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The MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS · 60714 PHONE (847) 647-8880 WWW.SAINTHARALAMBOSGOC.ORG “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18) St. Ephraim the Syrian on the Nativity Pure is the present night, in which the Pure One appeared, Who came to purify us! Let our hearing be pure, and the sight of our eyes chaste, and the feeling of the heart holy, and the speech of the mouth sincere! The present night is the night of reconciliation; therefore, let no one be wroth against his brother and offend him! This night gave peace to the whole world, and so, let no one threaten. This is the night of the Most Meek One; let no one be cruel! This is the night of the Humble One; let no one be proud! Now is the day of joy; let us not take revenge for offences! Now is the day of good will; let us not be harsh. On this day of tranquility, let us not become agitated by anger! Today God came unto sinners; let not the righteous exalt himself over sinners! Today the Most Rich One became poor for our sake; let the rich man invite the poor to his table! Today we received a gift which we did not ask for; let us bestow alms to those who cry out to us and beg! The present day has opened the door of heaven to our prayers; let us also open our door to those who ask of us forgiveness! Today the Godhead placed upon Himself the seal of humanity, and humanity has been adorned with the seal of the Godhead! --by Saint Ephraim the Syrian

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Page 1: St. Ephraim the Syrian on the Nativitysaintharalambosgoc.org/sites/default/files/... · St. Ephraim the Syrian on the Nativity Pure is the present night, in which the Pure One appeared,

The MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE

HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS · 60714 PHONE (847) 647-8880 WWW.SAINTHARALAMBOSGOC.ORG

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)

St. Ephraim the Syrian on the Nativity

Pure is the present night, in which the Pure One appeared, Who came to purify us! Let our hearing be pure, and the sight of our eyes chaste, and the feeling of the heart holy,

and the speech of the mouth sincere!

The present night is the night of reconciliation; therefore, let no one be wroth against his brother and offend him!

This night gave peace to the whole world, and so, let no one threaten. This is the night of the Most Meek One; let no one be cruel!

This is the night of the Humble One; let no one be proud!

Now is the day of joy; let us not take revenge for offences! Now is the day of good will; let us not be harsh. On this day of tranquility, let us not become agitated by anger!

Today God came unto sinners; let not the righteous exalt himself over sinners!

Today the Most Rich One became poor for our sake; let the rich man invite the poor to his table!

Today we received a gift which we did not ask for; let us bestow alms to those who cry out to us and beg!

The present day has opened the door of heaven to our prayers; let us also open our door to those who ask of us forgiveness!

Today the Godhead placed upon Himself the seal of humanity, and humanity has been adorned with the seal of the Godhead!

--by Saint Ephraim the Syrian

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WORSHIP SCHEDULE Schedule of Services

December 2019

Sunday, December 1 8:15 am—Orthros 9:30 am—Divine Liturgy No Sunday School—FAMILY WORSHIP

Wed, December 4—St Barbara and St. John of Damascus 8:30 am—Orthros and Divine Liturgy

Friday, December 6—Saint Nicholas of Myra 8:30 am—Orthros and Divine Liturgy

Sunday, December 8 8:15 am—Orthros 9:30 am—Sunday School 9:30 am—Divine Liturgy

Thursday, December 12—Saint Spyridon 8:30 am—Orthros and Divine Liturgy

Sunday, December 15—Saint Eleftherios 8:15 am—Orthros 9:30 am—Sunday School –Christmas Pageant after Liturgy 9:30 am—Divine Liturgy

Sunday, December 22 8:15 am—Orthros 9:30 am—Sunday School 9:30 am—Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, December 24—Morning of the Eve of Christmas 6:00 am—Royal Hours of Christmas 7:30 am—Vesperal Liturgy

Tuesday evening, Christmas Eve 8:00 pm—Orthros 9:00 pm—Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 25

THE BIRTH IN THE FLESH OF OUR LORD AND GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST 8:30 am – Orthros 9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

*Note: There is no fasting from Dec 25 through Jan. 4

Friday, December 27—Saint Stephen the First Martyr 8:30 am—Orthros and Divine Liturgy

Sunday, December 29 8:15 am—Orthros 9:30 am—Divine Liturgy No Sunday School—FAMILY WORSHIP

OUR SISTER CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS in Oak Lawn, IL, invites you to Great Vespers on Thursday evening, December 5 and Liturgy on Thursday, Dec 6 in honor of their patron St. Nicholas. (Liturgy WILL be celebrated at St. Har-alambos on Dec 6.)

OUR SISTER COMMUNITY OF ST. SPYRIDON in Palos Heights invites you to Great Vespers at 7:00 pm on Wednesday evening, December 11th in honor of the Feastday of St. Spyri-don, and to Divine Liturgy the morning of Thursday, December 12. (Liturgy WILL be celebrated at St. Haralambos on Dec 12.)

OUR SISTER COMMUNITY OF ST BASIL in Chicago invites you to Great Vespers at 7:00 pm on Tuesday evening, December 31st in honor of the Feastday of St. Basil, and to Divine Liturgy the morning of Wednesday, January 1st. (Liturgy WILL be celebrated at St. Haralambos on January 1st.)

SACRAMENTS AND BLESSINGS MINISTRY TO PERSONS WHO ARE SICK-We urge Ortho-dox Christians who would like to receive Holy Sacraments but are unable to attend church (hospitalized or at home) to contact the church office so Holy Sacraments can be administered to them.

If your loved one is hospitalized please call us, even if the illness is not serious! In a wholistic approach to healing and well-being, a visit from the priest can be very positive. Most hospitals do not inform us when they receive patients from our parish. We depend on you!

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 per-formed. Keep in mind that there should be only one Godparent and that a child is supposed to be given one name when he or she is baptized.

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.

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.

END OF LIFE ISSUES 1 - A Proper Funeral Conveys Divine Grace to Our Loved One For an Orthodox Christian, a church funeral is a necessity. As we pray, the funeral service brings divine Grace to those who have fallen asleep, for their forgiveness and eternal rest. Our journey toward perfection (Θέωσις) continues after death! A church funer-al is an act of love and it is our duty. What good reason can there be to deny our loved ones from God’s saving Grace and the honor they deserve? Let us honor our parents and relatives with prayers and a proper funeral.

2 - About Cremation Orthodox Christians believe that in the General Resurrection, our bodies and souls will be restored to each other. Cremation is the deliberate desecration and destruction of what God has made, and is viewed as the denial of the Resurrection. In cases where there is intention for the body of a deceased person to be cremated, thus choosing to disregard our understand-ing of the Resurrection, the honor of a church funeral is not given, either in the church, or the funeral home or any other place. Additionally, memorial services with kolyva are not allowed, since the connection of the “kernel of wheat” as a sign of the Resurrection has been intentionally destroyed.

2019 STEWARDSHIP

WE ARE THE LOVE OF GOD!

2019 STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

As of November 20, 2019 614 families have promised $361,278.00

for 2019 Stewardship!

We appreciate your support!

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HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS 60714 PHONE: 847/647-8880

From Father George

Beloved Faithful, Christ is in our midst!

Like organs in a body, every person in the parish has a special function. All of us have different talents and skills to form a single body. Each vital organ of the body works together for a common goal. If one organ stops working, it will quickly affect the overall health of the body. The purpose of the or-gans is to make sure the body maintains health, so it may accomplish the one goal of living to produce a meaningful life.

The church is to be understood in the same way. “You are all members of the body of Christ.” Each person of the community is called to work togeth-er for a common goal.

If we truly desire to serve God and our community, then we are to leave our own personal agenda outside. “My way or the highway” does not have love as its motivation. Encouraging one another, being patient with one’s imper-fections, and humbly being able to admit mistakes is the direction members of the body are encouraged to take if we are to reflect Christ to the world around us. Love and sharing His love is the only agenda that the church should have.

Before we think of any business or financial matters, we should ask our-selves, “Where is God and His Church in what we are doing?” We avoid conflict when we put our ego aside and focus on what Christ wants for us above everything else.

Is there a level of sacrifice to follow Christ? Of course. But think about what it teaches your children when you are actively involved in a parish. Whether you are a Parish Council member, a Sunday School teacher, a coach, PTA member, if you bake prosphoro, if you attend Bible Study, if you participate in the sacraments, if you go to Holy Confession, if you offer any time to the church – you communicate to your household, and to the people around you, that God is a priority. As we move closer to having a new facility, if you are not currently involved, I encourage you to pray about how God may be whispering in your ear to be an active member of His body. When one member of the body stops work-ing, it is hard to stay healthy! For God to inspire Phase 3 and its full poten-tial within our parish, it will call everyone to servant leadership. Servant leadership requires:

Love - Love of people and love of the church.

Humility - It’s not about us – it’s about Christ. Phillipians 2:3 – “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in low-liness of mind, let each esteem others better than himself.” People who shine within don’t need a spotlight.

Trust - Our leaders have to be trusted and we have to trust that all lead-ers can be entrusted to achieve our mission.

With a healthy vision, a healthy body, and a healthy team, we can serve the mission of the Church together and bring the love of Christ to a world that is in desperate need of Him. May we inspire the future – those who come after us – to carry on the legacy of being a parish where people who enter our walls experience the Kingdom of God. And, more importantly, when they encounter you - a servant leader – may they see the light of Christ shining. “Don’t shine so others can see you, shine so that through you others can see Him.” - C.S. Lewis

Much love in Christ,

Father George Lamberis PS: Remember to vote at Parish Council elections on December 15!

HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH NILES, ILLINOIS

Proistamenos……………………....…... Fr. Constantine P. Botsis Synefimerios…………..….…….…………...... Fr. George Lamberis Pastoral Assistant....………….…..... Deacon John G. Suhayda Chanter…………...........…….....………….………...…..Nick Harisiadis Parish Council Officers President…………………..…...…...….…........… Richard Kozlowski Vice President…..........................................……..…Nick Andrews 2nd Vice-President………………………………..... George Giolas Treasurer……….….................................................. David Loomos Secretary…………………………..……….…...…...… Krystal Ioannou Phase III Chairman................................... Perry Giannopoulos Stewardship…………………………..……….….….… George Giolas Audit Committee Chairman……...….…...….. George Houpis Budget Committee Chairman……....................... Tom Sikoral Building & Grounds Chairman……. ….Michael Pontikes and Theodoros Karabatsos Decor Committee Chairman.....................Stephan Aliferakis Finance Committee Chairman……….….............. Tom Sikoral Outreach Committee…….......................………...…..John Pierce Inreach Committee………………… ...…Voula Asimacopoulos and Elaine Loomos Communication Committee………………….…..George Giolas School Board Chairman…...........................Olympia Bournias Social Media Committee………………….…… George Houpis Food Fest Chairman………………. Iconography over Altar (Funding)..…..... Dr. Tom Bournias Philoptochos President…………..…………….. Eleni Kozlowski PTA Co-Presidents (Afternoon School)…. ………....Eleni Gonzalez and Mona Giolas PTA President (Preschool)…………...… Anargyros Kereakes PTO President (Saturday School)………..Georgia Bepis Greek School Principal…………............... Mrs. Anastasia Liapi Saturday School Director……..Mrs. Andrianna Panayiotou Preschool Director…..……..................... Mrs. Magda Kelesidis Sunday School Directors……. …….Presvytera Georgia Botsis and Anna Sikoral Athletic Director………………..……...…....…....… David Loomos Scoutmaster..……..…………....………………......Vasily Zimbrakos Asst Cubmaster…...…………………………...……......... John Frake Little Angels…………….…Anastasia Liapi / Presvytera Diana YAL …………….………………....................……....... Christina Botsis Sr GOYA President….............................................. Jr. Goya Advisor……..….…….…………..…..……… Father George Family Night …………………….……………………. Father George Bookstore Manager….........…......……………. Jolynn Ruggerio Web Master and IT.....…....….........................… George Houpis Facebook……………..…………Elizabeth Kotis/Christina Botsis Office Staff…..…………………….. Barbara Skaouris, Alexandra Grivas, Anna Sikoral Maintenance Staff…..... Juan Caro and Carolina Contreras

IN THIS ISSUE:

Letter from our Priest (pg 3) Announcements (pg 4) A Christmas Meditation (pg 5) 2020 Stewardship (pg 6) Phase 3 update (pg 7) Big Greek Food Fest Report (pg 8) Schedule of Christmas Holidays (pg 9) Calendar (pg 10)

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ΕΣΩΚΛΕΙΣΤΑ ΑΤΟΜΑ — Παρακαλούμε όπως πληροφορείτε το γραφείο της εκκλησίας δια τους ηλικιωμένους ή αρρώστους που θέλουν να λάβουν την Θείαν Κοινωνίαν και δεν δύνανται να έλθουν στην εκκλησία, ούτως ώστε οι ιερείς να προγραμματίσουν να τους προσφέρουν την Θείαν Κοινωνίαν όπου διαμένουν.

ΕΚΛΟΓΕΣ ΤΟΥ ΔIΟIΚΗΤIΚΟΥ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛIΟΥ θα γίvoυv τηv Κυριακήv 15 Δεκεμβρίoυ. Μη ξεχάστε να ψηφίστε!

ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΟ ΠΑΡΤΥ ΤΗΣ ΦΙΛΟ-ΠΤΩΧΟΥ-Το ετήσιο Χριστουγεννιάτικο πάρτυ της Φιλοπτώχου του Αγ. Χαραλάμπους θα λάβη χώραν την Δευτέρα το βράδυ, 9 Δεκεμβρίου εις το Chateau Ritz, και προσκαλούνται όλα τα μέλη. Διά κρατήσεις θέσεων, παρακαλείσθε όπως επικοινω-νείτε με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας (847-647-8880).

ΑΓIΑΣΜΟΣ ΣΠIΤIΩΝ—Τo έθιμo καλεί vα αγιάζoυμε τα σπίτια μας κατά τηv επoχή τωv Θεoφαvείωv (Ημέρα των Θεοφανείων είναι η Δευτέρα, 6 Ιανουαρίου). Εαν θέλετε ο ιερέας να έλθει σπίτι σας για αγιασμό παρακαλoύμε όπως τηλεφωvείτε στo γραφείo της εκκλησίας (847/647-8880) .

ΕΟΡΤΑΣΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΒΑΣIΛΟΠIΤΑΣ — Η εκκλησία μας θα εoρτάσει τηv Βασιλόπιτα εις τις 12 Ιαvoυαρίoυ με γεύμα τo oπoίo θα πρoετoιμασθεί από τηv Φιλόπτωχo μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία στην Κοινοτική μας Αίθουσα. Σας περιμένουμε με την οικογένειά σας. Η δωρεά είναι μόνον $10.

COMMUNITY NEWS PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY An important General Assembly will take place December 1st after Divine Liturgy to discuss the 2020 Budget, the 2018 Audit, and the Phase 3 project. Please plan to attend!

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS will take place on Decem-ber 15. Remember to vote after church on that day!

SHUT-INS--Please inform the church office about elderly or ill who would like to receive Holy Communion but are unable to come to church, so that our priests can bring the Sacrament to them.

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHRISTMAS GIFT/TOY

DRIVE FOR FOSTER CHILDREN-- A big THANK YOU to everyone for your support of the DCFS Gift/Toy Drive!

PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS PARTY—The ladies of our St. Haralambos Philoptochos will have their annual Christmas Dinner at 6:00 pm on the evening of December 9 at the Chateau Ritz in Niles. We hope you made your reservations and look forward to seeing you there! Tickets are $40 for adults and chil-dren under 12 are $25 by Dec 2nd, after adults $50. Call the church office to make your reservation (847)647-8880.

GET IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT! Come to the Pan-Orthodox Christmas Concert, “Make a Joyful Noise to God,” at 3:00 pm on Sunday, December 9 at St. John the Baptist in Des Plaines. Donation of $10 would be appreciated. Shop for ethnic food and gift items! All are welcomed!

GREEKTOWN CHRISTMAS CEREMONY—Join the Christmas Tree Lighting of Greek Town at 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 8th! All are welcome to sing Kalanta and celebrate!

LET’S GO BOWLING! Our St. Haralambos Bowling League plays the first Friday of each month, at Bowlero Lanes, 7333 Milwaukee Avenue in Niles. Call Rubine (847-977-8775) or Perry Giannopoulos (312-608-0999) for more info.

BLESSING OF HOMES--It is an annual custom in the Epiphany Season (Epiphany is Monday, January 6) to bless our homes with the Agiasmos of Epiphany. If you would like to have your home blessed by the priest, please call the church office (847-647-8880).

ANNUAL VASILOPITA LUNCHEON - Our St. Haralambos Vasilopita Luncheon will take place on Sunday, January 12th in our Community Center after Church services. Plan on coming, and bring your entire family. The donation is only $10.

BESSIE’S TABLE SOUP KITCHEN —Once a month, St. Haralambos cooks and serves a meal for the less fortunate at the First United Methodist Church in Des Plaines. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, please contact Mr. John Pierce at [email protected].

ΕΝΟΡΙΑΚΕΣ ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΕΙΣ

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Our St. Haralambos

69th Anniversary DINNER

Sunday, February 16

Let’s celebrate! Plan to join us!

St Haralambos Annual

VASILOPITA LUNCHEON!

Sunday, January 12, 2020 after church services.

Plan to be with us to honor the tradition of the Cutting of the Vasilopita!

DATES TO REMEMBER: Tuesday, December 3—Parish Council Applications are due by 3:00 pm Sunday, December 15—Parish Council Elections, Christmas Pageant and Metropolis Open House

Saturday, January 11 at 1:00 pm—Chicago March for Life Sunday, January 12—Vasilopita Luncheon (after church)

Sunday, January 19 at 6:00 pm—Sanctity of Life Prayer Ser-vice, Saint Peter & Saint Paul Orthodox Church, Burr Ridge Sunday, February 2—Super Bowl!

Sunday, February 9—St. St. Haralambos Great Vespers Monday, February 10—Feast Day of Saint Haralambos Sunday, February 16 — St. Haralambos 69th Anniversary Dinner

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CHRIST IS BORN! ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΓΕΝΝΑΤΑΙ!

Think back to March 25 of this year. It was the second week of Great Lent, and a few days after the first day of Spring. It was also, of course, the Feastday of the Annunciation, when we celebrate the announcement of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she was to bear a son named Jesus, who would be called the Son of the Most High, and of his kingdom there would be no end. And so God took flesh in her womb, which is why we call her Theotokos – the God-Bearer. And for nine months she carried and nurtured the child until he was ready to be born.

Which brings us to December 25. In our owns lives, so much changes from March to December, from early Spring through Summer and Fall and finally into Win-ter, that it is easy to forget the connection between the Annunciation and the Nativity (Christmas). In fact, the two holidays are really the celebration of one event, the Incarnation: God taking on flesh. The very idea is “scandal to the Jews and folly to the Greeks” as St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:23, for it violated both religious piety and human logic. But God, as always, knows better than us, and because of His love for us, He bridged the gap that separated us, in order to save us and bring us back into communion with Him. He didn’t have to do it, but He wanted to do it. Despite our repeated disobedience and defiance of His will, He re-fused to give up on us. And so He comes into our very midst as one of us, being born like we are, and in the most humble of circumstances. We know that He will come again, “in glory, to judge the living and the dead”, and that Second Coming will be an event that no one can ignore. But His First Coming upon the earth

was as a newborn baby in a cave, not in a pal-ace as one might ex-pect for the “King of Kings”.

There is much we can learn from the humility that Jesus shows from the mo-ment he is born. We in turn should re-spond with our own humility and obedi-ence to the will of God. And that is why the Orthodox Church prepares for Christmas with a 40-day period of fasting, just as it does before Holy Week and Pascha. Especially for us Christians living in the 21st Century in the midst of a materialistic and secularized society, the Nativity Fast helps us to focus on what is essential and im-portant about Christmas. By choosing to fast when others are feasting, we exercise our free will and show our loving obedience to our Lord. And then, when the feast does arrive on Christmas day, we can partake with joy and thanksgiving. And not just on December 25th! For the “twelve days of Christmas” continue through the Theophany (Epiphany) on Janu-ary 6th. There is no fasting until January 5th, when we observe a one-day fast before Theophany. Let us use this time to celebrate and share the news that Christ is Born! And when we hear that proclamation, let us respond “Glorify Him!”

A CHRISTMAS MEDITATION By: Deacon John Suhayda

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I had the idea to recall the check-

Please change, add or eliminate any or all. It could be a good lead-in to introducing the 2020 Stew-

Greetings, Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Our time is a gift from God. Stewardship involves spending time with Him. Recognizing that every day is a gift from God, we strive to spend some of each day with Him, through prayer, Divine Liturgy, participating in the sacraments, scripture reading, quiet meditation and other spiritual activities.

• How am I using the gift of time God has given to me?

• How much time am I committing to prayer, worship, and church involvement to help me grow in my relationship with God?

• How much time am I committing to continuing education of my faith or Bible study to help me grow in my knowledge of my faith, the Church and in His Word?

• What time (quality and quantity) am I giving my spouse, family and friends to help me grow in my relationship with them?

• Am I a good steward of time spent at work?

• How many hours a week do I devote to helping others in need?

• Am I unable to enjoy the present because I am regretting the past or fretting the future?

• Am I abusing time by excessive, or even inappropriate, use of technology?

• Am I a good steward of my body by taking time for exercise, rest and recreation?

Our prayer is that as we grow in appreciation for the gift of time, we will, as believers, spend our time wisely and according to the biblical principals, so that we may bring glory to God who will grant us everlasting life! Please consider gifting your time to serve the ministries of Christ and His Church!

Now is the Day of Salvation

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PHASE 3 PROGRESS AND UPDATES

Phase 3 is moving along quite well! The project will provide us the space to create new ministries and programs that aim to bring people closer to Christ and each other. Below you will find updated information about the project and a description of the photographs above.

• The first phase of our construction project has been completed as the foundation walls are

now finished and we can start erecting the rest of the buildings.

• A considerable amount of excavation and concrete work was required to support the north-

ern wall of our existing community center. These concrete supports had to be installed in

small sections, otherwise the existing wall would have collapsed when the foundation for

the new building was being excavated. This was designed and constructed in a manner

which allowed us to maximize the size of the basement under the new building.

• Over the next few weeks, you will start to see steel get installed to support floors and to

build up the structure. Masonry walls will also be added to the exterior of the build-

ing. Construction will continue throughout most of the winter.

• If you visit the construction site, the outline of the new buildings are apparent.

* Next to the existing building, you will see concrete walls separating the stair-

wells and elevator shaft from the rest of the building.

* The basement is also clearly visible. The basement was dug deeply to provide

additional buildout options in the future.

* Several concerns had been voiced by parishioners about the potential for water

in the new basement. Cores were dug out and tested prior to architectural design

and those tests showed little water collecting in that area. Those results were con-

firmed during the construction process.

* North of the basement, you will see the foundation walls for the new multipur-

pose gymnasium building. You will see a large space where the gym will be lo-

cated, along with foundation walls outlining storage areas on the north side, the

kitchen on the east side, and the main entrance foyer east of the basement.

• The project is currently running slightly under budget. A full accounting will be presented

at the next General Assembly in December. Please plan to be there on Sunday, December 1!

To view progress of the construction project, please visit

http://www.saintharalambosgoc.org/phaseiii/construction-logs

or click on Phase III – Construction Logs when viewing our website.

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2019 FOOD FEST REPORT

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2019 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

Schedule Of Holiday Services- CHRISTMAS and EPIPHANY

Sunday morning, December 22 8:15 am - Orthros 9:30 am - Sunday School 9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

Τuesday, December 24 Morning of the Eve of Christmas 6:00 am - Royal Hours 7:30 am - Vesperal Liturgy (St. Basil)

Tuesday evening, Christmas Eve 8:00 pm - Orthros 9:00 pm - Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 25 –

THE BIRTH IN THE FLESH OF OUR LORD AND GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST 8:15 am – Orthros 9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

*Note: There is no fasting from Dec. 25 through Jan. 4

Friday, December 27 - St. Stephen the First Martyr 8:30 am – Orthros 9:45 am – Divine Liturgy

Sunday morning, December 29 8:15 am - Orthros 9:30 am - Divine Liturgy No Sunday School—FAMILY WORSHIP

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Wednesday, January 1, 2020 – Feastday of St. Basil the Great 8:30 am - Orthros 9:45 am - Divine Liturgy

Friday, January 3 9:00 am - Royal Hours of Theophany

Sunday, January 5 – Eve of Epiphany (Day of Fasting)

8:15 am – Orthros 9:45 am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

The Great Blessing of the Waters

Monday, January 6 THE GREAT FEAST OF THEOPHANY 8:30 am – Orthros and Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, followed by The Great Blessing of the Waters

THIS YEAR’S VASILOPITA LUNCHEON WILL TAKE PLACE

ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, FOLLOWING THE DIVINE LITURGY.

ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ

ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΩΝ / ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΩΝ

Κυριακὴ πρωί, 22 Δεκεμβρίου 8:15 πμ - Ὄρθρος 9:30 πμ - Κατηχητικό Σχολείο 9:30 πμ - Θεία Λειτουργία

Τρίτη πρωΐ, 24 Δεκεμβρίου Παραμονή τῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ Γεννήσεως 6:00 πμ - Οἱ Βασιλικές Ὡρες 7:30 πμ - Ἐσπερινή Θεία Λειτουργία (Βασιλείου)

Τρίτη βράδυ, 24 Δεκεμβρίου 8:00 μμ - Ὄρθρος 9:00 μμ - Θεία Λειτουργία

Τετάρτη, 25 Δεκεμβρίου

Η ΚΑΤΑ ΣΑΡΚΑ ΓΕΝΝΗΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΘΕΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΗΜΩΝ ΙΗΣΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ 8:15 πμ – Ὅρθρος 9:30 πμ – Θεία Λειτουργία

Από τήν 25ην Δεκ. μέχρι τήν 4ην Ιαν. δέν νηστεύουμε.

Παρασκευή, 27 Δεκεμ-Ἁγ. Στεφάνου Πρωτομάρτυρος 8:30 πμ - Ὅρθρος 9:45 πμ - Θεία Λειτουργία

Κυριακή πρωί, 29 Δεκεμβρίου 8:15 πμ - Ὅρθρος 9:30 πμ - Θεία Λειτουργία

ΕΥΤΥΧΕΣ ΤΟ ΝΕΟ ΕΤΟΣ!

Τετάρτη, 1 Ἰανουαρίου 2020 Ἁγ. Βασιλείου τοῦ Μεγάλου, Ἀρχ/που Καισαρείας 8:30 πμ - Ὅρθρος 9:45 πμ - Θεία Λειτουργία

Παρασκευή, 3 Ἰανουαρίου 9:00 πμ - Οἱ Βασιλικές Ώρες τῶν Θεοφανείων

Κυριακή, 5 Ἰανουαρίου —Παραμονή Θεοφανείων (Ημέρα νηστείας) 8:15 πμ - Ὄρθρος 9:45 πμ - Θεία Λειτουργία (Χρυσοστόμου) Τελετὴ τοῦ Μεγ. Ἁγιασμοῦ

Δευτέρα, 6 Ἰανουαρίου ΤΑ ΑΓΙΑ ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΑ 8:30 πμ –Ὄρθρος καί Θεία Λειτουργία (Βασιλείου) Τελετὴ τοῦ Μεγ. Ἁγιασμοῦ

ΕΦΕΤΟΣ, ΘΑ ΕΟΡΤΆΣΟΥΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΒΑΣΙΛΟΠΙΤΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΚΟΙΝΟΤΙΚΗ ΜΑΣ ΑΙΘΟΥΣΑ

ΤΗΝ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ, 12 ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΥ, ΜΕΤΑ ΤΗΝ ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ .

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DECEMBER 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

8:15 am—Orthros 9:30 am— Divine Liturgy

No Sunday School- Family Worship!

GENERAL

ASSEMBLY

After Liturgy

2

5:30 pm—Family Night 7:30 pm—GOYA

3 11:30 am—-Little Angels 3:00 pm— Parish Council Applications Due 4:30 pm— Greek School 4:30 pm—PTA Meeting

4 ST.

BARBARA 8:30 am - Orthros and Liturgy

6:00 pm-Board of Elections mtg

7:00 pm—Philoptochos mtg

5

7:00 pm- Bible Study

6 ST.

NICHOLAS 8:30 am - Orthros and Liturgy

4:30 pm— Greek School

8:00 pm -Bowling League

7

9:00 am-Saturday Greek School 12:45 pm— Christmas Youth Retreat

8

8:15 am—Orthros 9:30 am— Sunday School 9:30 am— Divine Liturgy

6 pm—Sr. GOYA Christmas Carol-ing

9

6:00 pm-Philoptochos Christmas Party 6:30 pm— Jr. GOYA

10 11:30 am—-Little Angels

4:30 pm— Parent/Teacher Conferences (no classes)

11 12

ST. SPYRIDON 8:30 am--Orthros and Liturgy 7:00 pm- Bible Study

13 4:30 pm— Greek School

14

9:00 am-Saturday Greek School 9:00 am-PTO Mtg

15 ST.

ELEFTHERIOS

8:15 am—Orthros 9:30 am— Sunday School 9:30 am— Divine Liturgy

Parish Council Elections!

Christmas Pageant!

3-7 pm-Metropolis Christmas Open

House

16 2:00 pm-Nursing Home Xmas Party by Philoptochos

5:30 pm—Family Night Bowling Outing

7:30 pm—GOYA Christmas Party

17 11:30 am—-Little Angels 4:30 pm— Greek School

18 7:30 pm-Parish Council

19

7:00pm - Bible Study

20

10:30 am- Pre-School Christ-mas Program

4:30 pm—Greek School 6:00 pm– Afternoon Greek School Christmas Program

21

9:00 am-Saturday Greek School 11:30 am - Saturday School Christmas Program 12:00pm—Meals on Wheels

22

8:15 am—Orthros 9:30 am— Sunday School 9:30 am— Divine Liturgy

23 4:00 pm-Bessie’s

Table Food Kitchen

24 CHRISTMAS

EVE 6:00 am-Royal Hours and Vesperal Liturgy EVENING: 8:00pm-Orthros 9:00pm-Liturgy

25 CHRISTMAS

DAY 8:30 am— Orthros

9:30 am—Divine Liturgy

26 27 ST.

STEPHEN 8:30 am - Orthros and Liturgy

28

29

8:15 am—Orthros 9:30 am— Divine Liturgy

No Sunday School-Family Worship!

PARISH MOVIE

NIGHT (Details TBD)

30 31

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