The Guideline Book of Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church is a resource for each of our parishioners. Within this page you will find information about different ministries and some questions and answers about our church.


OFFICE HOURS FOR FATHER GEORGE

Father George Pyle, the proistamenos (pastor) of Three Hierarchs has been assigned to the parish since August 1, 1998. His office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feel free to drop by during those times or to call anytime. Father is also available at other times by appointment or when a need arises.


LITURGICAL LIFE

The Divine Liturgy begins every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. (Sharp!) and concludes before 11 a.m. The Orthros (Matins) begins every Sunday at 8 a.m. Generally speaking, weekday Divine Liturgies for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays are celebrated at 9 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday Liturgies are scheduled at 7 a.m.

Great Vespers are held every Saturday at 5pm. Orthros (morning prayers) are every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 a.m.

The language of the worship is English and Greek, with some use of Romanian, Arabic, Slavonic and a few other languages. The pastoral decision of which language is to be used is made in reflection of those present. Other services are offered as appropriate.

The Sacrament of Confession can take place on any day. Please contact Fr. George to make an appointment.


WEEKLY MINISTRIES

SUNDAYS

Three Hierarchs has a Church School for children, which operates from the first Sunday after Labor Day until the Sunday prior to Memorial Day. On several great feasts which fall on Sundays, Church School is not scheduled (please see calendar). There are two classes: upper & lower Elementary. The cost for each child is $15 which covers supplies, and other events.


MONDAYS

Each Monday during the academic year, Hope Group, Elementary Youth Groups, Greek School, and Orthodoxia all meet. Orthodoxia continues to meet throughout the summer as well.


TUESDAYS

Fr. George is on campus every Tuesday. He can be reached in emergencies either through the parish phone system or by pager (373-7102).

During the day, Father is located on the second floor of the Illini Union in the cubicle marked Orthodox Christian Fellowship from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. He is available for conversation, Confession, for counseling, or simply for free Pepsi products (courtesy of Mr. John Trebellas).

Every Tuesday night there is a free dinner for the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at the St. John Roman Catholic Rectory (at the northwest corner of Armory and 6th). The dinner, which is provided by Stacy Pomonis, begins at 6:00 p.m. At 6:30 there is a short discussion group (one hour) on a pertinent topic. For more information about the UIUC chapter of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, visit them online atwww.uiuc.edu/ro/ocf.


WEDNESDAYS

Teenage Youth Group meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.


THURSDAYS

The Parish Council meets every third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. All parishioners are welcome to attend.


SATURDAYS

Every second Saturday the Divine Liturgy is celebrated at the Chapel of St. Barbara in Danville at 9:30 a.m.


OTHER MINISTRIES

Philoptochos
Orthodox Witness
Fellowship Hosts
Prosforo Bakers
Readers
Ushers


CHURCH ETIQUETTE FAQ

How should I prepare for Communion?
Orthodox Christians must always be prepared to receive communion. Preparation includes:

The rule of living Orthodoxy is not "one size fits all." Different people, for example, might have a different rule of the fast for medical reasons. Each person should meet with Father George to develop a plan for his or her spiritual growth.

Who can receive Communion?
Only baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who are in "good standing" may receive Holy Communion. Likewise, Orthodox Christians may not partake in the sacraments of any other churches.

Do I need to be in Church at the beginning of the Liturgy?
Yes. The Holy Canons of the Church speak against liturgical disorder. In fact, the Canons say if a person is not in Liturgy by the reading of the scripture, they are not permitted to receive communion. Please make every attempt to be prompt for the worship of our Lord.

What times are not proper for me to enter the church?
You should not enter the Church during the entrance with the Gospel book, the reading of the scripture, the offering of the sermon, the entrance of the Holy Gifts, the proclaiming of the Creed, the Consecration of the Holy Gifts, the Lord's Prayer, and the Communion Prayers.

What should I do if I have an emergency?
In an emergency, you may call Fr. George at any time of day or night. Please call him for any visitation to the hospital. All calls are handled confidentially.

When do I offer the memorials for deceased loved ones?
Memorials for the dead take place on: the day of death, 9 days (in some traditions), 40 days, 6 months, 1 year and annual anniversaries. There are several days when memorials (as well as baptisms and weddings) are not permitted. Please contact Fr. George to confirm the date.

Who can act as the Godparent to my child?
The person who is to be a candidate to be a Godparent must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing. To be in "good standing," a person must have honored all the sacraments of the Orthodox Church, must be a steward of the parish, and must be a regular worshipper. If the Godparent or Koumbaros is from another city they must have a letter from their parish priest confirming that they are in good standing.

Why do our Youth Groups meet weekly?
Weekly gathering for ministry is the best way to develop community. If a young person misses one meeting, they can attend the following week and still maintain contact with their peer group.

What is the minimum we can offer as stewards?
There is no minimum or maximum. As a guide you should offer to God from what He has given to you. A small percentage of your income is recommended. The Bible asks for 10% of the gross income.


THE PARISH COUNCIL

Each member of the Parish Council has a specific ministry that they offer. Here are the council members for the year 2004:

Lou Laros (President)
Photios Kutil (Vice President)
Michael Comet (Treasurer)
Steven Zydek (Treasurer)
Aidan Roseberry (Secretary)
John Comet
Manny Mechales
Andreas Polycarpou
Stacy Pomonis


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