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Events at St. Mary’s… and beyond!
Check the monthly Messenger, weekly Church Bulletin, and Church calendar for all upcoming events.
Basketball Tournaments of YesterYear!
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025, 6:00 PM CST
Dr Henry Maguire, Emeritus Professor, History of Art, Johns Hopkins University
- Online via ZOOM. Free!
- Lecture Info and Registration Link HERE .
This lecture will look at some of these splendid medieval buildings in the light of Neoplatonic theology, using as our guide the voices of contemporary Byzantines who saw and used these buildings. In the words of one poem, the church was a ladder, leading up from the muted gleam of the earthly stones below to the more brilliant light of the heavenly orbit. This vertical exchange of light was associated by Byzantine writers on art with prayer, which reflected, as in a candle, the desire of the faithful ascending from earth, and was responded to by the greater light descending from heaven.
Western Region Family Basketball Tournament
Jan 31-Feb 2, 2025
- St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Libertyville, IL
- Click HERE for more Information.
Strengthen Stewardship Now & Forever
Topic: Embracing Non-Orthodox Into Our Parishes
ZOOM | Feb 4, 2025 | 7:00 PM CST
The Strengthen Stewardship Now & Forever program is designed to help parishes instill the value of stewardship as a way of life, as a path to greater spiritual growth and as a source for strengthening faith for Orthodox Christians. Stewardship is the natural outgrowth of a parish’s efforts to reach out, welcome and engage its parishioners in the life of the Church. The Strengthen Stewardship Now & Forever Team of the Metropolis of Chicago offers a mix of presentation, discussion and questions for reflection, with a focus on practical application for parishes. Info and Zoom Link HERE.
The upcoming speaker is Fr. Mark Leondis who is a Pastor of Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, FL. He has served the Church for almost 30 years on an Archdiocesan, Metropolis and parish level.
The Ministry of Women in the Church: Reflections of Leaders, Inspiring Growth
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church, Chicago, IL
This is a one day conference featuring our Keynote speaker, Elizabeth Prodromou, Lunch, and a panel of six speakers, all addressing the topic of The Ministry of Women in the Church. Our purpose is to gain a picture of the various kinds of ministries women offer in the Church, discussing both the difficulties and the joys/benefits in implementing and practicing these ministries, and envisioning the path forward for ministry by women in the Church. Conference is free. Registration is required by sending your name and email to Helen at MetroConferenceChicago@gmail.com – More Information HERE.
Philoptochos Sweet Sunday Fundraiser
Sunday Feb 9, 2025, following Liturgy
Sweet Sunday is a cherished Philoptochos fundraiser where we host coffee hour after Liturgy and collect donations to support charitable organizations. All proceeds this year will go to benefit the Philoxenia Charities in Rochester, Minnesota. Philoxenia Charities offers free lodging to patients/families of Mayo Clinic who are facing serious medical conditions or undergoing major surgery. This is a charity that has been and continues to be used by our parishioners. There are many Sweet Sunday volunteer opportunities, so please plan to help with this event by signing up at the Philoptochos table on Sundays.
Parish Night
Wednesday, Feb 12, 2025, 6:15 PM
Parish Night is a parish-wide event, once a month on the first Wednesday, from October through May, taking a break during Great Lent. The next Parish Night 2024/25 will be on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 6:15 PM. We’ll discuss the major feast days of the Church. Parish Night has something to offer for all ages. We wrap up for the evening at 8:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend!
YAL 2025 Chicago Conference, Feb 14 – 17
Save The Date! With activities, several speakers and workshops, and endless opportunities to meet other YALers from across the country, we’re looking forward to an amazing conference in the Windy City in 2025!
- Register HERE. A limited number of tickets are still available.
- Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
- Follow at @yalchicagoconference on social media.
A Lenten Themed Fundraising Concert for FOCUS MN
Saturday, February 22, 2025, 7:00 PM, St. Mary’s GOC.
Please save the date to enjoy beautiful music by the Pan-Orthodox Choir in support of FOCUS MN. Our own Emily Skoutelas will join POCM Director Mark Wesche in conducting the 20+ member choir, hosted in our own St. Mary’s church. Watch here for more information.
Timberwolves Event that was scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025 is CANCELLED. May be rescheduled for another date.
Greek Independence Day / Annunciation Program
Sunday, March 23, 2025, Following Liturgy
AHEPA is again sponsoring the Greek Independence Day / Annunciation Luncheon and Program. We are seeking youth Dancers, Singers, Musicians, and Readers for presentations and poems in English and Greek. Greek Dance Group (ages 6-18) practices are scheduled on Mondays, 6:00-8:00 PM beginning on January 27. Parents are needed to assist with constume assignments, dance instruction, printed program layout, setup, etc. Contact Tessie Bourdamis (contact info is available in Realm) for more information.
Chicago Metropolis 2025 St. John Chrysostom
Oratorical and Fine Arts Festival
With the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael, we are pleased to announce that the 41st Annual Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical and Fine Arts Festival will be held on Bright Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 601 South Central Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60644. We are excitedly anticipating a weekend of spiritual celebration and fellowship for all in attendance. The Metropolis Festival will offer 6 categories (Speech, Essay, Poetry, Iconography, Vocal Solo, and Vocal Chant), each with 2 divisions (Senior/10th-12th grades and Junior/7th 9th grades). After concluding your parish festivals, the participants who will be advancing to the Metropolis Festival must register by Monday, April 7, 2025. Find full Information & Registration HERE.
Religious Education Schedule at St Mary’s
Check the Religious Education Schedule for St Mary’s Adult & Youth Classes, Bible Studies, & Programs.
Women’s Bible Study, led by Fr. Jason, will resume meeting on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., beginning October 2. All women are invited to attend. Intercessory Prayer Group meeting will precede the Bible study.
2025 Pilgrimages to Serbia.
Spring: May 1-May 12
Fall: September 23- October 5
Please consider joining one of the Serbian pilgrimage events in 2025! Icon Art Studios recently hosted two pilgrimages to Serbia. These experiences were extremely successful in the warmth and expertise of our host and tour guide from Belgrade/UB. “To go on a pilgrimage is to travel at a much deeper and life-changing level. It is to travel by searching for God, as God is searching for us.” The itinerary consists of visits to beautiful ancient and historical monasteries every day including visits to wineries and hotel spas. The history of Serbia is told through its ancient monasteries and medieval art. Tour begins and ends in Belgrade. Many Serbian cities are included. Please call or email Deb Korluka at 612.889.5860 or akorluka@aol.com for more information.