Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Mode. Luke 1: 46-48.
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Verse: For he has regarded the humility of his servant.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 7:7-17.

BRETHREN, it is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. Here tithes are received by mortal men; there, by one whom it is testified that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple
The Reading is from Luke 2:22-40

At that time, the parents brought the child Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Symeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

"Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Symeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Saints and Feasts

February 02

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple

When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master. . ." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.

The Apodosis of the Feast of the Meeting in the Temple is usually on the 9th of February. This, however, may vary if the Feast falls within the period of the Triodion. Should this occur, the Typicon should be consulted for specific information concerning the Apodosis of the Feast.

Weekly Bulletin

Agape Coffee Fellowship: Today’s Coffee Fellowship, consisting of a light breakfast, is graciously offered in celebration of Godparent-Godchild Sunday by Nikos and Katina Pertesis of the Yankee Clipper Diner in Beacon, NY, with the support of our Parish Council and Ladies Philoptochos. May it be blessed, and may this day be a blessing to you and your spiritual family! Thank you to our volunteer hostesses.

Godparent/Godchild Sunday TODAY! with Teaching a/k/a "Let Us Attend" Liturgy Welcome to our Church as we celebrate Godparent/Godchild Sunday for the Traditional Reaffirmation Service of our Faith. This is a special day that brings together the Church Family in dedicating our lives to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us commit ourselves and one another, and the lives of our children and godchildren to Christ our God. Families with children are encouraged to sit toward the front and even on the floor in front of the first row to get a closer look at how we worship as an Orthodox Christian Community.

Calendar at a Glance

Feb 9 (Su) - Triodion Begins & Philoptochos GO RED Sunday
Feb 13 (Th) - Festival Kick-Off Meeting @7:30PM
Feb 15 (Sa) - Apokreatiko Glendi - Mardi Gras Dance @6:00PM
Feb 20 (Th) - Parish Council Meeting @7:30PM
Feb 21 (F) - Family Game Night from 6PM-10PM (see details below)
Feb 22 (Sa) - Saturday of Souls - Doxology & Divine Liturgy (@9:50a)
Feb 23 (Su) - H.O.P.E. Winter Get Together - Sledding @ Richter Golf Course @2:30pm (weather permitting)
Mar 1 (Su) - Forgiveness Sunday & Stewardship Committee's "Pledges for Wedges" during Coffee Hour
Mar 1 (Su) - GOYA Lenten Retreat @ Holy Trinity Bridgeport @2:00PM
Mar 2 (M) - Great Lent Begins - Compline & Forgiveness Service @6:00PM

Camp Saint Paul Summer Camp 2020! Registration opened YESTERDAY, February 1st and is ongoing!

The dates for CSP Summer 2020 are as follows:

Session 1 - June 28 - July 4
Session 2 - July 5- July 11
Session 3 - July 12 - July 18
Session 4 - July 19 - July 25
Session 5 - July 26 - August 1

Fr. Nikolas will be serving during Session 1 for those who may find comfort in having their parish priest's presence for their children.

We are also happy to inform you that each camp session this summer will begin on a Sunday afternoon as opposed to a Monday. Registration time for each session will be from 1pm-2pm each Sunday afternoon and the closing liturgy and ceremony will be held on Saturday mornings instead of Sundays.

Please visit our website in order to register: www.campsaintpaul.org If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail us at campstpaul@goarch.org.

Please keep us, and our Camp, in your prayers as we prepare for Summer Camp 2020!

Respectfully,

Camp Saint Paul

DAD Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministries

Friday February 21 Family/community game night! From the purest of souls to the wisest of the ages. Please come and join us for a night filled with laughter, sharing experiences and connecting with each other the old fashion way. Over 40 Board games, perhaps a little karaoke and you won’t leave on a empty stomach. February 21st 6 to 10pm. Rides will be provided for those who need one to a certain number. RSVP to 914-403-7825 call or text by February 19th. Please don’t be afraid to just show up if you decide last min. P.S. bring your games if you want.

Assumption Church 2020 Stewardship Ministry Pledge Cards NOW AVAILABLE!

With the 2020 Calendar year upon us, we are truly thankful for you and your family here in our Church. Pledge Cards are available at the Candle Stand/Pangari and have been mailed with 2019 Year End Statements. Please fill out a Pledge Card for the 2020 year to ensure the ongoing success of the programs and ministries undertaken for the spiritual needs of the families entrusted to our care. You are a vital part of our Church Community and together as one Family and with God's help, we can continue to preach and teach the Good News of Peace and Love, with fervor of the faith, in thanksgiving and continuing commitment to serving Christ and His Church.

*NEW* 2020 Ecclesiastical Calendars: Our Parish's 2020 Ecclesiastical Calendars have arrived and are available for pick up in the vestibule/exo-narthex of the Church and upon request made to a Parish Council member or to the Church Office. The Calendar features full-color icons, the names of Saints in Greek and English, a fasting guide, and daily Scripture readings and commemorations following the liturgical protocol of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Most importantly, the Calendar is a gift to you made possible not by an individual sponsor but rather, through the Christian Love and voluntary contributions made by Stewards of our parish, with their compliments and best wishes for a healthy, peaceful and blessed New Year of our Lord 2020.

Ladies Philoptochos Society News: Our 2020 Stewardship/Membership drive continues for the Ladies Philoptochos – Visit our Philoptochos table in the Church hall and learn about the exciting things our chapter and this wonderful organization is doing locally, regionally and nationally. Please consider gifting a membership for a loved one or daughter 18 years or older. Your stewardship helps in so many ways. Our Philoptochos chapter is one of over 400 chapters and we are the 2nd largest ladies’ philanthropic groups. You do not have to do anything unless you can. Our chapter will host events throughout the year so if you are free please join us.

Go Red Sunday is February 9th, wear your red to show your support. Healthy breakfast options will be offered during coffee fellowship.

Apokriatiko Glendi - Mardi Gras Dance: Join us Saturday, February 15, 2020. Limited seating, paid RSVP only. Tickets on sale now in our church hall. $50 adults paid by 2/2 $55 after (Checks made out to AGOC) $25 for 21 & under. Raffle - Live Band. Please join us for a fun evening. Appetizers/Catered Buffet/Desserts BYOB

Are you interested in playing volleyball? Holy Trinity (Waterbury) is looking for girls between 7th to the 12th grade to join their team. The season starts February 1st. Practices will be either Saturday mornings at 10:00 am or Fridays at 7:00pm. Please contact Paraskevi at basketball@agoc.us if you are interested.

Home Blessing: It is a custom for Orthodox Christians to have their homes visited by the parish priest during the Theophany season, to offer prayers asking the Lord to protect, bless and purify the family and household. The priest and family pray together, asking our Lord to grant them prosperous and peaceful lives, health and salvation, furtherance of all good things, and many years. If you would like to have your home or place of business blessed, please call the church office at 203-748-2992 or email Fr. Nikolas at frnikolas@agoc.us to schedule a time to visit and pray the blessing service, and to affirm the importance of maintaining a place for Christ and His Church in our daily lives, in our homes and in our hearts.

Creation Care: “The world as a creation of God is not a neutral object for our use. The world incarnates the word of the Creator, just as every work of art incarnates the word of the artist. The objects of physical natural reality bear the seal of the wisdom and love of their Creator. They are words of God calling human beings to come into dialogue with Him.”

- Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

- September 1, 1995

Interested in becoming more involved in being stewards of God’s earth? For more information, email creationcare@agoc.us.

The Sacrament of Repentance and Confession is available by appointment during Great Lent and before and after a variety of our daily and weekend services. See Fanari Newsletter and Sunday Bulletins for times of Services on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays of Great Lent and avail yourself of this most sacred, underutilized and purifying Sacrament/Mysterion.

Holy Communion: Please follow the directions of the Parish Council, allowing our Sunday School students and teachers to enter the center aisle first, so that they may begin classes promptly with the limited time that we have. Adults who are baptized or chrismated in the Orthodox faith & waiting to prayerfully receive the Sacrament, please take this opportunity to read the prayers before Holy Communion if you have prepared to receive Holy Eucharist. All are invited to receive the blessed bread (antidoron) after Liturgy concludes, regardless of faith tradition.

Before You Reserve Your Wedding or Child's Baptism Day: The Holy Church has a sacred obligation to uphold and abide by the spiritual guidelines which have been formulated over the ages, some of which dictate that on some dates of the year, certain sacraments are prohibited. Moreover, it is always best practice to confirm availability of the Church and Parish Clergy prior to making any plans for a reception venue. In order to avoid such confusion and conflict, before you reserve a reception hall, kindly check with Fr. Nikolas to confirm that the day you have chosen is indeed a day when sacraments are permitted AND that Parish Clergy & the Church are available.

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