"Nothing can be so firmly bound, neither by illness nor by wrath or fortune, that cannot be released by Dionysos." - Aelius Aristides
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A Word From The Priest
It appears as if the Gods have granted us a very early spring this year. Temperatures rose and snow and ice receded as early as February 23rd, with no sign of regaining a foothold. There will be no complaints from me, because I live in Northern Illinois. Winters here have a consistent reputation of being bad to say the least. So any time it decides to leave early is alright by me. But as I have said in the past, I like to think of myself as a Hellenist who is enlightened enough to understand that all things have purpose and goodness. I think this is going to be the best summer for our temple yet. Soon we will start our brand new temple community projects to help our City become a better, cleaner place. It also appears as if we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with Covid19. New vaccines are rolling out as fast as the healthcare field can make them. As time goes on, we will only gain more and more power against the virus. I have a very good feeling that soon our temple will be having full in-person events again. Although, that's not to say we have closed them all together. Now that there are vaccines, we are considering having physical public events again for those who have finished their vaccination process and are in the clear (the clergy of the temple have also begun vaccinations). On another note, the support for our temple has done nothing but grow over the last year. It's so wonderful to see that we have been nothing but a positive light for people, whether they be local or abroad, who are looking to have a spiritual Hellenic home.
In the Goodness of the Gods,
Priest Christopher.
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Temple News
With the approach of the early spring this year, the temple wants everyone to note that we will be beginning our volunteer efforts for our local Adopt-A-Highway program once the snow has all melted and the ground had dried. We want all local members and supporters to consider coming out when the dates are announced, to help us maintain our section of highway in the community. The temple will provide free lunch to all who participate.
The spring of 2021 will mark new construction projects for the temple's outside sanctuary. Once again, we ask members and supporters to consider assisting us, if needed, on posted dates. Once again, free food will be provided by the temple to all who assist in our sanctuary building and maintenance.
We have chosen someone to fill the empty seat on the Board of Directors and the priest seat in Priest Christopher's cabinet. We thank all those who applied. The official ordination of this individual will be broadcasted on our temple's Facebook page in the coming spring. This position was done, in part, to reincorporate our temple into the State of Illinois as it once was. With incorporation and 5013C status, this may also indicate a small annual pay for the members of the clergy.
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International Greek News
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Hellenic Calendars
March - May
March
Elaphebolion
10th - 17th, The Great Dionysia.
12th, Renewal Day before the New Moon.
13th, First New Moon Holy Day, all Gods.
14th, Agathos Daimon New Moon Holy Day.
15th Athena New Moon Holy Day.
15th, sacrifice to Kronos.
16th, Aphrodite, Eros, Hermes and Herakles New Moon Holy Day.
17th, Pandia, Festival of Zeus.
18th, Artemis New Moon Holy Day.
19th, Apollon New Moon Holy Day.
20th, Poseidon and Theseus New Moon Holy Day.
April
Mounukhion
11th, Renewal Day before the New Moon.
12th, First New Moon Holy Day, all Gods.
13th, Agathos Daimon New Moon Holy Day.
14th, Athena New Moon Holy Day.
15th, Aphrodite, Eros, Hermes and Herakles New Moon Holy Day.
16th, Munichia, Festival of Artemis.
17th, Artemis New Moon Holy Day.
18th, Apollon New Moon Holy Day.
19th, Poseidon and Theseus New Moon Holy Day.
19th, Olympieia, Festival of Olympian Zeus.
21st, sacrifice to Tritopatores.
May
Thargelion
4th, sacrifices to Leto, Pythian Apollon, Zeus, Hermes and the Dioscuri.
7th, Thargelia, Festival of Apollon.
10th, Renewal Day before the New Moon.
11th, First New Moon Holy Day, all Gods.
12th, Agathos Daimon New Moon Holy Day.
13th, Athena New Moon Holy Day.
14th, Aphrodite, Eros, Hermes and Herakles New Moon Holy Day.
16th, Artemis New Moon Holy Day.
17th, Apollon New Moon Holy Day.
18th, Poseidon and Theseus New Moon Holy Day.
25th, Plynteria, Washing Festival of Athena.
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Office of the Clergy
officeoftheclergy@gmail.com
Priest Christopher (chriswaynealdridge@gmail.com)
Priestess Anastasia (aialdridge@hotmail.com)
Thyechoos Matthew Finney (mefin575@gmail.com)
