TODAY’S ECCLESIASTICAL CALENDAR Sunday, December 16, 2018

Eleventh Sunday of Luke - Κυριακὴ ΙA΄ Λουκᾶ Sunday of the Holy Forefathers. The Holy Prophet Haggai. Our Holy Father Modestos, Archbishop of

Jerusalem. St. Theophano the Empress and Miracleworker. Τῶν Αγίων Προπατόρων. Tοῦ Ἁγίου Προφήτου Ἀγγαίου. Tοῦ ἐν Ἁγίοις Πατρὸς ἡμῶν Μοδέστου, Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Ἱεροσολύμων. Tῆς Ἁγίας καὶ θαυματουργοῦ Θεοφανοῦς τῆς Βασιλίσσης, συζύγου

γενομένης Λέοντος τοῦ σοφωτάτου Βασιλέως.

ΑΠΟΛΥΤΙΚΙA ΤΗΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ – DISMISSAL HYMNS OF THE DAY

Apolytikion of the Fourth Tone Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου

μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀποῤῥίψασαι, τοῖς

Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον, Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός,

δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

When they had learned the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and

that the ancestral condemnation was cast away, the women disciples of the Lord spoke to the

Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting to the world the great

mercy.

Apolytikion of the Holy Forefathers Ἐν πίστει τοὺς Προπάτορας ἐδικαίωσας, τὴν ἐξ Ἐθνῶν

δι' αὐτῶν προμνηστευσάμενος Ἐκκλησίαν. Καυχῶνται ἐν δόξῃ οἱ Ἅγιοι, ὄι ἐκ σπέρματος

αὐτῶν, ὑπάρχει καρπός εὐκλεής, ἡ ἀσπόρως τεκοῦσά σε. Ταῖς αὐτῶν ἱκεσίαις, Χριστὲ ὁ

Θεός, σῶσον τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Apolytikion of the Holy Taxiarchs Τῶν οὐρανίων στρατιῶν Ἀρχιστράτηγοι, δυσωποῦμεν

ὑμᾶς ἡμεῖς οἱ ἀνάξιοι, ἵνα ταῖς ὑμῶν δεήσεσι, τειχίσητε ἡμᾶς, σκέπῃ τῶν πτερύγων, τῆς

ἀΰλου ὑμῶν δόξης, φρουροῦντες ἡμᾶς προσπίπτοντας, ἐκτενῶς καὶ βοῶντας΄ Ἐκ τῶν

κινδύνων λυτρώσασθε ἡμᾶς, ὡς Ταξιάρχαι τῶν ἄνω Δυνάμεων.

Supreme Commanders of the heavenly armies, we the unworthy implore you, that by your

supplications you encircle us under the cover of the wings of your ineffable glory; guarding us

who bow down with fervor crying: Deliver us from dangers, as Leaders of the Powers above.

Apolytikion of St. Haralambos Ὡς στῦλος ἀκλόνητος, τῆς Ἐκκλησίας Χριστοῦ, καὶ λύχνος

ἀείφωτος τῆς οἰκουμένης σοφέ, ἐδείχθης Χαράλαμπες, ἔλαμψας ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, διὰ τοῦ

μαρτυρίου, ἔλυσας τῶν εἰδώλων, τὴν σκοτόμαιναν μάκαρ, διὸ ἐν παῤῥησίᾳ Χριστῷ,

πρέσβευε σωθῆναι ἡμᾶς.

As a pillar unshakable of the Church of Christ, and an ever-radiant lamp to the universe, were

you, O wise Haralambos; you illumined the world through martyrdom; you dispelled the moon-

less night of the idols, o blessed one. Therefore with boldness before Christ, intercede that we

may be saved.

ΚΟΝΤΑΚΙΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ – KONTAKION OF THE DAY

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν προαιώνιον Λόγον, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ ἔρχεται, ἀποτεκεῖν ἀποῤῥήτως.

Χόρευε ἡ οἰκουμένη ἀκουτισθεῖσα, δόξασον μετὰ Ἀγγέλων καὶ τῶν Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα

ἐποφθῆναι, Παιδίον νέον, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων Θεόν.

Web: SaintHaralambosGOC.org Fr. Constantine P. Botsis, Proistamenos Fr. George Lamberis, Synefemerios Deacon John G. Suhayda Nick Harisiadis, Protopsaltis

Strive to excel in building up the church! (1 Cor. 14:12)

Chicago Metropolis Mission, Vision, Values and Why Statements On November 2-4, a group of 86 volunteers participated in a Strategic Planning Retreat for benefit of the Metropolis and achieved consensus on the following statements of identity and purpose:

“Why” Statement (why we exist)

To receive and share unconditional love, mercy, healing and peace, so that life has greater meaning and purpose.

Mission Statement

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is a Christ-centered community that loves, guides, engages, and serves all people.

Core Values

Vision Statement In 3-5 years, we will grow our Metropolis family through greater:

We need your help! Please visit http://chicago.goarch.org/strategic-planning and sign up to join a Strategic Planning Task Force

by clicking the “Register to Participate” tab.

• Christ-centered

• Integrity

• Service

• Humility

• Love

• Merciful

• Spiritual development

• Adaptable

Fellowship & Welcoming

Accountability

Ministries & Education

Innovation

Leadership

Involved Youth & Emerging Adults

Engagement on Critical Issues

Stewardship

ANNOUNCEMENTS The St. Haralambos Afternoon School PTA invites you

for LOUKOUMATHES at today’s coffee fellowship hour!

PROSPHORA—We thank Mrs. Marianna Koliopoulos, Mrs. Kalista Georgatsos, the Tafreshing Family, and by Mrs. Jolynn Ruggerio who have offered today’s prosphora. Next week, the prosphora will be offered by Presvytera Georgia, Mrs. Loretta Hughes/Politis and Mrs. Voula An-drews (Sun, Dec 23).

MEMORIAL SERVICES TODAY 40 days—Antonios Karahalios 6 months—Hariklia Vranas Memorial services are offered for the eternal rest of persons who have fallen asleep in the Lord. There are some days when Memorials are not permitted—please call the church office before plan-ning. Memorials take place at 40 days, at 6 months, at 1 year and at 3 years. After three years have passed, the departed are more properly remembered on the Saturdays of the Souls. Please also remember that we have discontinued the custom of placing candles in the kolyva.

HOW TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION--Orthodox Christians in good standing are encour-aged to receive Holy Communion, provided they have prepared themselves spiritually, mentally and physically. On the day of receiving Holy Communion, it is not proper to eat or drink anything before coming to church. After receiving, wipe your lips on the cloth, step back carefully, hand the cloth to the next person and make the sign of the Cross as you step away.

METROPOLIS CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE—His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael invites you to the annual Christmas Open House, hosted by St. Demetrios Church in Chicago, TODAY, December 16, from 4 to 8 pm. This event gives all of us the opportunity to exchange Christmas Greetings with one another and with our His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. Plan to attend!

COAT DRIVE — THANK YOU to everyone who made a contribution to help keep someone warm this winter! Over 118 coats were collected!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY ELECTED PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS—Elections took place last Sunday to fill 10 2-year seats on the Parish Council. We congratulate these members and offer wishes for the success of all endeavors: Christos Agalliu, Tom Bournias, Bill Bozikis, Nick Gianaris, George Giolas, Krystal Ioannou, Thomas N. Kanelos, Ted Karabatsos, Rich Kozlowski, Mike Pontikis.

2018 STEWARDSHIP REMINDER We are very grateful that so many have made their 2018 commitment! As we look forward to the challenges facing us, we urge you to consider a monthly commit-ment of $93. This is what is needed to cover our needs and it is realistic for most stewards! If you have not yet made your 2018 commitment, please do so. We de-pend on you!

DEAR FRIENDS AND VISITORS: Welcome to Saint Haralambos! We hope that your worship experience with us is prayerful and uplifting. Please seek out our ushers if you have any questions!

Ανακοινώσεις

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND EVENTS THIS WEEK ΤΟDAY—SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

& GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Mon, Dec 17 Family Night at Paint N Party (Golf Mill Mall) ..…………………... 6:30 pm Tues, Dec 18 Little Angels Toddler Ministry………………………………………. 11:30 am Afternoon Greek School ………………...…………………….…….. 4:30 pm Iconography Committee……………………………………………… 7:00 pm Wed, Dec 19 Parish Council Meeting…………………….……………………….. 7:30 pm Thurs, Dec 20 Bible Study………………………………………………………. 7:00 pm Fri, Dec 21 Preschool Christmas Program………………………………………… 10:30 am Afternoon Greek School……………………………………………….. 4:30 pm Afternoon Greek School Christmas Program…...…………………… 5:30 pm Sat, Dec 22 Saturday Greek School Christmas Program………………………….. 11:00 am Sr. GOYA Christmas Caroling………………………………………… 2:00 pm Sr. GOYA Christmas Party …………………………………………… 6:00 pm

Δια να διατηρηθή αξιοπρεπής η ακολουθία και δια να μην αποσπάμε την προσοχή των άλλων, σας παρακαλούμε όπως κρατάτε κλειστά τα κινητά σας τηλέφωνα.

2018 STEWARDSHIP —ΜΙΑ ΦΙΛΙΚΗ ΥΠΕΝ-ΘΥΜΙΣΗ—Είμαστε ευγνώμονες σε όλους που συμπλήρωσαν την κάρτα προσφοράς τους για το 2018 Stewardship! Καθώς κοιτάζουμε τις ανάγκες μας στο μέλλον, σας παροτρύνουμε να σκευθείτε μηνιαίες δόσεις. Με το ποσό μόνο των $93 το μήνα από όλους τους stewards μας, μπορούμε να καλύψουμε τις ανάγκες μας. Για τους περισσότερους είναι ένα ποσό εφικτό! Εαν δεν έχετε συμπληρώσει κάρτα προσφοράς δια το 2018 Stewardship, παρακαλούμε όπως επιληφθείτε του θέματος. Βασιζόμεθα στην συνεχή σας υποστήριξη προς τον Χριστόν και την αφοσίωσή σας στην Εκκλησία Του!

ΠΟΙΟΙ ΔΥΝΑΝΤΑΙ ΝΑ ΛΑΒΟΥΝ ΘΕΙΑΝ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑΝ - Όταν λαμβάνομεν Θείαν Κοινω-νίαν η οποιοδήποτε από τα άλλα Μυστήρια εκφρά-ζομεν την αποδοχήν μας εις τα δογματικά και ηθικά διδάγματα της Ορθοδόξου μας Εκκλησίας. Διά τούτο, μόνον Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί οι οποίοι είναι εντάξει απέναντι της Εκκλησίας δύνανται να λάβουν μέρος εις τα Μυστήρια, όπως Θεία Κοινωνία και Ευχέλαιο, και δεν πρέπει να λαμβάνουν μέρος σε Μυστήρια σε μη Ορθόδοξες εκκλησίες. Διά οποιεσδήποτε απορίες σας,

παρακαλούμε να συζητήσετε με τον ιερέα σας.

ΑΝΗΜΠΟΡΑ ΑΤΟΜΑ-Παρακαλούμε όπως πλη-ροφορείτε 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 να τους πάμε την Θείαν Κοινωνίαν όπου διαμένουν.

ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΩΡΑ ΤΟΥ ΚΑΦΕ—Κάθε Κυριακή μετά το τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας διάφορες οργανώσεις της εκκλησίας προσφέρουν καφέ με σκοπό να μας δώσουν την ευκαιρία να γνωρίσουμε καλύτερα ο ένας τον άλλον. Προσκαλούνται όλοι να έχουν καφέ ή γλυκά ή κάποια φρούτα. Παρακαλούμε όπως μετά το πέρας της ώρας του καφέ να μαζέψετε τα πιάτα και τα ποτήρια σας από το τραπέζι!

ΤΡΟΠΟΙ ΚΑΛΗΣ ΣΥΜΠΕΡΙΦΟΡΑΣ ΕΝΤΟΣ ΤΗΕ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ: Δια να είσαστε διακριτικοί έναντι των άλλων, εαν τυγχάνει να έχετε βαμμένα τα χείλη σας, παρακαλούμε όπως όταν ασπάζεσθε τις εικόνες ή όταν λαμβάνετε την Θείαν Κοινωνίαν, να προσέχετε να μην αφήνετε σημάδια.

CHURCH BASKETBALL COME AND CHEER FOR OUR YOUTH AT THEIR BASKEBALL GAMES! January 12

At Culver against Ss Peter and Paul

3rd & 4th Grade: 1:45 pm 5th & 6th Grade: 2:30 pm 7th & 8th Grade: 3:30 pm

Girls Team: 4:30 pm High School: 5:30 pm

***Reminder—If you plan to play, you are to be in church

throughout basketball season. NO PRAY , NO PLAY

GENERAL ASSEMBLY TODAY—An important General Assembly is scheduled TODAY after church services to approve our 2019 church operating budget. Please plan to participate!

THE CHRISTMAS FAST—From November 15 through December 24 is a period of fasting for Or-thodox Christians, in preparation for the Great Feast of Christmas. Fasting is a way of self-katharsis, self-discipline and anticipation for this great Holiday, in imitation of Christ who fasted in the desert before he began His public ministry. It is a light Fast (fish is allowed) until December 17. For the final week, a strict fast is prescribed.

VISIT OUR BOOKSTORE! We have received new, colorful and interesting materials, just in time for Christmas! Look over our new books, Christmas titles and gifts for children and adults, to help prepare for Christmas! Books make great gifts!

RECEIVE A WEEKLY PARISH E-MAIL with information about upcom-ing parish and Metropolis events, service schedules and other useful infor-mation related to our community! If you would like to receive these mess-ages, visit our website and click on the “Join Our E-mail Listserv” button. Fill out the necessary information to subscribe.

LET’S GO BOWLING! Join our St. Haralambos Bowling League, the first Friday of each month, beginning in January 2019! (Sounds like fun!) We will meet at the Brunswick Zone, 7333 Milwaukee Avenue in Niles. Call Rubine (847-977-8775) or Perry Giannopoulos (312-608-0999) for more info!

DONATION BOX —We are grateful to all who have placed contributions in the donation box in the narthex. These contributions are used to help people who come to us and need financial help. Your generosity during this Holiday Season is greatly appreciated. You have helped many people!

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS GREEK NIGHT! Sit with us in the St. Haralambos Section to watch the Harlem Globetrotters at Allstate Arena in Rosemont at 7:00 pm on Thursday evening, December 27th! Your participation will benefit the Lyreio Children Orphanage in Mati, Greece, that was destroyed by the Attica Wilfires last summer. Tickets are only $25—call the church office to reserve your tickets. Special rate for ALTAR BOYS!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GOOD MANNERS ALWAYS IN STYLE!

Please understand that chewing gum in church is considered to be very discourteous and even vulgar. Your attention to this is greatly appreci-ated.

If your child is distracting to others, do not be embarrassed; they are only children. If they con-tinue to disturb, however, you are requested to take your child to our “cry room.”

Be considerate! Please remove lipstick when reverencing the holy icons or receiving Holy Communion.

Please teach children that it is not proper to eat snacks, chew gum or cross their legs in church.

Please turn off cell-phones and video games during Church services.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS:

Our Sunday School CHRISTMAS PAGEANT will take place TODAY in Church following the Divine Liturgy. We congratulate our children and our teachers for their

hard work, and thank them for helping us remember the meaning of Christmas!

Ἀπόστολος καὶ Εὐαγγέλιον τῆς Ἡμέρας

AΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ

Κολασ. γ´ 4-11

Ἀδελφοί, ὅταν ὁ Χριστὸς φανερωθῇ, ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν, τότε καὶ ὑμεῖς σὺν αὐτῷ

φανερωθήσεσθε ἐν δόξῃ. Νεκρώσατε οὖν τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, πορνείαν,

ἀκαθαρσίαν, πάθος, ἐπιθυμίαν κακήν, καὶ τὴν πλεονεξίαν ἥτις ἐστὶν

εἰδωλολατρία, δι᾽ ἃ ἔρχεται ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐπὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς τῆς ἀπειθείας, ἐν οἷς

καὶ ὑμεῖς περιεπατήσατέ ποτε ὅτε ἐζῆτε ἐν αὐτοῖς΄ νυνὶ δὲ ἀπόθεσθε καὶ ὑμεῖς τὰ

πάντα, ὀργήν, θυμόν, κακίαν, βλασφημίαν, αἰσχρολογίαν ἐκ τοῦ στόματος ὑμῶν·

μὴ ψεύδεσθε εἰς ἀλλήλους, ἀπεκδυσάμενοι τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον σὺν ταῖς

πράξεσιν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐνδυσάμενοι τὸν νέον τὸν ἀνακαινούμενον εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν κατ᾽

εἰκόνα τοῦ κτίσαντος αὐτόν, ὅπου οὐκ ἔνι Ἕλλην καὶ ᾽Ιουδαῖος, περιτομὴ καὶ

ἀκροβυστία, βάρβαρος, Σκύθης, δοῦλος, ἐλεύθερος, ἀλλὰ τὰ πάντα καὶ ἐν πᾶσι

Χριστός.

ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΝ Ἐκ τοῦ κατὰ Λουκᾶν ιδ’ 16-24; Ματθαἰον κδ’ 14

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην· Ἄνθρωπός τις ἐποίησεν δεῖπνον μέγα, καὶ

ἐκάλεσεν πολλούς· καὶ ἀπέστειλεν τὸν δοῦλον αὐτοῦ τῇ ὥρᾳ τοῦ δείπνου εἰπεῖν

τοῖς κεκλημένοις, Ἔρχεσθε, ὅτι ἤδη ἕτοιμά ἐστιν πάντα. Καὶ ἤρξαντο ἀπὸ μιᾶς

παραιτεῖσθαι πάντες. Ὁ πρῶτος εἶπεν αὐτῷ, Ἀγρὸν ἠγόρασα, καὶ ἔχω ἀνάγκην

ἐξελθεῖν καὶ ἰδεῖν αὐτόν· ἐρωτῶ σε, ἔχε με παρῃτημένον. Καὶ ἕτερος εἶπεν, Ζεύγη

βοῶν ἠγόρασα πέντε, καὶ πορεύομαι δοκιμάσαι αὐτά· ἐρωτῶ σε, ἔχε με

παρῃτημένον. Καὶ ἕτερος εἶπεν, Γυναῖκα ἔγημα, καὶ διὰ τοῦτο οὐ δύναμαι ἐλθεῖν.

Καὶ παραγενόμενος ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος ἀπήγγειλεν τῷ κυρίῳ αὐτοῦ ταῦτα. Τότε

ὀργισθεὶς ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης εἶπεν τῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ, Ἔξελθε ταχέως εἰς τὰς πλατείας

καὶ ῥύμας τῆς πόλεως, καὶ τοὺς πτωχοὺς καὶ ἀναπήρους καὶ χωλοὺς καὶ τυφλοὺς

εἰσάγαγε ὧδε. Καὶ εἶπεν ὁ δοῦλος, Κύριε, γέγονεν ὡς ἐπέταξας, καὶ ἔτι τόπος ἐστίν.

Καὶ εἶπεν ὁ κύριος πρὸς τὸν δοῦλον, Ἔξελθε εἰς τὰς ὁδοὺς καὶ φραγμούς, καὶ

ἀνάγκασον εἰσελθεῖν, ἵνα γεμισθῇ ὁ οἶκος μου. Λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐδεὶς τῶν

ἀνδρῶν ἐκείνων τῶν κεκλημένων γεύσεταί μου τοῦ δείπνου. Πολλοί γὰρ εἰσιν

κλητοί, ὀλίγοι δέ ἐκλεκτοί.

Today’s Gospel and Epistle Readings

EPISTLE READING

Colossians 3: 4-11

BRETHREN, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear

with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication,

impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account

of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these

you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away; anger,

wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one anoth-

er, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put

on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its

creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised,

barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

GOSPEL READING Luke 14: 16-24; Matthew 22 :14

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited

many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who

had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make

excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I

pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of

oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And

another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the

servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger

said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and

bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir,

what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master

said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to

come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who

were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"