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Assumption Church
Publish Date: 2020-02-16
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Weekly Bulletin
Prodson
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Assumption Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (203) 748-2992
  • Fax:
  • (203) 748-7747
  • Street Address:

  • 30 Clapboard Ridge Road

  • Danbury, CT 06811

Contact Information

Proistamenos Father Nikolas Karloutsos


frnikolas@agoc.us

Services Schedule

Services Schedule:
Orthros at 8:45 am - Sundays
Divine Liturgy at 10am - Sundays
 
Weekday Divine Liturgies without Orthros begin with the Doxology at 9:50 am
 
Summer Services Schedule (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend):
Orthros at 8:30 am - Sundays
Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am - Sundays
 
Summer weekday Divine Liturgies without Orthros begin with the Doxology at 9:20 am

Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 6:12-20.

Brethren, "all things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything. "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food" -- and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, "The two shall become one flesh." But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body and in your spirit which belong to God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Prodigal Son
The Reading is from Luke 15:11-32

The Lord said this parable: "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his belly with the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

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Saints and Feasts

Prodson
February 16

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Through the parable of today's Gospel, our Saviour has set forth three things for us: the condition of the sinner, the rule of repentance, and the greatness of God's compassion. The divine Fathers have put this reading the week after the parable of the Publican and Pharisee so that, seeing in the person of the Prodigal Son our own wretched condition -- inasmuch as we are sunken in sin, far from God and His Mysteries -- we might at last come to our senses and make haste to return to Him by repentance during these holy days of the Fast.

Furthermore, those who have wrought many great iniquities, and have persisted in them for a long time, oftentimes fall into despair, thinking that there can no longer be any forgiveness for them; and so being without hope, they fall every day into the same and even worse iniquities. Therefore, the divine Fathers, that they might root out the passion of despair from the hearts of such people, and rouse them to the deeds of virtue, have set the present parable at the forecourts of the Fast, to show them the surpassing goodness of God's compassion, and to teach them that there is no sin -- no matter how great it may be -- that can overcome at any time His love for man.

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Weekly Bulletin

Agape Coffee Fellowship: Today’s Coffee Fellowship is sponsored by Effrosyni Aroni and family in loving memory of Effie's parents Stavros (11 years) and Marianthe (1 year). Thank you to our volunteer hostesses.

Memorial: Today's memorial is prayed for the souls of the servants of God Marianthe (1 year) and Stavros (13 years), parents of Effrosyni Aroni. Αιώνια η μνήμη! 

Church Life: On Wednesday, February 12, Nicholas, son of Nicholas and Colleen Meintanas of Patterson, NY received his 40-day blessing, entering into our Lord's Holy House. Long Life & Health - Να Μας Ζήσει!

Friday February 21 Family/Community Game Night! From the purest of souls to the wisest of the ages. Let the purest of souls, teach us how to remember to be children again. As for the wisest of the ages, teach us secrets and tell stories to help us on our journey. Feb 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 and if you forget to just show up.  P.S. bring your games if you wish too. 

GOYA Service Project next Sunday, February 23rd Our GOYAns will be preparing a meal in our Fellowship Hall kitchen after coffee hour (12:00pm) and delivering it to the Dorothy Day House in Danbury. Please RSVP via the Remind App!

Calendar at a Glance

  • Feb 20 (Th) - Parish Council Meeting @7:30PM
  • Feb 21 (F) - Family Game Night from 6PM-10PM (see details above)
  • Feb 22 (Sa) - First Saturday of Souls - Doxology & Divine Liturgy (@9:50a) (Please bring kollyva! - Submit names of the dead to be commemorated using forms available at pangari/candle stand or on your own paper - please print or type neatly)
  • Feb 23 (Su) - H.O.P.E. Winter Get Together - Sledding @ Richter Golf Course @2:30pm (weather permitting)
  • Feb 23 (Su) - GOYA Service Project - Meal Prep for and delivery to Dorothy Day House in Danbury (12pm - 3:30pm *NEW TIME*)
  • Mar 1 (Su) - Forgiveness Sunday & Stewardship Committee's "Pledges for Wedges" during Coffee Hour and the Ladies Philoptochos will have a frappe station!
  • Mar 1 (Su) - GOYA Lenten Retreat @ Holy Trinity Bridgeport @2:00PM
  • Mar 2 (M) - Great Lent Begins - Compline & Forgiveness Service @6:00PM
  • Mar 4 (W) - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy @6:00PM
  • Mar 6 (F) - Salutations to the Theotokos @7:00PM
  • Mar 7 (Sa) - First Saturday of Lent: The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva wrought by Saint Theodore the Tyro Orthros (8:50AM) & Divine Liturgy (10:00AM) - Third Saturday of Souls 
  • Mar 8 (Su) - Sunday of Orthodoxy - Procession with Icons & Visit of Anna Dounelis, President of the Direct Archdiocesan District (D.A.D) Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians for the Demetrios Pappas Scholarship Presentation
  • Mar 9 (M) Ladies Philoptochos Meeting @ 7:00 pm NOTE: Revised date and start time after Compline
  • Mar 13 (F) - Save the Date! Philoptochos Lenten Potluck (7pm) after Salutations Service (6pm *earlier start time)
  • Mar 14 (Sa) - D.A.D. Clergy-Laity Assembly at St. Nicholas in Flushing, NY

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.

The Michael Kallas Memorial Scholarship Fund in association with the Ladies Philoptochos Society is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the 2020 Michael Kallas Memorial Scholarship.  The scholarship is available for any graduating High School boy or girl. Applications have been emailed. Completed applications must be returned by March 15, 2020. Applications received after this date will not be accepted.

Our next Philoptochos meeting is Monday, March 9th, at 7:00 PM. Please join us for as long as you can. Note adjusted date*

Camp Saint Paul Summer Camp 2020 Registration is OPEN and 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.  Please visit www.campsaintpaul.org to register.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail Camp Saint Paul at the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministries us at campstpaul@goarch.org. 

IV-On-The-Go! Our Sister Parish, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of New Rochelle has been selected to host IV-On-The-Go!               

Date:  Saturday March 21st, 2020

Time:  9:30 am - 5 pm 

Location: 10 Mill Road, New Rochelle, NY  10804  

Details:  The goal of IV On-The-Go is to spread the Ionian Village program domestically.  To give those the opportunity to experience who might not be able to attend, give those interested a sneak peak of what’s to come or give those who have attended the opportunity to relive their memories.  The retreat is run by former staff of the IV summer program.  Activities throughout the day include arts and crafts, music and culture and will resemble what a real day at IV might feel like.  All activities are played in game format (jeopardy, charades), encourage team building, are fun and explore the role of Orthodoxy in our children's daily lives.  There will be orthos and vespers services to start and end the day.  

Attendees:  The retreat is offered to children in grades 7-12.  The retreat is open to all parishes so please spread the word.  

Cost:  The retreat is FREE to attend.  Holy Trinity New Rochelle has graciously offered to serve breakfast and lunch to all the attendees.   Sign up here to reserve your spot:  https://rb.gy/plsk8d    


View a video clip from 2019 IV on-the-go highlights to get a better sense of what the day may look like:  https://www.facebook.com/bestsummerofyourlife/videos/vb.47133538724/402196286996321/?type=2&theater


Please contact Anda Benekos with any questions (avagenas@hotmail.com). Hope to see you there!

Assumption Church 2020 Stewardship Ministry Pledge Cards & NEW 2020 Ecclesiastical Calendars 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.  In addition, we are pleased to offer our Parish's 2020 Ecclesiastical Calendars 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. 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.

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.

Creation Care: Pray for help, inspiration, understanding and enthusiasm. Pray to make changes at home. Pray for the parish and its members. Pray for the community. Pray for its leaders, that they respect creation. Your actions will follow your prayers.

  - Greening the Orthodox Parish, The Orthodox Fellowship of the Transfiguration

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

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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