The MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE

Transcription

1 The MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS PHONE (847) Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18) RED EGGS AT PASCHA Did you know that the Orthodox tradition of red eggs at Pascha dates back to the First Century? For Orthodox Christians, red eggs symbolize Christ s Resurrection. Church Tradition tells us that this beautiful custom was started by Saint Mary Magdeline. After the Ascension of our Lord, Saint Mary Magdalene went to Rome to preach the Gospel and, appearing before the Emperor Tiberius, she offered him a red egg, proclaiming: CHRIST IS RISEN! As the early Christians heard about this offering of Saint Mary Magdalene, they imitated her, presenting each other with eggs and proclaimed joyously: CHRIST IS RISEN! Since that time red eggs began to be used by Christians as a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ and of the regeneration of Christians for a new and a better life. The red color, which generally is used for Easter eggs, serves to remind us of the precious blood of God the Redeemer, which was shed on the cross for the salvation of all mankind. The hard shell of the egg symbolizes the tomb of Christ and when we break the egg we remember Christ s Resurrection, Life springing forth from the empty tomb.

2 HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS PHONE: 847/ From Father Dean May 2009 Dear Friends and Fellow Stewards, The joyful proclamation, Χριστός Ανέστη! Christ is Risen! is the first Creed of Christianity. In spite of all the differences that exist within Christianity, all Christians agree that Christ is risen from the dead. This is the source of life, of hope and of all joy in the world! It is the proof of God s love; and it is the single most important event in the history of the world. God s love for us empowers us to love and to forgive one another all things no matter what! We continue this greeting until the celebration of our Lord s Ascension on May 28. With the month of May, all our energy turns to the events following Pascha, and the events surrounding the end of the school year. Graduations, parties, cookouts, Junior Olympics and our Memorial Day Picnic give us so much to be grateful for! May 17 will be the last day of Sunday School, and also Youth Sunday. Our PTA will be hosting a delicious French Toast Breakfast that day plan to be there! Our GOYA Dinner Dance will also take place that evening; please give our GOYANS your support. Graduation time! Our GSL will have its End of the Year Program on Saturday, May 16. Our Preschool s Graduation Program will take place on Friday, June 5, and our Afternoon Graduation and Party will take place on June 6. Mark your calendar! The Junior Olympics will take place May at Ss. Constantine and Helen in Palos Hills, and we expect to have a huge participation from the young people of St. Haralambos! Make sure your child has registered. We all look forward to our annual Memorial Day Picnic, taking place on Monday, May 25. Pack your family and your picnic basket and join us for a great day in the park! Before we know it, it will be time for our annual Big Greek Food Fest. Plenty of help will be needed. We are so grateful to those parishioners who schedule their summer vacation around the Festival so that they can be able to help. This is greatly appreciated! Chairmanships are being created; if you would like to offer your help, please let me know! Let us be grateful to God, and enjoy all the wonderful opportunities that lay ahead! Χριστός Ανέστη! Christ is Risen! Fr. Dean PS: By the way, we hope you like the appearance and format of our Visions newsletter! Please call the church office if you receive this copy of Visions after May 3rd! WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR MAY 2009 Sunday, May 3 The Holy Myrrhbearers 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Sunday, May 10 The Paralytic 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday School 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Wednesday, May 13 Midpentecost 8:30 am Orthros and Liturgy Sunday, May 17 The Samaritan Woman 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday School * (Last Day of Sunday School) 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Thurs, May 21 Ss. Constantine and Helen 8:30 am Orthros and Liturgy May 24 The Blind Man 8:15 am Orthros 9:45 am Divine Liturgy Thurs, May 28 The Ascension of our Lord 8:30 am Orthros and Liturgy Sunday, May 31 The Holy Fathers 8:15 am Orthros 9:45 am Divine Liturgy OUR SISTER COMMUNITIES of Ss. Constantine and Helen (Palos Hills, Rockford, Milwaukee, and Merrillville) invite you to Vespers on Wednesday evening, May 20th, and Divine Liturgy on Thursday, May 21st, in honor of the Feastday of Ss. Constantine and Helen. (Liturgy WILL BE celebrated at St. Haralambos on May 21st.) OUR SISTER COMMUNITY of The Ascension in Lincolnshire invites you to Vespers on Wednesday evening, May 27th, and Divine Liturgy on Thursday, May 28, in honor of the Feastday of The Ascension of our Lord. (Liturgy WILL BE celebrated at St. Haralambos on May 28th.) DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ORTHODOX CHURCH? The Orthodox Church traces its origin to the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after Christ s Resurrection from the dead, when the Holy Spirit descended on the Holy Disciples. If you are interested in learning more about the Orthodox Faith, feel free to call the church office. Ongoing classes are offered! A program for adults who are not baptized or baptized but not Orthodox is also offered. Please call Fr. Chris Kerkeres ( ) if you have questions or would like to attend! 2

3 HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH NILES, ILLINOIS Proistamenos....Fr. Constantine P. Botsis Synefimerios Fr. Chris Kerkeres Pastoral Assistant..... Deacon John G. Suhayda Chanter......Nick Harisiadis Parish Council Officers President Niki Tziavaras Vice President Nick Andrews Treasurer... George Houpis Secretary.... Angelo Anastasiadis Budget Committee Chairman George Conopeotis Building & Grounds Chairman.....Michael Pontikes Decor Committee Chairman......Stephan Aliferakis Finance Committee Chairman....George Kotsionis Phase III Chairman......Pete Zouras School Board Chairman John Pierce Stewardship Com Chairman.. Dr. Thomas Bournias Philoptochos President......Georgia Litsogiannis PTA Co-Presidents (Afternoon School)... Vicki Balabanos and Maria Hasapis PTA Co-Presidents (Preschool) Linda Politis and Jenny Zervas Principal... Fr. Chris Kerkeres GSL Director Katina Vaselopulos Preschool Director Stacey Chiampas Sunday School Director...Presvytera Georgia Botsis YAL President......Patricia Grivas GOYA President Alexandra Fronimos Book Store Manager Jolynn Ruggerio Web Page.... John Melonides Office Staff...Barbara Skaouris and Alexandra Grivas 2009 STEWARDSHIP & TITHING FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT FOR OUR FAITH As of April 15, 391 stewards have committed $206, Have you become a 2009 Steward yet? OUR 2009 BIG GREEK FOOD FeSt will take place July this summer. Mark your calendar! Please consider planning your vacation before or after our Fest; we need everyone's help! SACRAMENTS AND BLESSINGS BLESSINGS OF INFANTS Forty days after birth, a child and its mother come to church to receive a 40 Day Blessing, imitating Christ who was presented in the Temple 40 days after He was born. Please call the church office to arrange this blessing. BAPTISMS Please call the church office to schedule Baptisms. Plan ahead! there are some days when Baptisms are not performed. WEDDINGS Please arrange an appointment with Fr. Dean at least eight months before the proposed wedding date to allow time for all necessary marriage preparation. CONFESSION Confessions are arranged by appointment. Please call the church office to schedule Confession. MINISTRY TO PERSONS WHO ARE SICK Orthodox Christians who would like to receive Holy Sacraments but are unable to attend church (hospitalized or at home) should contact the church office so Holy Sacraments can be administered to them. Please inform the church office if your loved one is hospitalized! The hospitals no longer inform us when they receive patients from our parish. MEMORIAL SERVICES Memorial Services are offered for the eternal rest of persons who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Customarily, these services are offered at 40 days, at 6 months, at 1 year and at 3 years. When three years have passed, the departed are more properly remembered on the Saturdays of the Souls. DID YOU KNOW?... WHAT IS OUR CHURCH S TEACHING ABOUT CREMATION? The New Testament teaches that the body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The body is further sanctified by the incarnation of Christ God becoming Man in the body. Consistent with this teaching, the body is an integral part of the whole person, and the Church teaches and expects the resurrection from the dead of the body and the soul, when God s Kingdom comes in its fullness. The Church considers cremation to be the deliberate desecration and destruction of what God has made, and insists that the body be buried for the natural process to take place. As the denial of the resurrection, in cases where there is intention for the body of a deceased person to be cremated, a church funeral is not allowed, either in the church, or the Funeral home or any other place. Additionally, memorial services with kolyva are not allowed, since the significance between the kernel of wheat and the body has been intentionally destroyed. OUR ST HARALAMBOS BOOKSTORE features a broad selection of books and icons for the convenience of our members. We are looking for a volunteer to become our new bookstore manager, and to continue this valuable ministry. Please call the church office to offer your services. We are very grateful to Mrs. Jolynn Ruggerio who has managed, directed and expanded our bookstore for several years! MANY THANKS! IN THIS ISSUE: Letter from our Priest (pg 2) Parish Announcements (pg 4) Ανακοινώσεις (pg 5) Youth News (pg 7) Our 2009 Stewards (pg 8-9) Calendar (pg 10) 3

4 COMMUNITY NEWS AND ACTIVITIES CALL YOUR ILLINOIS STATE REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT BILL HB2354!-- The Illinois General Assembly is considering bill HB2354 that would affect all health care workers by removing their right to conscientious objection to abortion and related procedures, forcing them to participate in or provide abortions, or face legal punishment. This bill would basically make it a fundamental human right to have an abortion in the State of Illinois. Please contact your State Representative and insist that Bill HB2354 be defeated! You may contact your representative at or obtain contact information from the Catholic Conference of Illinois by calling FRENCH TOAST BREAKFAST sponsored by our PTA, will follow the Liturgy on YOUTH SUNDAY, May 17. Let s plan to have breakfast together in our Community Center; French toast with sausage. Mmmmmmm! Only $5! YOUTH SUNDAY will be observed on Sunday, May 17 at the end of the Divine Liturgy. We will honor our High School and College Graduates, our Oratorical Festival participants, our Sunday School teachers and our GOYA Officers for representing Saint Haralambos with distinction throughout the year! ATTENTION, 2009 GRADUATES! Please call the church office to help us compile a list of all High School, College and Grad School Graduates for Thanks for your help! JR. OLYMPICS will be on May 23-24! We are looking forward to an exciting Olympics weekend! Practices have begun All registrations due by May 9! Have you registered yet? GOYA DINNER DANCE--The St. Haralambos GOYA will be holding its annual Dinner Dance on Sunday, May 17 th in the St. Haralambos Community Center, and they are asking your support! Ad contracts for their annual ad book are now available in the church office would you consider buying an ad and supporting our GOYA? Your generosity is highly appreciated! OLD FASHIONED PICNIC! On Memorial Day, May 25th, the families of the Saint Haralambos Sunday School, s, Youth Night, Junior GOYA, GOYA, YAL, PTA and Philoptochos will be having an Old Fashioned Picnic at Johns Park in Glenview. There will be old-fashioned games, sports, fun, and fellowship! Bring your Picnic Baskets barbecue grills will be provided! Let s all get together this Memorial Day and have fun as one big family! IOCC ANNUAL BANQUET will take place on Thursday, May 14 at the Rosewood in Rosemont. This annual fund-raiser enables the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities to provide food and medicines to people in need around the world. For reservations please call the church office at (847) Please support this Banquet! PRE-REGISTRATION has begun for the Greek School and GSL year! Register early to guarantee that your children will have a place in. Registration forms are available in the church office. OUTSTANDING GREEK SCHOOL TUITIONS All tuitions should be paid in full by now! If you still have an out standing balance, it must be paid before graduation! GREEK SCHOOL GRADUATION AND DINNER DANCE Our Annual Afternoon School End of the Year Program will take place on Saturday, June 6th at 4:00 pm at our Community Center! Mark the date; more information will be coming! VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL will take place this summer during the week of June This is one of our very popular programs, and everyone has a great experience. Moms and Dads are needed to help! Please mark your calendar and reserve the dates! PHILOXENIA FOUNDATION COSMIC BOWLING FUND- RAISER will take place at 7:00 Friday night, May 15, at Arlington Lanes, 3435 N. Kennicott Ave in Arlington Heights. Join in a fun night of bowling, food/drinks, unlimited pizza, music and dancing! Donation is $30 for adults and $25 for children under 12. Please make reservations by May 6 call Harriet Kyros at The Philoxenia Foundation supports the Philoxenia House, a ministry of the Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Parish in Rochester, MN, which offers housing for patients and families at the Mayo Clinic. HELLENIC AMERICAN VETERANS MEMORIAL The American Legion Hellenic Post #343 announces the Hellenic American Veterans Memorial in honor and memory of the men and women of Hellenic heritage who have served the United States in times of war and peace. This Memorial will be erected at Elmwood Cemetery and is projected to cost $150,000. Names and information about our veterans is needed, and donations are tax deductible. For info, contact or OUR BIG GREEK FOOD FEST OF NILES will take place July this summer, and plan ning has already begun. Of course, we will need much help, and we are always looking for new ideas and new people to get involved! Please talk to our chairpersons, Bill Bozikis, Tom Andrews, Chrysoula Maskaleris, Niki Tziavaras, Demetra Lamprinakos, George Anastasiadis, AngeloAnastasiadis, Fr. Chrysanthos or Father Dean if you would like to offer your help. LOOKING AHEAD. OUR ST. HARALAMBOS GOLF OUTING will take place this summer on July 2nd at White Pines in Bensenville. Register by June 15! 4

5 ΕΝΟΡΙΑΚΕΣ ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΕΙΣ STEWARDSHIP AND TITHING ΤΟΝ ΑΓΩΝΑ ΤΟΝ ΚΑΛΟΝ ΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΠΙΣΤΙΝ ΜΑΣ Όσο περνάει ο καιρός, τόσο περισσότερο αντιλαµβανόµαστε την σπουδαιότητα ενός αξιόλογου Stewardship, διότι το Stewardship σχετίζεται µε την σωτηρία µας! Κάθε ανθρώπινη ύπαρξη είναι ταυτόχρονα πνευµατική και υλική ύπαρξη. Ο πνευµατικός µας «εαυτός» επιρρεάζεται από την υλική µας ζωή, και ο «φυσικός» (υλικός) εαυτός µας επιρρεάζεται από την πνευµατική µας ζωή. Αυτό συνεπάγεται ότι δεν µπορούµε να ξεχωρίσουµε τον φυσικό µας κόσµο ( τα σώµατά µας και τα υπάρχοντά µας), από τον πνευµατικό µας αγώνα δια την Βασιλεία του Θεού και την σωτηρία µας. Προφανώς, το Stewardship είναι ένα µέρος του αγώνα µας δια την σωτηρία µας! εν µπορούµε να διεκδικήσουµε την Βασιλεία του Θεού, χωρίς την εµπλοκή του υλικού µας κόσµου. εν θα πρέπει να υπολογίζουµε την εισφορά µας ανάλογα µε τον προϋπολογισµό εξόδων της χρονιάς, και να προσφέρουµε τόσο λίγα όσο χρειάζονται δια να κρατηθούν ανοικτές οι πόρτες της Eκκλησίας. Αντίθετα, θα πρέπει να ενδυναµώνουµε την Eκκλησία µας µε την πίστη µας και την επιθυµία µας να κυρήξουµε το Ευαγγέλιο σε όλο το κόσµο! Ευχαριστούµε όλους τους stewards του Αγ. Χαραλάµπους δια τόν ενθουσιασµό και γενναιοδωρία τους! ΤΗΛΕΦΩΝΕΙΣΤΕ ΣΤΟΝ ΒΟΥΛΕΥΤΗ ΤΟΥ ΙΛΛΙΝΟΙΣ ΙΑ ΤΟ BILL HB2354! H Βουλή του Ιλλινόις συζητεί το Bill HB2354, που θα επιβάλλει σε όλους τους εργαζόµενους στον ιατρικό χώρο να προχωρούν σε διαδικασίες (όπως η έκτρωση) ω ωµ µ ω, αναγκάζοντάς τους να συµµετάσχουν ή αλλιώς να αντιµετωπίζουν νοµικές συνέπειες. Αυτό το Νοµοσχέδιο θα καθιερώνει την έκτρωση ω ωµ στην Πολιτεία του Ιλλινός. Παρακαλούµε όπως τηλεφωνείτε στον βουλευτή του Ιλλινόις και να επιµένετε στην µαταίωση του νοµοσχεδίου HB2354! Μπορείτε να επικοινωνείτε µε τον βουλευτή σας στην ηλεκτρονική διεύθυνση ή τηλεφωνείτε δια να σας δοθούν πληροφορίες από το Catholic Conference του Ιλλινόις. FRENCH TOAST BREAKFAST διοργανώνεται από το «PTA» µας και θα λάβει χώρα την Κυριακή, 17 Μαίου, µετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. Σχεδιάστε να παρευρεθείτε στο πρόγευµα στην κοινοτική µας αίθουσα Πρόγευµα µε «French Toast» και λουκάνικο. Μµµµµµ! Μόνον $5! Η «ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΝΕΟΛΑΙΑΣ» θα λάβει χώρα την 17 ην Μαίου µετά το τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας. Θα τιµήσουµε τους αποφοίτους του Γυµνασίου και Κολλεγίου, τους συµµετέχοντες στο Φεστιβάλ Ρητορικής, τους δασκάλους του Κατηχητικού µας Σχολείου, και αξιωµατούχους του GOYA, οι οποίοι αντιπροσωπεύουν, καθ όλην την διάρκεια του έτους, τον Άγιο Χαράλαµπο µε διακρίσεις! ΠΡΟΣΟΧΗ, ΑΠΟΦΟΙΤΟΙ 2009!--Παρακαλούµε τηλεφωνήσατε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας δια να µας δώσετε τα ονόµατα των αποφοίτων του 2009 Γυµνασίου και Κολλεγίου, καθώς επίσης και τα αντίστοιχα πτυχία τους. Σας ευχαριστούµε! JUNIOR OLYMPICS-θα λάβουν χώραν την Mαίου! Περιµένουµε µε µεγάλη ανυποµονησία το συναρπαστικό σαββατοκύριακο των Ολυµπιακών αγώνων! Ηµεροµηνία λήξεως των εγγραφών η 9 η Μαίου! Έχετε εγγραφεί; ΕΤΗΣIΟΣ ΧΟΡΟΣ ΤΗΣ «GOYA» Ο ετήσιoς χoρός της GOYA του Αγίου Χαραλάµπους θα λάβει χώραv τηv Κυριακή, 17 Μαίoυ εις την Κοινοτική Αίθουσα του Αγ. Χαραλάµπους. Χρειάζονται την βοήθειά σας! ιατίθενται συµβόλαια για διαφηµίσεις στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας. Σχεδιάζετε να υποστηρίξετε το διαφηµιστικό βιβλίο της GOYA; Η γενναιδωρία σας θα εκτιµηθεί τα µέγιστα. ΠΑΡΑ ΟΣΙΑΚΟ ΠΙΚ-ΝΙΚ! Οι οικογένειες του Αγίου Χαραλάµπους: Κατηχητικού, Ελληνικού Σχολείου, Youth Night, Jr. GOYA, GOYA, YAL, PTA και Φιλοπτώχου θα έχουν ένα παραδοσιακό πικ-νικ εις το JOHN S PARK εις Glenview τo Memorial Day, 25 Μαίου. Θα διασκεδάσουµε µε παιχνίδια, διάφορα σπορτς και καλή παρέα! Φέρτε µαζί σας τα φαγητά σας-διατίθενται ψησταριές! Aς συναντηθούµε όλοι το Memorial Day δια να έχουµε την ευκαιρία να διασκεδάσουµε σαν µια µεγάλη οικογένεια! ΟΙ ΕΓΓΡΑΦΕΣ ΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΣΧΟΛΙΚΗ ΧΡΟΝΙΑ έχουν αρχίσει δια τα σχολεία του Απογευµατινού και GSL. Γράψτε εγκαίρως τα παιδιά σας δια να έχουν µια θέση στο Ελληνικό Σχολείο. Έντυπα εγγραφής διατίθενται στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας. ΑΠΛΗΡΩΤΑ Ι ΑΚΤΡΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ Ολα τα δίδακτρα έπρεπε να έχουν εξοφληθεί µέχρι τώρα! Εαν χρωστάτε ακόµη κάποι υπόλοιπο, πρέπει να εξοφληθεί πριν την αποφοίτηση των µαθητών. ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ΦΙΛΑΝΘΡΩΠΙΚΗ ΕΚ ΗΛΩΣΗ ΤΟΥ IOCC, θα λάβει χώραν την Πέµπτη, 14 Μαίου εις το Rosewood εις Rosemont. Αυτή η ετήσια φιλανθρωπική εκδήλωση του ιεθνούς Χριστιανορθόδοξου Φιλανθρωπικού Οργανισµού καθιστά εφικτή την δυνατότητα παροχής τροφής και φαρµάκων στους έχοντας ανάγκη ανά τον κόσµον. ια κρατήσεις θέσεων παρακαλούµε τηλεφωνείτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας ( ) Σας παρακαλούµε όπως υποστηρίξετε την εκδήλωσιν αυτή! ΑΠΟΦΟΙΤΗΣΗ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ--Το ετήσιο πρόγραµµα Αποφοίτησης του Απογευµατινού Σχολείου µας θα λάβει χώραν το Σάββατο, 6 Ιουνίου, στίς 4:00 µ.µ. εις την Κοινοτική µας Αίθουσα. Σχεδιάστε να παρευρεθείτε! ΜΝΗΜΕΙΟ ΠΑΛΑΙΜΑΧΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΟΑΜΕΡΙΚΑΝΩΝ-Η Ελληνοαµερικάνικη Λεγεών Post #343 ανακοινώνει ότι θα αναγερθή Μνηµείο Ελληνοαµερικανών Παλαιµάχων δια να τιµήσουν την µνήµην όσων ανδρών και γυναικών ελληνικής καταγωγής που υπηρέτησαν την Αµερική σε περίοδο πολέµου και ειρήνης. Το Μνηµείο αυτό θα ανεγερθεί εις το Elmwood Νεκροταφείο και υπολογίζεται να κοστίσει περίπου $ Χρειάζονται ονόµατα και πληροφορίες δια τους παλαίµαχους, και οι δωρεές απαλλάσσονται εφορίας. ια περισσότερες πληροφορίες επικοινωνείτε ή ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ ΤΟΥ µ , µ. µ µµ µ, µ!, µ ω Bill Bozikis, Tom Andrews, Chrysoula Maskaleris, Niki Tziavaras, Demetria Lamprinakos, George Anastasiadis, Angelo Anastasiadis. ω. TO GOLF OUTING ΤΟΥ ΑΓ. ΧΑΡΑΛΑΜΠΟΥΣ θα λάβει χώραν το καλοκαίρι, την 2αν Ιουλίου εις White Pines εις Bensenville. Σηµειώστε την ηµεροµηνία! 5

6 SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH INVITES YOU TO THE BIG GREEK FOOD FEST OF NILES JULY 17, 18 & 19, CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS - PHONE (847) AUTHENTIC GREEK FOOD GREEK PASTRIES ROASTED LAMB FESTIVAL DANCERS IMPORTED GREEK WINES GREEK TAVERNA LOUKOUMATHES COOKING CLASSES RAFFLE! FIRST PRIZE: a LUXURIOUS NEW 2009 AUDI A4 SEDAN A NEW HARLEY DAVIDSON OR $20,000 CASH! SECOND PRIZE: $ 2000 CaSH THIRD PRIZE: $ 1000 CASH FOURTH PRIZE: $ 500 CaSH FIFTH PRIZE: $ 500 CASH OR 6

7 YOU ARE INVITED TO THE SAINT HARALAMBOS OLD FASHIONED FAMILY PICNIC Monday, May 25 th 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm JOHNS PARK 2101 Central Ave (between Shermer & Waukegan) in Glenview Bring your food to cook on the grill. We ll supply the grill! We can play: Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, and much more! SEE YOU THERE! St. Haralambos 2009 Annual Golf Outing Thursday, July 2, 2009 White Pines Golf Course Bensenville, IL SHOTGUN FORMAT! Registration: 7:00 am Tee Time: 8:00 am sharp! $135/person Includes: Green fees Blind bogey power cart Sandwich and bev Dinner Buffet Metropolis of Chicago JUNIOR OLYMPICS MAY 23-24, 2009 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS: VOLLEYBALL, SOFTBALL, SOCCER, BASKETBALL, TRACK, FIELD, SWIMMING, 10K RUN, TENNIS, BOWLING, CHESS & CHECKERS, TABLE TENNIS and MORE! Register by May 9th!! VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL! Traveling on the Ark PLAN TO SIGN UP FOR THIS YEAR'S VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon during the week of June 22-26, for children from ages 4 years old to 6th grade at St Haralambos. There will be interesting crafts, Bible stories, activities, snacks and lots of fun! Volunteers are needed! To volunteer, please call the church office (847/ ). This summer program is immensely popular! Watch for more information. Don t let your children miss out! 7 Other prizes and gifts including $25,000 cash! Make reservations by June 15! Call CAMP FANARI!! June Our Metropolis of Chicago Summer Camp Fanari will take place this summer during the week of June at Green Lake, Wisconsin, and APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE! Capacity is limited; first come, first served. Send in your application early!

8 Stewardship and Tithing for 2009 FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT FOR OUR FAITH Stewardship is the greatest source of our church s support base, accounting for almost half of our church s income. Ideally, we all know that our Stewardship should provide 100% of our Church s needs and so, this year, we introduced tithing as the foundation for determining our Stewardship. In the Old Testament, the People of God were expected to tithe, that is to give 10% of their income to support the Temple. As today s People of God, we should do the same! But this is a new idea to us and few of us are prepared to give 10% in For this reason, we asked everyone to start at a mere 1% this year, and we strongly urge everyone to think of their stewardship commitment as a MONTHLY contribution. Every year, we can gradually increase our giving level. We are especially grateful to those many stewards who have increased their level of giving this year, and average stewardship donations have risen! WHY INCREASE OUR STEWARDSHIP? We have not bothered you with any special fund-raising projects for several years, and if we were all tithing, we would be able to cover all our needs and spread the Gospel beyond the boundaries of our community. The truth is that we have not even paid off the property that we purchased a few years ago, and still owe about $160,000. We also know that we have outgrown our facilities, and soon must consider expanding them. Your generous Stewardship will help us retire this debt and move forward! OUR STEWARDS AND SPOUSES FOR 2009 as of April 10 Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Adams Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Agorianitis Mr. & Mrs. Stephan Aliferakis Mr. & Mrs. George Alpogianis Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Anagnostakos Mr. & Mrs. K. Anagnostopoulos Mr. & M rs. George Analitis Miss Magdaline Analitis Mr. Evangelos Anastasiadis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Andrews Mr. & Mrs. Nick Andrews Mr. Andy Andrews Mr. Telly Andrews Mr. John Andrews Mrs. Mary Andria Mr. & Mrs. Bill Andros Mr. & Mrs. John Anton Mrs. Ourania Antoniades Mr. & Mrs. Peter Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Paul Apostolakides Ms. Cindy D. Arhos Mr. & Mrs. George Arvanitis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Arvanitis Mr. Peter Arvanitis Mr. & Mrs. George Arvanitis Jr. Mrs. Dina Asimakopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Efthimios Asimacopoulos Dr. Voula Asimacopoulos &Family Mrs. Smaragda Astrinides Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Athanasiou Mr. & Mrs. Evdoxios Baharopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Anestis Baharopoulos Mrs. Sophy Bairaktaris Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Bakas Mrs. Athena Balodimas Mr. & Mrs. Steve balourdos Mrs. Angie Bambulas Dr. & Mrs. Spiro Barlas Mrs. Ritsa Bazianos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Baziotes Mr. & Mrs. Christ Becharas Mr. & Mrs. Ted Befas Mr. & Mrs. Christ Belesiotis Mrs. Zoe Belias Ms. Joan Bellos Mr. & Mrs. Jose Berrios Mrs. Katherine Bestolarides Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Bildires Mr. & Mrs. Leo Bilissis Mrs. Anastasia Bourkas Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Bournias Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Bousis Fr. & Presv. Constantine Botsis Mr. & Mrs. Peter G. Botsis Mr. & Mrs. William Brahos Mr. & Mrs. Jim Brotsos Mr. & Mrs. John Brow Mr. & Mrs. George Callas Mr. & Mrs. Paul Castellucci Mrs. Thalia Chresanthakes Mr. Chris Christides Mr. Charles C. Condes Mr. & Mrs. Sam Conis Mr. & Mrs. George Conopeotis Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Costas Dr. & Mrs. Christopher Costis Mr. & Mrs. George Coologeorgen Mr. & Mrs. Basil Courialis Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Couris Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Couris Mr. & Mrs. John Dagres Ms. Maria C. Dakomas Ms. Mary Dalakas Mr. & Mrs. William T. Dallianis Mr. & Mrs. Leo Danielides Dr. & Mrs. Perry Danos Mr. & Mrs. Alexandros Daskalakis Mr. & Mrs. Ted Daskalopoulos Mr. & Mrs. John Davos Mr. Nick Deamantopulos Mr. & Mrs. Frank Deamont Mr. & Mrs. Alex Dehnert Mr. & Mrs. Peter Demeropulos Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Demeros Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Demeros Mr. & Mrs. Zaharias Demertzis Ms. Kathy Dendramis Mr. Peter C. Dennis Mr. & Mrs. Jose E. Diaz Mr. & Mrs. Dino Dimitriou Mr. & Mrs. Steve Dimitriou 8 Ms. Joanne Dimitriou Mr. & Mrs. Peter Dimitriou Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Dimitropoulos Miss Niki Dimoulis Mr. & Mrs. Nikolas Dimoulis Mrs. Gloria D. Dimoutsikos Mr. & Mrs. Dave Dobbs Mrs. Athina Dossas Mr. John Drivas Mr. & Mrs. Marko Duni Mr. & Mrs. John Dussias Mrs. Fanny Drivalas Mr. & Mrs. Aris Drivas Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Eb Mr. Christ Eb Mr. & Mrs. Steven Edsey Mr. & Mrs. George Eliopoulos Mr. & Mrs. James Farmakis Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Fatigato Mr. & Mrs. Roberto Fatta Mr. & Mrs. John Frake Mr. & Mrs. George Frankos Mrs. Trisevgeni Frentzas Mr. Nicholas Frentzos Mr. & Mrs. Lazaros Ftikas Mrs. Patricia Fuentes Mr. & Mrs. Steve Funteas Dr. & Mrs. George J. Futris Mrs. Frances Futris Mr. & Mrs. Nick Ganas Mr. & Mrs. Konstadinos Garbis Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Gdoutos Mr. & Mrs. John Georgatsos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Georgopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Harry Georgopoulos Mrs. Athina Gerros Mrs. Anastasia Gevrekis Mr. & Mrs. Sargon Gewargis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Gianaris Mr. & Mrs. Vasileios Giannopoulos Mr. & Mrs. John Giannopoulos Mr. & Mrs. George Gianos Dr. & Mrs. Chistos Giannoulias Dr. & Mrs. Spiros Giannoulias Mr. George Giolas Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Gloria Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Golf Mrs. Olga Goumas Mr. & Mrs. James Govis Mr. & Mrs. Alex Govis Mr. & Mrs. Jim Grammas Mr. & Mrs. Richard Grant Mr. & Mrs. Michael Grivas Mr. & Mrs. George Halkias Dr. & Mrs. Dimitri Haralampopoulos Miss Natalie Hareas Mr. Nick Hareas Mr. & Mrs. John Harisiadis Mrs. Loula Hasapis Mr. & Mrs. Chris Hasapis Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Hatzigiannis Mr. & Mrs. Dylan Hengstler Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Houmpavlis Mr. & Mrs. Dino Houpis Mr. Evan Houpis Mr. George D. Houpis Mrs. Eleftheria Izvinko Mr. & Mrs. John Johanson Mrs. Maria Palamidis-Jeoffre Mr. George Kacouris Mr. & Mrs. Christ Kakaletris Mrs. Betty R. Kalodimos Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kalodimos Mrs. Potoula Kalogeras Mr. & Mrs. Tom Kalogeros Ms. Koula Kalogeros Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Kalogris Mr. & Mrs. Eleftherios Kalotihos Mr. Theodore Kalotihos Mr. & Mrs. John Kampas Mr. & Dr. Konstantinos Kanaloupitis Mrs. Kiki Kanavoutsis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kanellopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Kanelos Mr. & Mrs. George Kaplanis Mr. & Mrs. Jim Karambinis Mrs. Ioanna Karagiannis Mr. & Mrs. George Karahalios Mrs. Martha Karakitsos Mr. & Mrs. George Karamaniolas Mr. & Mrs. James Karambelas

9 Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Karellas Mr. & Mrs. Spilios Karidas Mrs. Lee Karnezis Mr. & Mrs. Andy Kartsistaris Mrs. Kathy Kastrantas Mrs. Helen Katris Mr. & Mrs. Chris Katris Mrs. Marina Kitsis Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Kereakes Fr. Chrysanthos & Vasiliki Kerkeres Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Kerkeres Mr. & Mrs. Norman Khouri Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Klaritis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas J. Kokalias Mr. & Mrs. George Kokkines Mrs. Demetra Kokinis Mr. & Mrs. Leonidas Kominos Mrs. Ange Konstantine Mrs. Afrodite Konstantos Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kontos Dr. & Mrs. John Kontos Mrs. Vickey Kontos Mr. & Mrs. George Koronios Mr. & Mrs. Ted Kostiuk Mr. & Mrs. James Kotis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kotis Mr. & Mrs. John Kotsanis Mr. & Mrs. Steve Kotsarelis Mr. George Kotsionis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kougias Mr. & Mrs. John Koularmanis Mr. Pete Koulouris Mr. & Mrs. Harry Koumarelas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Koupas Mr. & Mrs. George Kourvetaris Mrs. Irene Kovatchis Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Kozonis Mr. & Mrs. Michael LaMonica Miss Demetria Lamprinakos Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Langis Mr. & Mrs. Paul Lanzourakis Mr. & Mrs. Bill Laskaris Mr. & Mrs. Mike Lemperis Mrs. Christine Liakopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Efstratios Litsogiannis Mr. & Mrs. Bill Livaditis Mr. & Mrs. David Loomos Mr. & Mrs. Lee Lygiros Mr. & Mrs. Vassilios Lygiros Mr. & Mrs. Peter Madimenos Mr. Athanasios Magoulas Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Maillis Mr. & Mrs. George Malkos Mr. & Mrs. Alex Mallidis Mrs. Ndina Mantis Mr. & Mrs. Louis Manis Mr. William Manolis Mrs. Stamatia Mantzos Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Maragos Mr. & Mrs. John Markos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Marquisos Ms. Joanne Marlantis Mr. & Mrs. Ted Matsoukas Mrs. Barbara Matthopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Nick Megremis Mr. & Mrs. John Megremis Mr. Constantine Megremis Mr. & Mrs. John S. Melonides Mr. & Mrs. George Metinidis Mr. & Mrs. John Michaels Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Milissis Ms. Christine Mitchel Mr. & Mrs. Adam Mitsakopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Morikis Mr. & Mrs. Tim Mourtokokis Mr. & Mrs. Jim Moutzouros Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Moutzouros Mr. & Mrs. David Mullins Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Mustafa Mr. & Mrs. Tyrone Nelson Ms. Eva Nikellys Dr. Arthur Nikelly Mr. Demosthenes Nikolopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Alex Pagakis Mr. & Mrs. Stelios Panagiotaros Mr. & Mrs. Elias Panomitros Mr. & Mrs. James Panos Mr. & Mrs. William Panos Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Papadakis Mr. & Mrs. Socrates Papadopoulos Mr. & Mrs. George Papadopoulos Mr. & Mrs. James Papagiannis Mr. & Mrs. George Papagiannis Mr. & Mrs. William A. Pappas Mr. & Mrs. William G. Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Bill Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Gus Pappas Mrs. Angie Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Sam Parmakis Mrs. Helen Parrish Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Patrianakos Mr. & Mrs. William D. Patsilivas Mrs. Helen Paulos Mr. & Mrs. Loukas Pergantas Mrs. Katherine Philis & Family Mr. & Mrs. Andy Politis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Pontikes Mrs. Venetia Poulakos Mr. Dino Poulakos Mr. & Mrs. John Poulopoulos Mrs. Antonia Poulos Mr. & Mrs. Sam Prassinos Mr. & Mrs. George Printzis Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Priovolos Mr. & Mrs. George Printzis Mr. & Mrs. John G. Prodromos Mr. & Peter Remos Mr. & Mrs. Telly Rentzelos Mr. & Mrs. Nick Rentzelos Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Rikos Mr. & Mrs. Howard Rosenzweig Mr. & Mrs. Peter Roumeliotis Mr. & Mrs. George Roumeliotis Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Ruggerio Mr. & Mrs. Steve Salameh Mr. & Mrs. George Samariniotis Mr. & Mrs. Paul Sarantopoulos Mrs. Pauline Sarantopoulos Mrs. Irene Sealepis Mr. & Mrs. Dale Senensky Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Siarris Mr. & Mrs. Chris Sideris Mr. & Mrs. Petros Sikaras Mrs. Kathy Sikaras-Noeh Mrs. Kathy Sikaras Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Sikoral Mr. & Mrs. James E. Silvers Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Skaouris Miss Afrodite Skaouris Mr. & Mrs. Dimitris Skordalos Mr. & Mrs. Dan Skoubis Miss Maryann Solomos Mr. & Mrs. Sam Souleles Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Spanos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Spears Ms. Angeliki Stephenson Mrs. Maria Stompanato Mr. John Striglos Deacon & Deaconissa John Suhayda Mr. & Mrs. Dominic Tabrizi Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Talaganis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Tasiopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Artemios Tavoularis Mr. & Mrs. George Thanos Mr. & Mrs. Tony Thanoukos Mr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Georgiana Theoharis Mrs. Vanessa Theoharopoulos Mrs. Bertha Tomaras Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Tourlis Mr. Lambros Tragas Mr. & Mrs. Harry Travlos Mr. & Mrs. James Tsagalis Mr. Angelo J. Tsagalis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Tsaganos Dr. & Mrs. Chris Tsaliagos Mr. & Mrs. John Tsapas Mr. & Mrs. Leonidas Tsemperis Mr. & Mrs. Hristos Tsilipetros Mr. & Mrs. Tom Tsilipetros Mr. & Mrs. Gus Tsiolis Mrs. Eleni Tsirbas Mr. Chris P. Tomaras Mr. & Mrs. Michael Toto Mr. & Mrs. Constantine G. Tziavaras Mr. & Mrs. Gus Tzotzolis Mrs. Eleni Tzotzolis Mrs. Marianthi Tulios Mr. & Mrs. George Yutakis Dr. & Mrs. Peter Vaselopulos Mr. & Mrs. Bill Vaselopulos Mrs. Popi Vaselopulos Mr. Philip Vaselopulos Mr. & Mrs. Peter S. Vaselopulos Mr. & Mrs. Spyros Vaselopulos Mr. & Mrs. Nick Vaselopulos Mr. & Mrs. Emanuel Vasilarakis Mr. & Mrs. Bill Vastis Mr. & Mrs. Steve Vetas Mr. Michael Vettes Mrs. Vivian Vickas Mr. & Mrs. George Vlahakis Mrs. Kalliroi Vlahiotis Mr. & Mrs. John Vlahos Mr. Haralambos F. Vlahos Mr. & Mrs. Nick Voules Mr. & Mrs. George Vrakas Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Vranas Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Xourias Mr. & Mrs. Paul Yannias Miss Valerie E. Yannias Mrs. Angeline Yutakis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Zavos Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Zemenides Mr. & Mrs. John Zissis Mr. & Mrs. Steve Zook Mr. & Mrs. Peter Zouras Mrs. Helen Zouras FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT FOR OUR FAITH As time goes by, we understand more and more clearly the importance of good Stewardship, because our stewardship is related to our salvation! Every human being is both a spiritual and material being. Our spiritual self is affected by our physical life, and our physical self is affected by our spiritual life. This means that we cannot separate our physical world (our bodies and our belongings), from our spiritual struggle for God s Kingdom and our salvation. Clearly, our Stewardship is a part of this struggle for salvation! We cannot seek God s Kingdom without involving our material world. Rather than determining how little we can give, let us empower the Church by our faith and generosity! Let us be able to have better ministries and programs! Let us work together to spread the joy of Christ s Gospel! We are so grateful to all our Stewards for your faithful and conscientious commitment to St. Haralambos Church! 9

10 MAY 2009 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 9:00 a-gsl 3 MYRRHBEAR- ING WOMEN 8:30 a-orthros 9:30 a-sunday School 10:00 a-divine Liturgy 4 5:30 Family Night 5:30-Scouts 7:30 GOYA 5 4:30 PTA Monthly Mtg 7:30 p Bible Study 6 7:30 pm-school Board Mtg :00 a-gsl 10PARALYTIC 8:30 a-orthros 9:30 a-sunday School 10:00 a-divine Liturgy MOTHERS DAY :30 p Bible Study 13Midpentecost 8:30 am Orthros and Liturgy 7:30 p- PHILOPTOCHOS 14 6:30 P-IOCC Annual Banquet :00 a-gsl 11:30a End of Year GSL Program 17SAMARITAN WOMAN 8:30 a-orthros 9:30 a-sunday School 10:00 a-divine Liturgy 6:00 pm-goya DINNER DANCE 18 5:30 Family Night 6:00 GOYA Scavenger Hunt 19 7:30 p Bible Study 7:30 pm-parish Council 20 (Vespers at Ss. Constantine and Helen) 21 Ss Constantine and Helen 8:30 am Orthros and Liturgy JUNIOR OLYMPICS! 24 THE BLIND MAN 8:30 am-orthros 9:45 am-divine Liturgy 25 MEMORIAL DAY 11:00 am FAMILY PICNIC! 26 7:30 p Bible Study 27 (Vespers at Ascension) 28 The ASCENSION OF OUR LORD 8:30 am Orthros and Liturgy THE HOLY FATHERS 8:30 am-orthros 9:45 am-divine Liturgy 10

11 For information about ad sponsorship, please call St. George Publishing at or St. George Publishing, Inc. N0194 4c LP

12 ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE NILES, IL PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WI PERMIT #5654 Address Service Requested CHRIST IS RISEN! THE BIG GREEK FOOD FEST OF NILES JULY 17-19, 2009 RAFFLE! FIRST PRIZE: a LUXURIOUS NEW 2009 AUDI A4 SEDAN OR A NEW HARLEY DAVIDSON OR $20,000 CASH! SECOND PRIZE: $ 2000 CaSH THIRD PRIZE: $ 1000 CASH FOURTH PRIZE: $ 500 CaSH FIFTH PRIZE: $ 500 CASH EarlY BIRD DRAWING -- SUNDAY, JUNE $1000 CASH! (Only Books of Five Tickets are eligible for the Early Bird Drawing.) Book of Five Tickets--$100 Single ticket $25 Do you have your tickets yet? 12