May
Junior Olympics
Once again St. Luke Parish was fortunate to be able to participate in the Junior Olympics hosted by Sts. Constantine and Helen Parish. Fr. Nick Jonas at the opening ceremony. He will be going on Sabatical.
Lighting of the Olympic torch. Opening ceremony with Fr. Nick Jonas and Metropolitan Jakovos of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Every one had a wonderful time at the Olympics bowling tournament. Deacon John served Pizza for all.
Fr. Paul running in the ten K race representing St. Luke. We are hoping he will win a gold medal.
Grave Blessings
As is custom on Memorial Day, graves are blessed prayers are said for the departed. Here Father Andrew is blessing graves at Evergreen Cemetery. “Memory Eternal” to all the departed.
Food For The Christian Soul Visits Thithi’s In Evergreen Park
This month our roving Food For the Christian Soul Group visted Thithi’s in Evergreen Park. Thai, Vietnamese and French Cuisine are featured on the menu.
Scene from the dinner.
Examples of the Cuisisne available.
A unique serving platter.
Group Photo. Once again the food and company were outstanding and our thanks go out to Matt our ministry leader.
The Baptism Of Kyra
This Sunday Fr. Paul’s granddaughter Kyra Jannakos was baptised at St. Lukes.
Scene from the baptism.
Scene from the baptism.
Scene from the baptism.
Scene from the baptism.
Kyra with her grandparents, Fr. Paul and Michelle.
Family photo. Congratulations and “Many Years” to Kyra, her parents Nick and Melissa and all her family.
St. Nicholas Uganda Children’s Fund
This Sunday St. Luke Parish was visited by Peter and Sharon Georges – Founders of the St. Nicholas Uganda Children’s Fund.
A slideshow was presented describing the conditions present and the work being done.
In addition to donations, handmade jewelery was on sale for this worthy cause.
IOCC Annual Banquet
Once again this year, St. Luke Parish supported the IOCC Annual Banquet as part of our charity program. Group photo of those in attendence.
Happy Mother’s Day
This Sunday following Liturgy a brunch was held in honor of Mother’s Day. Admission was collected and will be used for our mission programs.
There was also a candy store to purchase candies for the mothers.
Fr. Paul blesses the Arthos which was cut up and distributed to the parishioners.
Next he blessed the food for the brunch.
We at St. Luke parish would like to wish all mothers “Many Years” and a wonderful holiday. We also remember those mothers who have departed and ask “Memory Eternal” for them as well.
Garden Center Visit For May
Our visit started with Fr. Andrew telling us that many Christians celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Fr. Andrew brought a large decorated candle as a reminder to let the light of Christ shine in us. There were many awes from the residents.
Fr. Andrew explained how one of the disciples, Thomas, doubted Jesus’ resurrection when first told. Then Jesus said to him, ” Thomas, put your fingers on my side, touch the holes in my hands. Stop doubting and believe.” “My Lord and my God, ” said Thomas. Jesus replied, “You believe because you have seen with your own eyes, but more blessed are those who have not seen and yet still believe.”
Of course our visit wouldn’t be complete without snacks and joyful conversation. On our next visit, we will be celebrating sixteen years of fellowship that we have shared with the Garden Center Residents.
Agape Vespers And Egg Hunt
Sunday afternoon following Paschal Liturgy, the Agape Vespers service is celebrated. The church is bright and alive and full of children anticipating the Pascha egg hunt. The congregation gathers together to hear readings from the four Gospels in different languages proclaiming that Christ is Risen. Following this is a procession proclaiming the Risen Christ.
The Gospel in Spanish.
The Gospel in Armenian.
The Gospel in Greek.
The Gospel in English.
The congregation makes a procession around the church.
The congregation reenters the church for the dismissal.
Group photo of Fr. Paul and the children.
Due to inclement weather the Easter Bunny decided to hold the egg hunt in the church school classrooms this year.
Get Ready! Get Set! Go!
Scene from egg hunt.
Scene from egg hunt.
Scene from egg hunt.
Scene from egg hunt.
Thanks to all who set up the egg hunt for the children.
Pascha – Saturday Night/Sunday Morning
All the preparations have been for this night. The church is ready and the faithful have spent the day in strict fast. There is a sense of anticipation in the air. The church is darkened and the music selections are somber as during all of lent.
The nocturns are sung at the tomb of Christ.
To hear a small sample of The Nocturnes please click here.
The readers chant the responses.
The handmaidens guard the tomb. The light from the tomb throws shadows on the ceiling of the church.
All lights in the church are extinquished and there is a total darkness. At midnight the flame from a single candle appears at the altar. The priest brings forth the light of Christ and gives it to the rest of the faithful.
Father Paul spreads the Light to the handmaidens and from there it spreads to all the congregation.
The Handmaiden gives the light to a parishoner.
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Parishioners spread the Light.
“Come Receive Ihe Light”.
The entire congregation leaves the church in procession and proceeds around the church.
While they are doing this, the tomb is removed from the church, all the lights are turned on, and all candles are lit once again symbolizing Christ’s resurrection.
Scene from the procession.
Upon finishing the procession around the church, the congregation gathers at the closed front doors of the church.
Scene from the procession.
Scene from the procession.
Scene from the procession.
Scene from the procession.
The Priest knocks on the doors three times saying: Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. And a voice asks: Who is this King of Glory? The priest answers: The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. The priest the knocks again saying: Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. And again the voice asks: Who is this King of Glory? The priest then replies: The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.
“Who is this King of Glory?”
The doors of the church are opened, the tomb has been removed, the entire building is filled with light and it is now time to begin the joyous Resurrection Service. The priest reenters followed by the congregation.
Led by our choir director, Michelle the chanters sing the songs of the resurrection.
Another view of our chanters.
Another view of our chanters.
The entire tone of the service is changed. The dim interior of the church is gone. The dark vestments and candle holders are also gone. The tomb and somber music are also gone. The church is as bright as possible. The vestments are bright and the singing joyous. It is the triumphal resurrection of Christ saving us from death and granting us resurrection. Christ is risen! Glorify Him. The Hymn “Christ is Risen from the Dead” is sung repeatedly with joy and power. The Cry of “Christ is risen” and the response “Indeed he is risen.” fill the air. This is proclaimed in many different languages.
OCA – Christ is Risen! / Indeed He is Risen!
Greek Diocese – Christ is Risen! / Truly He is Risen!
Greek – Christos Anesti! / Aleithos Anesti!
Slavonic – Christos Voskrese! / Voistinu Voskrese!
Arabic – Al-Masih-Qam! / Hakkan Qam!
Romanian – Christos E Anviat! / Adeverat Anviat!
Spanish – Christo Ha Resucitado! / Verdaderamente, Ha Resucitado!
German – Christus ist Auferstanden! / Jawohl Er ist Auferstanden
French – Le Christ est ressuscite! / En verite il est resuscite!
Japanese – Harisutosu Siochatsu! / Makoto-ni Siochatsu
Scene from the service.
Scene from the service.
Fr. Paul reads the sermon of St. John Chrysostom welcoming all to the celebration.
Our bell ringers proclaim the Glory of the Risen Christ.
At the conclusion of the service, the parishioners venerate the Arthos and receive a red egg. All are invited to break the fast and break bread together.
Father Paul blesses the baskets laden with food.
A pot luck dinner is served.
Lamb being prepared.
Orthodox Christians as they are able, fast from all meat and dairy products for all of Holy Week and the preceeding forty days of Lent. After the Paschal Liturgy a pot luck dinner is served and as you can imagine, some serious eating goes on. The celebration lasts into the early hours of the morning.