COMMUNION ANNOUNCEMENT: While we pray and work for the recon-ciliation and unity of all the world's Christians, the reality remains that there is still no intercommunion between our Orthodox Churches and the Churches of the West. This means that only baptized, chrismated and observant Orthodox faithful receive Communion in our churches. At the same time, we warmly welcome all non-Orthodox to join us in prayer and celebration, and humbly offer to all present the Antidoro bread of fellowship at the end of the service. We offer this important symbol 'instead of the Gifts', in the words of the Apostle Paul, 'Till we all come to the unity of the Faith' (Eph. 4.13).

YOUR COOPERATION IS NEEDED! We remind our faithful that the Di-vine Liturgy begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. Please be prompt and on time! Please turn off cell phones before entering church. No conversation should take place during worship. During the reading of the Gospel people in the narthex should not be purchasing or lighting candles but standing reverently and listen to the reading. If possible avoid using center aisle during high points of Divine Litur-gy. Lipstick and lip-gloss should be removed before kissing icons, receiving Holy Communion and kissing the hand of the priest. When receiving antidoron, please use both hands and do not allow the crumbs to fall to the floor.

.SUPERBOWL 2016: Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 7th, so you don’t miss our Annual SUPERBOWL Party. $50 Game Board tickets are now on sale and Raffle Tickets at $10 each or 3 for $20 are also available ,to win a Big Screen TV. Dinner Only tickets are $12. Enjoy Snacks, Buffet Dinner, Dessert and Coffee while watching the game. Join the fun and have a great time!

“PARADOSIS” ADULT GREEK DANCE TROUPE: Is beginning on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 and Open to all Adults College Age and Above, who are interested in learning a variety of Greek dances. Please see the enclosed flyer to apply.

ST. NICHOLAS DANCE TROUPES: Every Thursday our Dance Troupes will be practicing. For children ages 4 to 12, the Junior Dance Troupe will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and for young people of High School age the Senior Dance Troupe will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please see the enclosed flyer to apply.

SMALL PARAKLESIS EVERY THURSDAY: Along with our Adult Religious Education classes on Thursday we also do a Small Paraklesis service that everyone is welcome to attend and submit names. It is a wonderful service where we supplicate the Most Holy Theotokos to intercede on our behalf for nu-merous different reasons. Let us try to take advantage of the rich liturgical life of our church and please join us for this most beautiful service.

HELLENIC DANCE CONFERENCE: His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos

has initiated a new ministry dedicated to promoting, preserving and perpetuating

the traditional Greek dance and music of our Hellenic heritage. The hope is to

inspire youth and young adults through dance, music and fellowship. The first

conference will take place on October 7-9, 2016 at St. John the Baptist Church in

Des Plaines. There will be an opening meeting on Monday February 1, 2016 at

7:00 p.m. at St. Demetrios Church in Elmhurst to plan the event . Please con-

tact Father Tilemahos at 708-308-4584 or at tilemahos@att.net,if you are interest-

ed in participating.

Fr. Christodoulos Margellos

Proistemenos

frchristos@gmail.com

10301 S Kolmar Ave.

Oak Lawn, IL 60453

(708)-636-5460

www.stnicholasil.org

Saint Nicholas

Greek Orthodox

Church

Sunday, January 24th, 2016 Sanctity of Life Sunday

Saint Xenia, Deaconess of Rome Saint Vavylas the Holy Martyr

Readings:

Epistle: 1 Timothy 1: 15-17

Gospel: Luke 18: 35-43

Epistle Reader: Dr. Peter A. Patsavas

Memorials:

Elaine Kamberos 6 Months

Vasilios Perakis 3 Years

Helen Pantazes 10 Years

Margaret Pantazes 10 years

Anthony Kamberos 18 Years

Antonios Perakis 20 Years

Angelo Pantazes 29 Years

Coffee Fellowship Hour immediately follows the Divine Liturgy and is

sponsored today by the Ladies Philoptochos in the Dr. Mary Dochios

Kamberos Community Center.

2:15 p.m. Basketball: St. Niocholas/St. Spyridon Terms host St. Andrew/St.

George/Assumption, Chicago Teams at St. Spyridon

THIS WEEK AT SAINT NICHOLAS

Monday, January 25th, 2016

Saint Gregory the Theologian

8:30 a.m. Orthros followed by the Divine Liturgy

4:30 p.m. Greek School

Tuesday, January 26th, 2016

10:00 a.m. Philoptochos Prep for Cooking Class

7:00 p.m. Paradosis Adult Greek Troupe

Wednesday, January 27th, 2016

6:30 p.m. “How To Class” -Making Meatballs

4:30 p.m. Greek School

7:00 p.m. Basketball Practice

Thursday, January 28th, 2016 10:00 a.m. Philoptochos Prep for Cooking Class

6:00 p.m. Small Paraklesis

followed by Adult Religious Education

6:30 p.m. Junior Dance Troupe

Saturday, January 30th, 2016

11:00 a.m. Philoptochos Cooking Class

5:00 p.m. Great Vespers

The Gospel according to Luke 18: 35-43 At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

St. Paul's First Letter to Timothy 1:15-17 Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Je-sus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the foremost of sinners; but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might dis-play His perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. To the King of Ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory to the ages of ages. Amen.

Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 18: 35-43 Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ᾿Εγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ ἐγγίζειν αὐτὸν εἰς ῾Ιεριχὼ τυφλός τις ἐκάθητο παρὰ τὴν ὁδὸν προσαιτῶν· ἀκούσας δὲ ὄχλου διαπορευομένου ἐπυνθάνετο τί εἴη ταῦτα. ἀπήγγειλαν δὲ αὐτῷ ὅτι ᾿Ιησοῦς ὁ Ναζωραῖος παρέρχεται. καὶ ἐβόησε λέγων· ᾿Ιησοῦ υἱὲ Δαυΐδ, ἐλέησόν με· καὶ οἱ προάγοντες ἐπετίμων αὐτῷ ἵνα σιω-πήσῃ· αὐτὸς δὲ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἔκραζεν· υἱὲ Δαυΐδ, ἐλέησόν με. σταθεὶς δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιη-σοῦς ἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν ἀχθῆναι πρὸς αὐτόν. ἐγγίσαντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτὸν λέγων· τί σοι θέλεις ποιήσω; ὁ δὲ εἶπε· Κύριε, ἵνα ἀναβλέψω. καὶ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἀνάβλεψον· ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέ σε. καὶ παραχρῆμα ἀνέβλεψε, καὶ ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ δοξάζων τὸν Θεόν· καὶ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ἰδὼν ἔδωκεν αἶνον τῷ Θεῷ.

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Our Adult Religious Education classes

begin with a Small Paraklesis Service at 6:00 p.m. and follow with our class

beginning at 7:00 p.m. Please join us to learn more about the richness of our faith

as we strive together to grow closer to our Lord.

2016 AHEPA SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: Applications are now availa-ble for the AHEPA Scholarship awards. Eligible students must be high school seniors, have a minimum four-year cumulative grade point average of B and be of either Greek heritage or have a parent who is an active member of the AHEPA family. The deadline for applications is TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016. Applica-tion forms are available in the Church Office or on-line at www.ahepa.org/. You may also contact Nick Lamnatos by e-mail at nicklamnatos@yahoo.com.

BLOOD DRIVE FOR LITTLE AVA: On Sunday, January 31, there will be a Blood Drive at St. Spyridon Church in honor of Ava Perakis, a 3-year-old child suffering from leukemia. Ava is the daughter of Tim and Kathy Perakis. The Blood Drive will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Your donation of blood will not only help someone in need , but will be a tribute to Ava. Please see the enclosed flyer for information on scheduling an appointment.

THOUGHT; If you insist on standing still, stand aside; others may be going somewhere.

Πρὸς Τιμόθεον α' 1:15-17 Τέκνον Τιμόθεε, πιστὸς ὁ λόγος καὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος, ὅτι Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς ἦλθεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἁμαρτωλοὺς σῶσαι, ὧν πρῶτός εἰμι ἐγώ· ἀλλὰ διὰ τοῦτο ἠλεήθην, ἵνα ἐν ἐμοὶ πρώτῳ ἐνδείξηται Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς τὴν πᾶσαν μακροθυμίαν, πρὸς ὑποτύπωσιν τῶν μελλόντων πιστεύειν ἐπʼ αὐτῷ εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Τῷ δὲ βα-σιλεῖ τῶν αἰώνων, ἀφθάρτῳ, ἀοράτῳ, μόνῳ σοφῶ θεῷ, τιμὴ καὶ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.

Resurrectional Apolotikion Ἠχος α

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν. Διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι Ζωοδότα· Δόξα τῇ ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ Βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε.

First Mode When the stone had been sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were guarding Thine immaculate Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life unto the world. Wherefore, the powers of the Heavens cried out to Thee, O Lifegiver: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ. Glory to Thy Kingdom. Glory to Thy dispen-sation, O only Friend of man.

Hymn of Saint Nicholas Patron of our Parish Ἠχος δ

Κανόνα πίστεως καί εικόνα πραότητος, εγκρατείας Διδάσκαλον, ανέδειξέ σε τή ποίμνη σου, η τών πραγμάτων αλήθεια, διά τούτο εκτήσω τή ταπεινώσει τά υψη-λά, τή πτωχεία τά πλούσια, Πάτερ Ιεράρχα Νικόλαε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Fourth Mode A model of faith and the image of gentleness, the example of your life has shown you forth to your sheep-fold to be a master of temperance. You obtained thus through being lowly, gifts from on high, and riches through poverty. Nicholas, our father and priest of priests, intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls.

Kontakion Ἠχος α

Ὁ μήτραν παρθενικὴν ἁγιάσας τῶ τόκω σου, καὶ χείρας τοῦ Συμεὼν εὐλογήσας ὡς ἔπρεπε, προφθάσας καὶ νὺν ἔσωσας ἡμᾶς Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός. Ἀλλ' εἰρήνευσον ἐν πολέμοις τὸ πολίτευμα, καὶ κραταίωσον Βασιλεῖς οὓς ἠγάπησας, ὁ μόνος φιλάνθρωπος.

First Mode Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your common-wealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.

SANCTITY OF LIFE SUNDAY: Our Metropolis of Chicago commemorates this day as the “Sanctity of Life” Sunday. Today, we as Orthodox Christians, re-member the precious gift of life and the holiness of God’s image and likeness in each human being. At the conclusion of today’s worship a special prayer will be offered.

IN ORDER TO LIVE AND LEARN OUR FAITH … We must begin to prac-tice what we preach. So many people claim to be good Christians and members of certain community; but rarely, if ever, participate in a religious, social or Church oriented activity. If you are one of “those people” or know one or are thinking about one, let us see if we can change some of our habits and redirect our thinking towards one purpose: living our lives for our Lord, Jesus Christ. If we keep Him in our minds, our hearts, our souls constantly and help others do the same, we will begin practicing what we all like to preach: the message of Christianity.

NOT GUILTY: One day the parents sent their sons in to see their pr iest be-cause the boys were always in trouble. The priest called the eldest, Timmy into his office. He asked, “Timmy, do you know where God is?” Timmy hung his head and said nothing. The priest asked the same question several more times. Finally the priest slammed his hand down on the desk saying, “Come on, you know where God is!” Timmy jumped down from his chair and ran out the door. His brother Jimmy asked, “What’s the matter?” Timmy replied, “God is missing and they think we took Him!”

STEWARDSHIP NOTE: God does not require anyone to have one talent, three talents, or five talents. He only requires that we be faithful with whatever we have. If you haven’t made your 2016 Pledge of Commitment to our parish, please do so today. Pledge forms are available at the candle stand & the church office. Also some stillowe for their 2015 pledges. Remember your gift enables Christ’s Church to continue His work of Salvation. Please note: When making your stewardship payments, your envelope should include your name.

DO IT ANYWAY! Some people are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. - Love them anyway! If you do good people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. - Do good anyway! If you are successful, you may win close false friends and true enemies. - Succeed anyway! The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. - Do good anyway! Honesty makes you vulnerable. - Be honest anyway! The biggest men with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men with the smallest minds. - Think big anyway! What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. - Build anyway! People really need help but may attack you if you help them. - Help them anyway! Give the world the best you have and you may get kicked in the teeth. -Give the world the best you got anyway! Give anyway! Love anyway! Help anyway! Build anyway! “He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully…God loves a cheerful giver.”