Vol. 21 , No. 9 Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church 2501 S. Wolf Rd. Westchester, IL January 2017(708) 562-2744 www.holyapostleschurch.com

Coming together, we form an icon of God’s Kingdom

ServingGod

From Father Nicholas

Altar boys, past and present, say goodbye to Cots at his funeral December 3. MichaelCotsilis fell asleep in the Lord November 26, 2016 after a long illness. Memory eternal!

As we begin 2017,some of us are considering the stock market.Will the new presidential administration createprofitable investment opportunities? Financialinvestments are important, but have you con-sidered making an investment of your timeand talents to God? The parable of the goodsteward found in the Gospel of Matthewdetails three persons’ approaches to stewardingGod’s gifts. One received five talents, tradedand made five more talents. The next stewardreceived two and gained two more. Our Lordsaid to both of them, “Well done, good andfaithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21,23) Weread in the Book of Joshua: “But as for meand my house, we will serve the Lord.”(Joshua 24:15)

Last year, we lost many dear servants ofGod. In November, our beloved servant,Subdeacon Michael Cotisilis, passed from thislife to the next. His life provides a wonderfulexample of serving God. We read in everyfuneral service: “Blessed be the road you travelon today because for you has been prepared aplace of eternal rest.” St. Paul writes: “eye hasnot seen, nor ear heard, the things which Godhas prepared for those who love Him.” (1Corinthians 2:9) The Lord prepares a placefor us. Servants of God, like Michael, spendtheir entire lives journeying to this place andpreparing to meet the Lord.

We read of the heavenly place, the heaven-ly Altar, in the Book of Isaiah: “I saw the Lordsitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and thetrain of His robe filled the temple. Above itstood seraphim; each one had six wings: withtwo he covered his face, with two he coveredhis feet, and with two he flew. And one criedto another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is theLord of hosts; the whole earth is full of Hisglory! And the house was filled with smoke.”

(Isaiah 6:1-4) Liturgical worship is found inheaven. God instructed Moses to make theearthly place of worship as a “copy and shad-ow of the heavenly things.” (Hebrews 8:5)This is the Holy Altar where Michael loved toserve and worship. He was constantly behindthe scenes, organizing, preparing the HolyAltar by cleaning, ordering supplies, andchanging cloths. Michael is probably thelongest active serving altar boy with over 54years of service. He loved the altar even as alittle boy. Michael built a replica model whenhe was just 9 years old. He wanted to practiceand prepare to serve God. MetropolitanIakovos once said that Michael knew morethan the priests. He loved God in his heartand served with his hands. As a newlyordained deacon, the Metropolitan told me toserve Vespers at Holy Apostles. When I cameto this new place, I immediately approachedour beloved Fr. Bill asking about the layout ofthe church and details. Before I could finishmy questions, he cut me off and said, “Go talk

to that guy. He was Michael Cotsilis. We callhim “Cots”. We met and I will never forgetwhat he said:” I am Michael Cotsilios. Justcall me “Cots”. Don’t worry Father, I willtake care of you.” He always did. Over thesemany years, he not only took care of me butall of us. Cots served not only our church butall churches, the entire Metropolis, and eventhe Fanari Summer Camp. He took care ofyoung deacons, senior priests, many bishops,Metropolitans and two Patriarchs. When ourMetropolitan would visit, Cots was out in theparking lot, waiting to greet and assist him outof the car and into the church. He cared foraltar boys, seminarians, visiting clerics, andtheologians. Servants serve God and others.Cots taught hundreds of altar boys respect forGod and each other, how to serve, worshipand pray. He taught them the Creed, workedwith them as interns after church, teachingthem to serve God. Michael organized workdays to clean the church many times through-

Photo by Toni Milak

...See Fr. Nicholas on P. 2

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic January 2017 Page 2Fr. Nicholas from P. 1Farewell to Cots, a true servant of the Lordout the year. He even fixed theboys’ ties and robes so they wouldappear respectful before God.Sometimes a cake would show up.Cots made it for someone’s birth-day. On Anastasi night, Cots wasbusy making the Altar boys a deli-cious dinner to thank them fortheir good work.

Servants have the gift of help.As a new deacon, I was strugglingto change my sash. Then, I feltan arm on my shoulder: “Father,let me help you.” If we droppedsomething or needed a book, oreven a fan to stay cool, Cots wasthere! He made it so easy to praythe Divine Liturgy. The priest didnot have to worry about anything,just praying! He was constantlycleaning, cooking, and preparingmeals behind the scenes. If wetried to thank him, he would say: “This is mychurch, I love our church, it is a blessing toserve.”

People who serve God constantly think ofothers. One day, the altar cloths werechanged with a note from Cots: “This color isfor the Veterans, to thank God, and thankthem for their service to all of us.” Servantsare always preparing. When he was diagnosedwith cancer, he did not say: “Why me? This isnot fair.” Servants prepare. He went to theMonastery to pray, seeking God’s help, mercy

and strength, and reconciling his life with theLord. Just a week before he passed away, weprayed a Holy Unction service at his home.He said what servants say: “May it be accord-ing to Your will, Lord. I will serve the Lord tothe best of my ability in the rest of time Godgives me.” This was nothing new for him. Hehas been serving the Lord his entire life.

Servants of the Lord don’t complain. Healways said, “I will be okay.” He knew as aservant of God that he was in God’s hands.Servants of God persevere. They seek God’s

We are excited andthankful to God thatthe Metropolis ofChicago has assignedMr. Peter Hasiakos toour church. He wasborn in LaGrange andlater lived in IndianHead Park. Peter andhis family attended Ss.Constantine and Helen Church in Palos Hills,where he served as an altar boy and chanter.He was a student of our Holy Apostles GreekSchool. After graduating from LyonsTownship High School, Peter completed hisundergraduate degree in physics at theUniversity of Michigan. He obtained aMaster of Arts in Secondary Education andtaught physics at both Oak Park and RiverForest High School.

In 2012, Peter and Nikolia Rallis (daughterof Fr. John and Presbytera Irene Rallis) weremarried at St. John the Baptist in Des Plaines.The newlyweds, both former teachers, thenmoved to Boston where they began new stud-ies. Peter pursued his Master of Divinity at

Holy Cross GreekOrthodox School ofTheology, which hecompleted in 2015.Nikolia completed herMaster of Education inReligious Education atBoston College. Duringtheir time in Boston,both Peter and Nikolia

earned certificates in Byzantine Music. Peteralso served as the head chanter of the leftchoir at the Holy Cross Chapel. Peter contin-ued immediately into the Master of Theologyprogram at Holy Cross. Under the direction ofthe Very Rev. Fr. Maximos Constas, he under-took a thesis project involving theChristological letters of St. Maximos theConfessor, which he is currently completing.They have two beautiful children, Dionysiaand John. Peter has applied for ordination tothe Holy Diaconate and will temporarily serveas our Pastoral Assistant before he is ordained.Both Peter and Nikolia have wonderful gifts tooffer our church community. We enthusiasti-cally welcome their family to Holy Apostles!

By Steven SavasThe 2017-18 Parish Council is as follows:

Paul Kallis, Peter Bell, Nick Kouchis, TomGregory, George Alex, Jim Fotopoulos, PeterPoteres, Nick Kirkeles, Norman Pomrening,Cindy Clark, James Maragos, Terry Chiganos,Louis Katzioris, Spyro Demakis, Alicia Magasand Steven Savas. Once this Council is ratifiedby His Grace Bishop Dimitrios, Fr. Nicholaswill have all the new members take the oath ofoffice which will then be official. The date willbe announced.

I would like to thank Ted Dres for his ser-vice on the Council for the past two years andGeorge Chechopoulos for his services of over20 years on the Council. I also would like tothank Dan Cussick and John Pilafas for run-ning for the Council. This shows dedicationand love for our parish. May God Bless thenew Council and keep them focused on serv-ing his will.

The New Parish Council

Holy Apostles to welcome new Pastoral Assistant

strength. If they get knockeddown, they stand back up. Cotsrelied on God for great strength,enduring many illnesses through-out his life. He kept serving andcoming to Church up to his lastday. Nothing could keep himaway: “This is my Church; I lovebeing here!” As we rushed to thehospital, the doctor called andsaid, “Father, take your time, Cotswill not last much longer. He willpass away in one minute.” Yet, hepersevered and held on for manyminutes. Cots wanted to pray onemore time, be blessed by God andreceive the Lord’s grace throughHoly Unction. He persevered andwaited. We finished praying, atear came from his eye, almostsaying: “Here I am Lord.” ThenCots went to be with the Lord,

surrounded by all his loved ones.Cots added so many special touches at

Holy Week, Palm Sunday, Anastasi, and manyother occasions. “Cotserized” meant Cots’special love and touch was there. Recently he“Cotserized” a tray of f lowers. I thanked himwith a text message. He wrote back: “Thankyou for allowing me to serve with you andrecite prayers and just help the church. Ienjoy serving God.”

Michael’s life is a powerful example of serv-ing God. As communicants, we approach theHoly Communion chalice and the priestexclaims, “The servant of God (X) receives theHoly Body and Blood of Christ.” Servantsserve. We can consider ways that we can growin serving God this New Year!

Photo by Nicholas W. Christy

Peter Hasiakos and his family

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic January 2017 Page 3

Faye Adams, Philoptochos President andAntella Thiakos, Fashion ShowChairperson, present a check to MeganGavin and Mimi Crabtree of JDRF Illinois.Philoxenia House also received a donation.

Constantine, son of Kristin & Christopher Athas

Sponsors: Emily & Michael Kartsounis

Nektaria, daughter of Toni & Steven Milak

Sponsors: Christine & Mark Drechsler

John, son of Kristia & James Spalding

Sponsors: Vanessa & Alex Patsavas

Apollon, son of Rhea & Felipe Matesanz

Sponsors: Victoria & John Logothetis

Vivian, daughter of Lia & David Hefner

Sponsor: Nicole Ottolino

Alaina Pappas & Konsta AnttilaSponsor: Alexander Pappas

Baptisms

Wedding

The locations and speakers are being confirmed. More information will be sent out assoon as it is available. The events are for parents, married or single, of teens, tweens, grade-schoolers, toddlers, infants, or future children. No childcare will be provided. This is intendedto be an evening of worship, fellowship and learning for parents. To suggest a topic or volun-teer to help host a Parenting University night at your parish, please contactchicago.family.synaxis@gmail.com.

Side effects may include joy, prayerfulness, new friendships, and an increase in hope foryour family’s future.

Thank you to everyone for your generositythis holiday season. Through your donationsof money and food, we were able to help feedover 65 families this Thanksgiving. Our trustyelves delivered carloads of toys to the Familyand Shelter Service’s Holiday Shoppe . It is ablessing that together, our Holy Apostles com-munity was able to spread some holiday cheer.

Blankets of Love- Service ProjectDo you like to knit or crochet? Or perhaps

you love to make fleece projects? Would you

consider making a blanket or two for a sickinfant or child? We will be collecting theseBlankets of Love in February and then donatethem to a local children’s hospital. Last yearwe were able to donate over 40 blankets! Evenif you cannot knit or crochet, you can partici-pate by donating yarn. For more information,contact Faye Adams at 630.517.8097.

Sunday, January 8The Annual Metropolis Vasilopita

Celebration begins 6 pm at Ss. Peter and Paulin Glenview. This is an annual fundraiser forSt Basil’s Academy. Call Faye Adams at630.517.8097 for tickets if interested in going.

Sunday, January 15Family Bowling Night & Pizza Party at Fox

Bowl, Wheaton. Check-in starts at 3:45. Thisevent includes 2 hours of bowling, pizza buffetand soft drinks. Cost: $20 adults, $15 childrenunder 12. Call Nicole Kubesh at773.972.5857 to make your reservations.

Sunday, February 5Godparent’s Luncheon following Liturgy.

This is a wonderful opportunity for godpar-ents, godchildren, friends and family to share ameal in the multi-purpose room as one HolyApostles community. RSVP with CynthiaStathopoulos at 630.336.2012 orcstath11@comcast.net.

Tuesday, February 16Mark your calendar for our February

General Meeting. If you have not paid yourmembership for 2016-2017, it is not too late.Your membership fair-share dues help fundour many obligations and projects.Membership envelopes are available in thechurch multi-purpose room. If you would likemore information, call Alyssa Petropoulos630.790.9701.

PhiloptochosHappenings

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic January 2017 Page 4

At left, Despina Panos confides in Santa as Mrs. Claus watches. Above,Elizabeth and Gabrielle Tsagaris are excited to speak with him too.

Annual Pageantbrings seasonalcheer

Christmas at Holy Apostles

Long-time Director SandyPihos directs the cast atrehearsal above, and near left.Far left, the lambs make theirentrance to the delight of theaudience. Below, the finalewith the entire cast.

Photos by Peter Bell

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church

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GOYA Ski Trip

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NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBELLWOOD, IL.

PERMIT NO. 157

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church2501 S. Wolf Rd.Westchester, Il. 60154(708) 562-2744

Address Service Requested

Postmaster: Please deliver by the 3rd of January

Demetri VandarakisMichael PihosMichael Lakis

Vicky StavropoulosAntonea MallerisStanley MallerisEleni KosmopoulosNicoletta KatziorisAngelo MaherasJane MaherasGeorge MaherasAlexandra SvolosDaniel KoutsisNick Poulos

Anastasia GeorgiouElaine Kalivas

Panagiotis FossesMichael Cotsilis

Dr. Charles SpirrisonDorothy Gialelis

Bette KumisMichael Cotsilis

Funerals

Memorials

Sunday February 12, at

The EmpressBanquets Addisonwill be the scene of

Holy Apostles’Dinner Dance

Hosted by GreekSchool PTO.

The proceeds willbenefit the Holy

Apostles classroomrenovations andGreek School

Save The Date

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church Mosaic January 2017 Page 6

The deadline for the February Mosaic is Wednesday, January 11.

Deadline

This icon of Christ's Holy Nativity(Ιncarnation) was written by JaneFotopoulos, pictured. It helps us remem-ber and focus on the true meaning ofChristmas and the reason for the season.It’s also displayed with a spotlight so theneighbors and public can see it. The iconwill be on display outdoors throughoutthe Christmas season.

New icon of Nativity ondisplay outside the church