Good Morning,
Family & Friends of
The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios
Sunday, February 28, 2021
17th Sunday of Luke
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
Metropolitan Kallistos Ware on the
Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Please take the time to listen to this
10 minute homily given by
His Eminence Metropolitan Kallistos Ware of Diokleia (Great Britain) on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son; how it relates to us and
ties into our preparation for Great Lent!
Epistle Reading (2/28/2021): I Corinthians 6:12-20
Gospel Reading (2/28/2021): Luke 15:11-32
Holy New Martyr Kyranna as a
Model for Our Lives
February 28
By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

The Holy New Martyr Kyranna lived in the 18th century. She was born in the village of Avyssoka or Vyrsoka - in today's Ossa of Thessaloniki - from reverent parents. She was extremely beautiful, yet this was the reason for her martyrdom. This is because a girl who was beautiful in the years of the Turkish occupation was regarded by her own as a curse and misfortune. For the very beautiful girls were grabbed by the Turks and taken to their harem. St. Kyranna was seen by a janissary, who was a collector of taxes in the village, and wanted to convert her to Islam and marry her. She declined, remaining constant and steadfast in her faith, with the result that she underwent terrible torture.

Artoclasia & Memorial

1st Divine Liturgy
For the Feast Day of St. Nicholas Planas (March 2)

2nd Divine Liturgy
Dionysios Fourtounis (+40 Days)
St. Demetrios Parish Information


 This Week at St. Demetrios
* As a courtesy reminder, it is necessary to call the Church Office to register
for an upcoming service. 
Live-streaming is offered on Sundays for Orthros and the 1st Divine Liturgy.


Sunday, February 28th
ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΙΖ΄ ΛΟΥΚΑ-ΤΟΥ ΑΣΩΤΟΥ
17TH SUNDAY OF LUKE-THE PRODIGAL SON
Όρθρος, 7π.μ. / Orthros, 7a.m. (Live)
ΠΡΩΤΗ Θεία Λειτουργία, 8:30π.μ. / FIRST Divine Liturgy, 8:30a.m. (Live)
ΔΕΥΤΕΡΗ Θεία Λειτουργία, 11:00π.μ. / SECOND Divine Liturgy, 11:00a.m.
Religious Education/Sunday School Zoom Sessions
6:30 p.m.: 3rd-5th grades
7:00 p.m.: 6th-8th grades
7:30 p.m.: 9th-12th grades

Monday, March 1st
Pythagoras Children's Academy, 8:30p.m.-3:15p.m.
Pythagoras Greek School (PGS), 4:30p.m.-6:30p.m. (Remote Classes)

Tuesday, March 2nd
Pythagoras Children's Academy, 8:30p.m.-3:15p.m.
School Board Zoom Meeting, 7p.m.

Wednesday, March 3rd
Pythagoras Children's Academy, 8:30p.m.-3:15p.m.
Pythagoras Greek School (PGS), 4:30p.m.-6:30p.m. (Remote Classes)

Thursday, March 4th
Pythagoras Children's Academy, 8:30p.m.-3:15p.m.
Jr./Sr. GOYA Gathering, 6:30p.m.-8p.m.

Friday, March 5th
Pythagoras Children's Academy, 8:30p.m.-3:15p.m.
"Light the Way", Philoptochos Virtual Fundraising Event, 7p.m.

Saturday, March 6th
Ψυχοσάββατω / 1st Saturday of Souls
Όρθρος, 8π.μ. / Orthros, 8a.m.
Θεία Λειτουργία, 9π.μ. / Divine Liturgy, 9a.m.
Pythagoras Greek School (PSGS), 9a.m.-12p.m.

Sunday, March 7th
JUDGEMENT/MEATFARE SUNDAY
Όρθρος, 7π.μ. / Orthros, 7a.m. (Live)
ΠΡΩΤΗ Θεία Λειτουργία, 8:30π.μ. / FIRST Divine Liturgy, 8:30a.m. (Live)
ΔΕΥΤΕΡΗ Θεία Λειτουργία, 11:00π.μ. / SECOND Divine Liturgy, 11:00a.m.

Live-streaming is offered on Sundays: Orthros & the 1st Divine Liturgy.
Links may be found at saintdemetrioselmhurst.org/live or below.
1. Church You-Tube Channel
2. Church Facebook Page
Updated News for Church Attendance and Coivd-19 Guidelines

As we climb the ladder of tiers and phases, we are happy to announce that we will be able to add 20 people for each Church service. The total capacity of parishioners able to reserve for a service will be 100 people. This will begin on March 6th, the 1st Saturday of Souls.

In addition, beginning with Great Lent, we will offer online sign-up for our Church services. Stay tuned for more information about this!


Church Office Hours

Monday-Friday: 9a.m.-5p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
New Email for Fr. Dionysios:

paterdionysio@gmail.com
The Ladies Philoptochos of St. Demetrios Elmhurst
Virtual Fundraising Event 2021 
This Coming Friday!!!
Each year the Philoptochos hosts their main fundraising event to raise funds which support many charitable outreach programs. This year due to the social distancing restrictions, we have opted to host a virtual fundraising event this Friday, March 5th at 7pm. The theme is “Light the Way”.
 
Please consider purchasing raffle tickets. There are 12 beautiful items that will be presented, ranging from an Apple laptop to a Valentino purse. A portion of the event proceeds will support Serenity House Counseling Services.
 
It’s through your generosity, love and commitment that The Ladies Philoptochos is able to continue their mission. We are grateful for your support. Thank you, and God Bless!
Youth Ministry & Religious Education Update
ONLINE YOUTH REGISTRATION

In an effort to update our youth ministry database, we ask that all families register their children via our online registration form. Please take a few minutes to do this so we can be assured we have the correct grades, contact information, etc...for all our youth ministry families. 
There is also a short one question survey about other ministries and some information about current guidelines for attending. 
Thank you in advance! Click on the button below to sign up today!
Sunday School
We invite all 3rd-12th graders to join us every Sunday evening for a half hour zoom meeting. Grades 3-5 @ 6:30pm, Grades 6-8 @ 7pm and Grades 9-12 @ 7:30pm. 
You may also contact our director, Mrs. Lia Papadopoulos, to be added or with any questions at religiousedteacher@gmail.com.
Jr./Sr. GOYA 

This past Thursday, God provided our Goyans with what was probably the last perfect night for sledding in winter 2021.
At a balmy 35 degrees, we had just the perfect snow texture and the minimum 3.25" snow blanket as required by the DPCSTBLCGOYM (DuPage County Sledding, Tobogganing, Bobsled, Luge Commission for Greek Orthodox Youth Ministries).
Hot cocoa at pick up was the perfect end. 

We meet again this Thursday, March 4th!
If you are a 6th-12th grader and have not attended a GOYA gathering yet, we hope to see this Thursday!
LOST & FOUND
LAST CALL!

Over the last several years, we have amassed quite a pile of items "lost and found" in the Church. From keys, key fobs, glasses, chargers, jewelry to a professional camera flash. 
If you have lost anything at some point, please check with the Church Office - we may have it! 
At the end of the month, we will donate or dispose of any items that are not claimed. 
Thank you!
The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios’
13th Annual Grocery Bag Parish Food Drive
 
“Compassionate Friends” Outreach Ministry invites you to help us kick off our Annual Grocery Bag Drive starting Feb 21, the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee and ending on April 25. As we begin to enter a time of preparation for the spiritual journey of Lent, we are asked as Orthodox Christians to draw closer to God through worship, prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. Covid has brought financial hardships for many and we humbly ask your help in filling the bins and pantries of those in need. As always, items collected will be reserved for our own needy parishioners and distributed to the local food pantries in Addison and Elmhurst. Please click here for more information. Thank you!
2021 Stewardship of
The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios

Stewardship as of Friday, February 26th: 177 Stewards
A Morning Prayer

O Lord, grant unto me that with Your peace I may greet all that this day is to bring. Grant unto me grace to surrender myself completely to Your holy will. In every hour of this day instruct and guide me in all things. Whatever tidings I may receive during this day, do teach me to accept tranquilly in the firm belief that Your holy will governs all. Govern my thoughts and feelings in all I do and say. When unforeseen things occur, let me not forget that all is sent by You. Teach me to behave sincerely and reasonably toward everyone, that I may bring confusion and sorrow to no one. Bestow on me, O Lord, strength to endure the fatigue of the day and to bear my part in its events. Guide my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to suffer, to forgive and to love. Amen.

IOCC CARE COMPASS
Tools for Resilience
IOCC has created a new suite of tools called Care Compass.
These tools map ways individuals and communities can forge a path towards physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Designed in consultation with Orthodox clergy, counselors, and clinicians, these tools are simple to use, adaptable, and can be locally implemented.
No matter where you may find yourself, together, we can help each other navigate toward resilience.
Saint Demetrios Parish Bookstore
Need something from our Bookstore? 
Mrs. Theresa Kekatos will be available by appointment for "In-the-Church-Office Pick-Up" on Fridays, 3:30pm to 5p.m. Many of you know what items you may need or perhaps you want to pick up a book or icon. 

Please contact Mrs. Kekatos at tkekatos@hotmail.com or 708.373.5614 for inquiries, to place your order and/or arrange a time for pick up on Friday. Exact cash, check or credit card is required for payment. Thank you!
The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios
ONLINE GIVING
Have you visited our Online Giving page
found on our parish website?
Here you can contribute towards
"Light a Vigil Candle" and more.
Greek Orthodox
Metropolis of Chicago

Want to catch up with the news and events
of your Metropolis?
Visit the Metropolis of Chicago website for everything you need to know and learn!
❗Calling All High School Seniors❗
Lighthouse Camp
When Orthodox young people make the transition to college life, they face a myriad of spiritual, social, mental and health-related challenges. Lighthouse is a week-long summer camp ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago designed to walk high school senior grads through an Orthodox understanding of vocation and arm them with the tools they need to hold fast to their faith during their college years.
The Metropolis’ Summer Camp programs accepts campers between their 6th grade and 11th grade years in middle school and high school but does not accept high-school seniors. Currently, there is no ministry serving high-school seniors with the aim of preparing them for college. Lighthouse will be that ministry.
Your Church Office of The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios
Elmhurst, IL
630.834.7010
The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios - Elmhurst, IL