Page 1    The Anchor—Summer 2015

   

THE anchorTHE anchor St. Andrew Greek Orthodox ChurchSt. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church

5649 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 606605649 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660 773773--334334--4515 (ph)4515 (ph) 773773--334334--3468 (fax)3468 (fax)

www.standreworthodox.orgwww.standreworthodox.org (email) info@standreworthodox.org(email) info@standreworthodox.org

Rev. John N. Kalomas, ProistamenosRev. John N. Kalomas, Proistamenos Rev. John G. Kutulas, Proistamenos EmeritusRev. John G. Kutulas, Proistamenos Emeritus

Deacon Vasilios SmithDeacon Vasilios Smith

Sunday Services: Sunday Services: Orthros 8:00 a.m. Liturgy 9:30 a.m.Orthros 8:00 a.m. Liturgy 9:30 a.m.

I recently was going through some old books and papers that were in a box at my mom and dad’s house to see what was stored by my parents from my early years. Turning 53 on August 3rd and celebrating 25 years of marriage on August 19th states that I have learned and been enlightened with something in life, and have had a journey which is prayerfully not over, but even greater things to come.

Looking through the box of papers and books brought a melancholy feeling of the beautiful past childhood years. I came across a poem that was secured on to an old cardboard paper with different designs that surrounded the poem. It was written by Robert Fulghum “All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten". I sat for a moment mesmerized about this project, not fully remembering if it was my work, or my brother’s work, for my parents put all our stuff together in one box. Consolidation they called it. Reading through the poem it brought to me the innocence of my childhood years in which the problems of life never bothered us for we lived freely not having any worries or cares. We had a home to come back to either from school or playing outside with our friends. Food would be on the table for us to eat. There was a bed to sleep in even though it was shared with my twin brother. We had clean clothes to wear everyday and even a television set which I used to slam on the side to get the picture straight or remove the snow. Those of you who do not know what I am talking about when I say snow on the TV were born after 1980’s. All was there for us and we didn’t have that much care in the world for anything. Eat your food, bring home good grades, and don’t bother anyone. That is why this poem kind of struck home and I was happy that my parents kept it. This is how it goes. Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do and how to be, I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain but there in the sand pile at Sunday school.

These are the things I learned:

Share everything. Play fair. Don't hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don't take things that aren't yours. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody. Wash your hands before you eat. Flush. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. Live a balanced life - Learn some and think some, and draw and paint and sing and dance, and play and work every day some. Take a nap every afternoon. When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic. Hold hands and stick together. Be aware of wonder.

Look at the simplicity of what life was. The fear of parents back then was for their children not to be hit by a car when crossing the street. Today’s parents are worrying who they are chatting with on Facebook, Snap chat, Twitter, or Hash Tag (whatever). Parents wonder what they are texting to other people, or maybe I should ask are the parents really wondering, or are the I-Phones and I-Pads, and or computers the ones that are doing the parenting for the children? Instead of teaching how to build legacies for themselves, we give them all that they want and allow them to think that they are entitled to a legacy even if they didn’t work at it. I was never taught entitlement in my Kindergarten Classroom. I applaud Line Backer James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers. For those who may have not heard the story, he took the trophies of his children that were given to them for just showing up, and gave it back to the coaches because he believes his sons, as well as everyone, should EARN what they worked for. Listen to his words:

(Con nued on page 3)

Be Enlightened And Embrace Change - Create Your Legacy

The Anchor—FALL 2015

 

 

Cathy Fasseas       

Terri Mikuzis  

Thank you all for your con nued help and support throughout the year! 

OFFICE ASSISTANCE

ST. ANDREW’S FOOD PANTRY More and more everyday less fortunate people are asking churches  for  food.  In  these  difficult  mes  St.  Andrew would  like  to help  them, but  in order  to do  so we need 

your help.  

Please  help  us  restock  our  food  pantry  with items such as: cereal, oatmeal, rice, pasta, pas‐ta sauce.   Also, canned  items   of  tuna,  tomato 

sauce, soup, vegetables, fruit or any other non‐perishable items.  It is helpful if the canned goods have a flip‐top lid. Monetary dona ons will also be accepted. 

In an effort ini ated by our dear departed friend and Philoptochos sister Ethel Kotsovos, members of the greater Chicago Orthodox community have had the privilege of serving lunch to 

approximately 100 less fortunate fellow human beings on the first Saturday of the month for more than 15 years.  The soup kitchen, located at the First Presbyterian Church in Evanston, is just one part of that church's strong community outreach program.  St. Andrews Philoptochos and other volunteers have consistently and con nuously served the Saturday soup kitchen, longer than any other single contribu ng group.   Please contact Fofo Egan for more informa on and if you would like to join this mission.  

ST. ANDREW GREEK ORTST. ANDREW GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCHHODOX CHURCH

His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos Metropolis of Chicago

Rev. John N. Kalomas, Proistamenos

Rev. John G. Kutulas, Proistamenos Emeritus Deacon Vasilios Smith

Contact Fr. John at 773‐334‐4515

or Email him at frjohn.kalomas@standreworthodox.org  

PARISH COUNCIL 2015

Terri Mikuzis  President Kosta Zografopoulos  1st Vice President/Facili es Phil Hatzopoulos  2nd Vice President/Stewardship  George Marks  3rd Vice President/Finance Bill Aslanides   Secretary Steve Hastalis  Assistant Secretary Nick Hatzopoulos  Treasurer Peter Alexopoulos  Financial Secretary 

 

M   

  Michael Bartholomew    Jeffery Chrones           Milton Fasseas      Nick Karafo as   Spiro Kondos      Nick Kontos   Mark Poulakidas    Frank Prokos 

 

STAFF & MINISTRY LEADERS

Financial  Secretary:     Vivian L. Davros Office Secretary:    Alejandra Franco  Philoptochos President:      Vonnie Karafo as  Chanters:     Nicholas Christacos &     Dean Theodoropoulos   Choir Director:    Dr. Peter Jermihov Narthex Commi ee:  William Alexopoulos, Leo Manta,    Ma hew  Bezanes,  James  Chrones,   Michael Davros, Solon Tsaoussis  Sunday School Coordinator:   Tracey Lazos Greek School Principal:     Father John Kutulas  Mommy and Me Advisor:   Stephane Collopy JOY Advisors:    Tia Manolakas,  &      Bill Aslanides GOYA Advisors:    Georgia Loomas Young Adult Ministry:    Ta ana Vuko c,      Anastasia Papas, & Eleni Papas  

Page 3    The Anchor—Summer 2015

“I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies! While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these trophies will be given back until they EARN a real trophy. I'm not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned and I'm not about to raise two boys to be men by making them believe that they are entitled to something just because they tried their best...cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better...not cry and whine until somebody gives you something to shut you up and keep you happy.”

Maybe this is what more parents need, or maybe this is what the world needs to start doing; earning something instead of expecting it to be given to you. My dream in life, that never became a reality, was to fly planes. I was accepted in the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Illinois back in the early 80s but an ACL knee repair as well as a deviated septum kept me from qualifying, and even though it was something that I wanted to accomplish and do reality sets in that says sorry look somewhere else. I know that as much as my passion for flying is still there and maybe life wasn’t fair for me to accomplish this I do know that I don’t think anyone reading this article would want me sitting in a pilot seat of an airplane that they would be flying in because life wasn’t fair to me and that I am entitled to it. Individuals who feel that everything should be fair and equal in life should then agree that students who work hard and get good grades should give up some of their grades to share with those who just like to party and study less. That’s equality! That’s being fair! Is this what our children are being taught; that we all have to be equal and fair, and that you should get the same thing whether you worked as hard as the other individual?

Fortunately that is what I didn’t learn in Kindergarten Class. The only thing that needs to be fair is that all the rules, whether in a class setting or a sport, are followed by everyone.

There were always a few children that were not as skilled on the play ground that played kick ball or dodge ball. They were the last to be picked, and probably the ones who were knocked out. Was it not fair that they were not as good as the others? Of course not! But they had the lead parts in school plays; played Mozart or Bach with skill; excelled in their math, or writing studies. They earned those grades and points as much as the one child who earned the reputation of kicking the ball the farthest in kick ball.

This teaching actually began even farther back. It stems out of a book called the New Testament. Paul’s letter to the 2nd Thessalonians 3:10 which states, “Those who are not willing to work let them not eat.” Kind of destroys this food stamp controversy and this comes from scripture.

So where am I going with this? Probably to the most important part of our lives, which I truly believe will be something of a forgotten era of my grandchildren and great grandchildren, and that is the church.

All that I learned about life I learned in Kindergarten Class is no longer a reality. The innocence of what it is to be a child is being taken away. Instead of allowing children to learn on their own and by their mistakes we are entitling them for life by not helping them resolve their problems, but fixing their problems for them. Instead of teaching them to make legacies for themselves we try to make the legacy. This in turn is making that which should be their second house in their lives a house which is foreign to them. The greatest age group that is not participating in church are the teenagers and maybe because Sunday’s for parents with young children is not a priority to attend church; if we make it once every other month that is okay. What are we then teaching our children; for this is by example? If it is not a priority in our lives it will not be a priority in their lives in the future. It is very difficult that the church has to fight against sports, extra-curricular activities, clubs, and then parents, because it has been a rough week at work. Trust me, all of our parents had a rough week at work and raising us, yet still the priority for church was never in question. I really do feel as much as what I participated in extra school activities there was never a question that Sunday’s, even if there was an event, that church would never be compromised. Even with work at an older age of 21 when I was a full time bar tender at a club, the agreement (and this was before I had even thought of going into the priesthood) was that no matter how late I worked especially on Saturday in which there were times I was getting home at 4 to 5 Sunday morning, I was up and at church praying to God and or participating in the chanting and singing in the choir. Yes I sacrificed Sunday Bears football games on TV for that is when I was catching up on my sleep. Could I have chosen to blow off church and make a ruckus with my parents? At that age yes, but it was the deep installation of church in my younger life by seeing both of my parent’s active participants in church worship. There was never a question and I truly believe that my generation is what made YAL so successful in those years. That as much as AHEPA was important to the Greek young adult, YAL brought the church into perspective that allowed us to make ourselves active as Parish Council members, Philoptochos members, choir, Sunday School teachers, Youth Advisors, and yes even Clergy. This wouldn’t have been a reality if it wasn’t for our parents telling us, encouraging us, and yes even dragging us to church every Sunday because it was an important legacy not only in their lives but ours also. This is why from the Kindergarten Class this part of life was learned and that was to “Live a balanced life - Learn some and think some, and draw and paint and sing and dance, and play and work every day some”. Also to “Hold hands and stick together.” Our balance in life as children is what helped us as Young Adults and eventually to live a balance and enjoyable life today. We knew that work was important but so was also play. God was the center of our lives which allowed us to sing, dance, learn and think and also to question. The legacy of our parents was to make sure that we were able to build our own legacy for

(Continued on page 4)

The Anchor—FALL 2015

ourselves so that we can pass down that strength to our own children, our god-children, nieces and nephews; so they may build their own legacy. My Beloved Parishioners, especially those with children: We are losing them to the world because we have forgotten how to parent. I know sometimes it is difficult, but it is during the difficult times that the person, who struggles through it, becomes greater, in his or her achievements. Think of the athlete who is at full exhaustion but puts the extra minute in his work out and develops to be stronger and better. Think of James Harrison who as a father loves his children but wants them to earn things in life and not to expect that it will be handed to them. Even our salvation of faith is something that we have to earn. God gave it to us through his crucifixion and resurrection but it is not an entitlement, it is something that has to be earned. By saying I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour is a good start, but if that is where it stops, then we are no better than those individuals who feel entitled to gain something that they never earned. My father, God rest his soul, would never have taken a penny from anyone, not that he was a proud man in which he was, but he believed that every penny needed to be earned. He learned that money doesn’t buy class but hard work in making that money does. He instilled this in my life and my brothers lives which every good father does; he also added one more thing and that he never allowed us to miss church even once unless we were sick. I cannot emphasize this year to all the parents with children, take advantage and make a commitment of coming to church just as much as the commitment of school programs, the sports activities, and yes even as wanting to sleep and relax on a Sunday. Yet also think of the example we set when we as parents choose to play golf on a Sunday morning or get ready for a Bears game at 12 noon because we have to tailgate. What are we telling our children then? I go to one Bears game a year with Nicholas, and if I wanted to I could tell the Metropolis to send me a fill in priest for that Sunday, but then is missing church because of a game justified or can I miss the first 5 minutes of the game and do my service knowing I had a beautiful fulfillment of the Liturgy and then going to watch football. I choose missing 5 minutes not because I am a priest, but because first it is important to me, and secondly I make it also an example for my son. Trust me by attending church and then going to the game, the Bears have still lost all the ones that we have attended, but by attending church, I deal with loss much better. I really don’t have too many answers to the parents of teenagers, especially those who are already have Sunday sports and activities. You will have to make decisions and unfortunately some of those decisions will be tough, but I would suggest of thinking of the outcome at the end for if the church is absent by not being a high priority, as much as we want to say that we believe in God, then it will be absent in their adult life.

Parents with young children, you have a very important and excellent opportunity in front of you. Making the church a high priority, especially on Sundays, increase a greater chance that your children will be active as future parish council members, Philoptochos, Sunday School Teachers, Youth Advisors and possibly Clergy. We have always been instructed to capture the hearts of our children at a very young age so they won’t break our hearts in the future. At the end therefore it’s up to all of us, both as parents first, for that is where the church begins, and here at church for this is where they get to know and trust their priest. As parents, get involved with the programs; we have so many opportunities and are always looking for young couples or individuals to help in the ministries. Bring your children at least to Sunday School. Don’t just enroll them and then hardly show up but make it an important part of your Sunday. The more involved one is in something, the more important and personal it becomes. I leave you therefore with something that I found and enjoyed reading. It also plays a close role with the Kindergarten Class lessons. These lessons of life were written by Andy Rooney, a man who had the gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy.......

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows. I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day. I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right. I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child. I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way. I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with. I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

Page 5    The Anchor—Summer 2015

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for. I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class. I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular. I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved. I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts. I’ve learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you. I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds. I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am. I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile. I've learned..... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them. I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher. I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss. I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere. I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away. I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them. I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life. I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it. I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

I wish all of you God’s Blessings, and as we say goodbye to the summer months, and enter into the season of change, let us learn that change is growth and when we change especially for our children we grow even more. God’s house is calling all. Come a lot more than before. Bring the children for Christ is waiting to embrace them.

As I began with opening a box from the past, I saw the journey that I have walked. It left me with the sweet memories and some sadness. Andy Rooney said it correctly for me that “The walks around the block with my father made such an impact on my adult life” and “I wish I could have told my father that I loved him one more time before he passed away”. Maybe we as adults have gotten caught up with the craziness of our jobs and life and may have forgotten to open up a box from the past. Maybe we should do that and remember the innocence of our lives, for then we can maybe bring ourselves down to our children’s level and they in turn may see the innocence of their own parents in their eyes. Go find that which brought a smile to our face from the sweetness of past memories for that is the road of your life that you have walked.

We all live and walk the road of life every awakening day. Living it fully will only make the journey more exciting for it will exemplify what we find at the end of the road, and that is the legacy we leave behind. May all your boxes of the past be filled with beautiful, sweet, memories and inspirations to the younger generation and the generations to come. Fr. John Kalomas

The Anchor—FALL 2015

40 Day Blessings Victoiras Varis, son of Irini and Panayio s Varfis

Catherine Lauren, daughter of Diana and Sco Hoyer Thad Leon, son of Nina and Jus n Garrison

Eloise Nola, daughter of Tracy and Nicholas Demitropoulos Christos Thomas, son of Victoria Sdoukos and T.J. Gaynor

Nicole e, daughter of Calliope and Peter Aliferis Hahu, son of Frewyni Gebremedhin and Michael Gebreab

Evangelos Par ck, son of Jessica and Nick Skipitaris Anthoula, daughter of Connie and Ma hew Brown

Michael, son of Jennie and Ted Christakos Demitri, son of Elle and Peter Karragianis

Elissa Kyle, daughter of Eleni and Evan Lantz Vasiliki Ann, daughter of Georgia and Michael Mar nez

Bap sms Melina Eugenia, daughter of Lily and Thanos Karras

 Gabriel Ilyas & Phoenyx Oryon, sons of Mariana and Mark Nowak Constan ne, son of Laura and Peter Karamitos

Adeleine Nancy, daughter of Cara Mullen and Aleck Johnsen Ourania, daughter of Theodora and John Konstantos

Theodore, son of Anastasia and Raymond Pelelas Simeon Panayio , son of Maria and Jesse Opdyke

Nolan Patrick, son of Laura and Patrick Riley Leonidas Peter, son of Elena and David Salvi

Eliana Stefanea, daughter of Joanne and Vasilios Soupos Evangelos, son of Jessica and Nicholas Skipitaris

Eloise Artemis, daughter of Jacqueline and Nicholas Apostal Arianna May, daughter of Tina and George Aslanides

 

Weddings Tom Georgakopoulos and Michelle Boyle Epaminontas Stavrakis and Kiriaki Troulos

Steve and Kim Tselonis Athanasios and Eleni Potakis

Steven Harm and Hellen Benne Minos Vlamakis and Noreen Karadsheh

Patrick Doloughthy and Alexandra Demos  

Funerals  

Very Reverend Father Gabriel Karambas Frances Cosmas

Kyriaki Ades Paul Kalpake

 

Memorials 

Louis Demos— 40 days Very Reverend Father

Gabriel Karambis—40 days Peter A. Serras—40 days

Konstan nos Lazaridis—6 months Georgia Paps—6 months Andrew Benne —1 year

John Rizakos—1 year Anastasios Theodoropoulos— 1 year

Georgia Theophilos—1 year Peter Vitogiannis—1 year

Georgia Loukas—6 years Anthemos “Mike” Ades—9 years Chrysoula Vitogiannis—10 years

George Demos— 20 years Chris Davros— 50 years

Demetrios A. Govos s—50 years

UPCOMING CHURCH SERVICES

Tuesday, September 8, 2015 Nativity of the Theotokos Orthros 9:00 a.m. Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2015 Holy Cross Orthros 9:00 a.m. Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2015 Presentation of the Theotokos Orthros 9:00 a.m. Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Sunday, November 29, 2015 Vespers for St. Andrew 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2015 St. Andrew Orthros 9:30 a.m. Liturgy 10:00 a.m.

The sTained glass window challenge Your gifT TodaY will be mulTiplied

everY $3 raised will be maTched bY $1 (up To $100,000)!

A matching gift program has been established for St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, by an anonymous donor, to enhance our fund raising efforts to restore our beautiful Stained Glass Windows.

Our goal is to raise $500,000. Prior to the matching gift program we raised $99,000. With your generous support since Dec. 1, 2014, we have collected $137,000! This means we still need to raise $163,000 to achieve the full match.

The program works like this…..

We collect $300,000 & the challenge gift will match with a $100,000 donation! (As of May 1, 2015, we received $33,333 in matching funds!)

Every gift, received towards the windows will be matched $1.00 for every $3.00 collected (up to $100,000) for a limited period of time.

This is a wonderful opportunity to offer a lasting gift to our church and, with the matching funds, increase the impact of your support!

Please make your donation through the church office. For more information, please see Fr. John Kalomas, Nick Karafotias or Michael Bartholomew and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Stained Glass Window Restoration Fund ST. ANDREW GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

5649 N. SHERIDAN RD. CHICAGO, IL 60660 TELEPHONE 773-334-4515 FAX 773-334-3468

COMMITMENT CARD

I/We wish to offer the following amount: $___________________

Recurring Gifts: Weekly: $ ____________ Monthly: $_____________ Yearly: $___________ Name Home Phone: (_____) ______________

Address Cell Phone: (_____) ______________

City St Zip Email Address: _______________________

Thank You for Your Support! P81515

As of 7-31-2015

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SEE YOU ALL NEXT

YEAR

The Anchor—FALL 2015

To the Stewards of Saint Andrew’s

Welcome Back! I hope all of you had a wonderful summer and that everyone is well. A special “Thank You” for all of those who participated in any way with the Festival. With all of your help we raised over $55,000 over the two days.

As we begin our new ecclesiastical year, it is time for registration for Sunday School and Greek School. Both of our programs are ready to start the new year. We are very happy to announce that we have a new Sunday School Director, Tracey Lazos. She is looking forward to a very exciting year. Please be sure to register your children for these two programs.

As you may know, we had some burst pipes in our Holy Cross Chapel in February. Fortunately, we were insured and will be

able to restore our chapel to its original beauty. For those of us raised at St. Andrew’s, Sunday School services were held in the Chapel. Many of us had our children baptized there. It is filled with many wonderful memories. However, work on the chapel will not be completed for Stavrou. We are working very diligently to having it completed in the most appropriate manner and as quickly as possible.

Please be sure to mark your calendars for the following services and events at Saint Andrew’s:

Feast Day of Holy Cross Monday, September 14th, Orthos 9:00am, Liturgy at 10:00am Autumn Dinner-Boxing-Friday, October 16th General Assembly-Sunday, October 25th following Liturgy

Looking forward to seeing all of you. Terri Mikuzis

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS FOR 2016 AND 2017

For those who are interested in running for the 2016/2017 Parish Council applications will begin to be accepted starting September 1st until November 1st. If you are interested, you need to make an appointment with Fr. John N. Kalomas and receive an application to fill out. Proper requirements to be on the Parish Council are as follows:

Qualifications to be a Candidate for the Parish Council

Must be spiritually, canonically, and financially in good standing.

Spiritually: Attend divine service regularly and receive sacraments; uphold the teachings and traditions of the Church. Canonically: If married, married in the Orthodox Church. If divorced, have an ecclesiastical divorce. Must live his/her life and activities in accordance with the faith and canons of the Church. Financially: Must be a member of the Parish for at least one year immediately preceding the date of elections.

Must take the following oath and accept it fully:

I do solemnly swear that I will uphold the dogma, teachings, traditions, holy canons, worship, and moral principals of the Greek Orthodox Church as well as the constitutional charter, discipline, and regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and I will fulfill faithfully and sincerely, the duties and obligations required of a member of the Parish Council. So help me God.

Additional Responsibilities

To participate in the sacramental life of the Church, thereby setting an example for the parish; mandatory is the sacrament of confession and communion; to collect the revenue of the Church and to administer the affairs of the parish in such a manner as to aid the Priest in the fulfillment of its aims and purposes. After appropriate discussion, to support and cooperate with all majority decisions of the Parish Council. To volunteer to serve actively on at least two parish committees. Never to use a church’s form or mailing list for one’s own financial gain or personal agendas.

As stated above please call Fr. John to make an appointment and to receive the application for the Parish Council.

Page 9    The Anchor—Summer 2015

Adult Catechism Classes

Wednesday Evenings 7:00—8:00 pm

Beginning October 7th and continuing until November 18th

All those interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian Faith are invited to join us.

Please contact Fr. John Kalomas at (773)334-4515 or frjohn.kalomas@standreworthodox.org to register for class or for further information.

ATTENTION ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS

JOIN US for the following OCF Upcoming Events AUGUST

Monday, August 31 Back to School BBQ SEPTEMBER

Monday, September 14 Craft for Crosses

Monday, September 28 Volleyball OCTOBER

Monday, October 12 Discussion—Angels & Demons Monday, October 26 OXI Day, Pumpkin Carving

NOVEMBER Monday, November 9 Discussion—Social Media Friday, November 20 Decorate Church for Christmas DECEMBER Tuesday, December 1 Thanksmas Dinner All events begin at 5:30 p.m.

The Anchor—FALL 2015

PHILOPTOCHOS

St. Andrew’s Women’s Philoptochos Society News Congratulations to the newly elected 2015-2017 SAWPS Officers and Board: 2015-2017 SAWPS Officers 2015-2017 SAWPS Board President: Cynthia Melas Anastasia Bardouniotis Vice President: Marianne Nichols Fotine Bloom Recording Secretary: Diane White Demetra Christus Corresponding Sec’y: Cindy Lynch Cathy Fasseas Treasurer: Patty Harrison Vicki Karagianis Asst. Treasurer: Hellena Chrones Terri Mikuzis Hearts & Flowers Pat Perritt Katherine Siavelis Advisor Vonnie Karafotias Patricia Tsaoussis Marilyn Tzakis Ladies of St. Andrew’s, please join us for our first meeting of the new ecclesiastical year on Thursday, September 24. Philoptochos is the philanthropic arm of St. Andrew’s and our success is measured by all that SAWPS can do for those who are less fortunate, poor, elderly and . Our funds to donate our many philanthropic efforts comes from our annual Dinner Dance, Glendi, Spring or Fall Events, Bake sales, Lenten Luncheon, Pita sales, Vasilopita Tray and Coffee Hour, etc. In addition, SAWPS supports the vespers and feast day celebrations of the church, most notably, Holy Cross, September 14th, St. Andrew’s Names Day, November, 2015 and Pentecost. This year we have a special challenge from our National organization regarding to the construction of the St. Nicholas Shrine in NYC. Our “Grab and Go” salad and pita sales are being held in September, October and November…watch for those dates in the weekly bulletin so you can support this very worthy cause. SAWPS is also participates in outreach activities as often as possible, i.e., visiting and cooking for the Nursing Home, Soup Kitchen Annunciation Cathedral, Care for Real food baskets, UIC fleece blankets, Camp Erin, Sarah’s Circle, etc.

The Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Annual Luncheon: Our Faith and Our Foundation is Our Future, is on September 19th at Café La Cave Restaurant, 2777 S. Mannheim Road, Des Plaines, Il. Please join us to meet other Philoptochos members from across the Chicagoland area. This year proceeds from the event will benefit St. Iakovos Retreat Center, the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, as well as the Metropolis Philoptochos Philanthropic Endeavors. The cost is $50.00 per person and Kathy Siavelis is taking reservations at gsiavelis@sbcglobal.net or 847-677-0217. Please join us.

Other Metropolis events in October are:

10/03 IOCC Annual 5K Walk/Run starts @ St. Andrew Church, Chicago

10/04 Assumption, Homer Glen, IL: 99th Anniversary Dinner @ Georgio’s Banquets, Orland Park

10/09 St. Nectarios, Palatine: Dinner & Fashion Show “Cirque Du Couture” , @ Concorde Banquets, starts at 6:30 pm

10/10 Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Chapter Presidents’ meeting. Venue TBA

10/17 Holy Apostles, Westchester: Annual Luncheon & Fashion Show @ Empress Banquets, Addison, IL

10/17 – 18 St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn: Fall Craft Show & Food Bazaar

10/18 Assumption, Chicago: 90th Anniversary Dinner @ the Carlisle Banquets, Lombard

10/24 St. Basil, Chicago: 3rd Metropolis-wide Philoptochos "Dress-a-Girl-Around-the-World” Project, 9 am – 4 pm

10/24 St. Nicholas, St. Louis, MO: “FUN”raiser

10/27 Feast Day Dinner Celebration for His Eminence Metropolitan IAKOVOS at the Chateau Ritz in Niles @ 6 pm

10/31 2015 National Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon @ Renaissance Waterfront Hotel in Boston

10/31 St. Demetrios, Elmhurst: SS Cosmas & Damianos Great Vespers

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Classes for the 2015-2016 School Year begin on Saturday, September 12, 2015. Registration is now open. Tuition rates for the 2015-2016 Year are as follows:

Stewards: Non-Stewards: Full Payment at time of Registration: $900.00 Full Payment at time of Registration: $1,600.00 ½ Payment at time of Registration: $955.00 ½ Payment at time of Registration: $1,655.00

THE ABOVE TUITION RATES INCLUDE A $75.00 BOOK, SUPPLY & PTO FEE

*There is a $50 discount which will be applied per additional child enrolled in one of our programs

The Anchor—FALL 2015

St. Andrew Sunday Church School

We hope that everyone has had a relaxing and enjoyable summer. September is right around the corner and with the new month comes the beginning of the school year. Our Sunday Church School classes are scheduled to resume September 13th with the Agiasmos Service, Backpack Blessing and our Annual Back to School BBQ. On September 13th, St. Andrew’s Philoptochos and Sunday Church School will also hold our annual Backpack Sunday where we collect backpacks and school supplies to be donated to Care for Real. Backpacks, school supplies and/or monetary contributions can be dropped off at the Main Office. Sunday Church School registration kicks off on August 30th and will run through the month of September. Registration forms can be found on the Church website, in the Main Office and can be

requested via email at StAndrewsSundaySchool@gmail.com. The registration fee is $50 for the first child and $10 for each additional child; this fee is applied to classroom supplies, educational materials and youth/family ministry activities. Each Sunday, we encourage all families to join us at the Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. to actively participate in worship and prayer alongside your parish family. Sunday Church School will start immediately following Holy Communion and will conclude at 11:45 a.m. when families can gather in the gym for fellowship hour. We have an exciting year planned for the Sunday Church School program including a new campaign of “90 Acts of Kindness” to lead up to the 90th Anniversary of St. Andrew’s Church. Stay tuned for more details on how you and your families can participate! We look forward to seeing you and embarking on another year full of faith, fellowship and fun! With love in Christ, Tracey Lazos Sunday Church School Coordinator

Please join us as we welcome back St. Andrew’s Sunday School Students and Teachers! We invite all parishioners for hot dogs, burgers, chips, and soft drinks as we celebrate the blessing of

beginning another year of Sunday School.

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The Anchor—FALL 2015

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The Anchor—FALL 2015

St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church

5649 N. Sheridan Rd.

Chicago, IL 60660

SAVE THE DATE: FALL FOOD FEST

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2015 3—8 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2015 Noon—3