Dr. William (Vasilios) Godellas, Right, Rows 1-5

Fellowship The members of Leadership 100 from our local Parish of Panagia invite our faithful as they host this morning Coffee Fellowship Hour in Plato Hall following Worship Services.

Sacraments Kevin Geyer and Natalie Kotsovetis were joined in Holy Matrimony on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Their sponsor was George Kotsovetis.

The daughter of Robert and Helen Biggers will be baptized today at 1:30 p.m. And given the name Maria by her Godparents John and Maria Argoudelis.

Bible Study: The Bible Study Class will resume on Wednesday, October 21st, at 7:00pm, in the Saint Catherine's Meeting Room.

Quote for the Week: “With each one of us there is a Guardian who does not miss anything and whose watchfulness never relaxes or grows weak.” -- Isaac the Syrian

Scripture for the Week: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. "Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the man by whom the temptation comes! And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. "See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven”. -- Matthew 18: 1-10

Question for the Week: Do I take the time to daily thank my guardian angel for his protection and love?

Thought for the Week: From childhood, I have loved gazing upon images of angels. Perhaps it was the beauty in their radiant Raphaelite faces and their luxurious flowing robes. Perhaps it was my perpetual fascination with the fact that they had wings and could fly. In early childhood, I encountered the beautiful paintings of a guardian angel watching over two young charges as they crossed over a bridge. The concept of an angel standing guard over me and keeping me out of harms way was very comforting to me. I was taught to pray nightly for my guardian angel, acknowledging the important work it did in my life. As I grew into adulthood, I would sometimes forget this prayer, thinking that guardianship was not as huge an issue now that I was older. Fortunately, though, God has continually allowed me subtle (and sometimes, not so subtle!) reminders of my guardian angels presence in my life. Imagine if we were able to visit each night with our guardian angel and hear what challenges the day had held: the pit bull that was unable to escape from its yard when I took my morning walk, the would-be attacker who was re-routed before crossing my path while I was out shopping, or the drunk driver who was diverted from hitting my car when I was on my way home this evening. It only takes a casual glance at a newspaper to remind ourselves of how easily we could have become the headline tragedy, and yet, here we are. Our guardian angel stands at the ready to protect us from both physical and spiritual danger. How fortunate that the Church includes these protectors in its theology, its icons and in its prayers. Perhaps today would be a good time to begin the practice of daily praying for and remembering our guardian angels and to teach this special practice to our children, grandchildren, and godchildren. -- Borrowed


LEADERSHIP 100 SUNDAY: Today throughout our Holy Archdiocese, our Church celebrates the twenty-fifth Anniversary of Leadership 100, in recognition of their untiring love and support of the National Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and to advance Orthodoxy and Hellenism in the United States. This prominent and philanthropic Church Organization has distributed in excess of $28 million in grants, scholarship, and aid to our Seminary, the students, and retired Clergy and Presvyteres in need. In addition, they have supported the continuing education program of our active Clergy through the Archdiocesan Presbyter’s Council (APC), and other Archdiocesan programs such as Internet Ministries, Home Mission, Youth and Family Ministries, religious and Greek Education, and emergency relief during the international crisis of September 11th, Hurricane Katrina, and the devastating fires in Greece.

Leadership 100 has more than 800 members from parishes throughout the United States, and we are proud that within our Parish of Panagia, we have several dedicated individuals/families that proudly serve and support this noteworthy organization. They are: Constance and Demetra Andrews, Mr. and Mrs. Louis G. Apostol, Mr. Louis Malevitis, Dr. and Mrs. John H. Panton, Dr. and Mrs. Peter J. Panton, Mr. and Mrs. James Regas and the family of the late Louis Mitchell, William and Alexandra (Mitchell) Michalopoulos, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas W. Alexos, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas G. Manos, and Mr. John P. Calamos, Sr. We congratulate and thank them for their generosity and continued support to the National Church and Ministries. Listed in this bulletin is a brochure briefly outlining their efforts and monies designated to various ministries and charities since its inception twenty-five years ago.

The members of Leadership 100 from our local Parish of Panagia invite our faithful as they host this morning Coffee Fellowship Hour in Plato Hall following Worship Services


GODPARENT SUNDAY AND LUNCHEON OCTOBER 25TH: Our Sunday Church School will celebrate Godparent Sunday this year on Sunday, October 25th. On this day, Divine Liturgy will be celebrated upstairs in the main Church as the children and young people of our Sunday Church School are joined with their godparents in worship honoring and commemorating their baptism into the Orthodox Church. Following the Divine Liturgy, the entire congregation is invited to remain for a spaghetti luncheon in Plato Hall. The Stewardship Committee is sponsoring this luncheon which is free of charge. The Sunday School Ministry hopes that all will our faithful and guests will make every effort to attend and share in the joy of our Sunday School Children/young people as they relive the day of their entry into Christian Orthodoxy.

ANNUAL CHURCH FESTIVAL WRAPUP: Thank you to the more than 100 people that volunteered their time during the Annual Panagia Festival and to those who made generous financial donations. It was a fun, family event, we created wonderful memories together, and the net gain (profit) for our efforts was approximately $51,000. This happens to be the most profitable Festival in over 4 years. Given the condition of our economy, we all deserve a ‘pat on the back’. The Festival was a success because so many people were willing to give their time, talent and treasure. We personally thank each and every one of you for all your hard work in making the 2009 Annual Labor Day Festival a success!-- Christina Arvanites & Tina Sarantos 2009 Festival Chairs


WEEKLY TRAY DONATIONS: At the Parish Council meeting of October 13th, discussion continued on the possibility of reducing the number of trays passed during weekly Worship Services. It was decided that effective January 2010, only one tray will be passed at the conclusion of the weekly Divine Liturgy. As you can appreciate and understand, the collection from the second tray does bring in a significant amount of revenue. Therefore it is hoped and anticipated that you will continue your support and generosity to our blessed Parish of Panagia with your gift in the one tray that will be passed each Sunday.

DCFS Christmas Gifts Under the Orthodox Christian Clergy Association, a Pan Orthodox project started in 1998 has purchased 16,000 Christmas gifts for foster children in the Department of Children and Family Services. Each year Orthodox Churches (the largest participants in this program) receive 1,500 foster children`s names. We have received these names and they are available for pick up each Sunday after the Divine Liturgy starting today.

Panos Fiorentinos-Architect A large architectural model of our church, Panagia, has been made in miniature. Made entirely out of laser cut acrylic sheets and painted white. This model shows our church without a roof, with the dome cut into thirds, and the original location of the choir loft. It will be on display for two months at North Park University. Brandel Library at North Park University located at 5114 N. Christiana, Chicago, Illinois 60625.

Brandel Library hours are
Monday -Thursday 8.00am to 12.00am
Friday 8.00 am to 10.00 pm
Saturday 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Sunday 1.00 pm to 12.00 am




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.

Website News www.AssumptionChicago.org There have been many exciting changes to our web site, including the on line calendar which now include Baptisms, Weddings, Worship Service Schedule, upcoming events and pictures. 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.

Ushers Jim Tsiolis, Dean Maggos, Rose Marie Stewart and JoAnn Stavropoulos.