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Assumption Church
Publish Date: 2020-03-01
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Weekly Bulletin
Eden
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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. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4.

Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.

Gospel Reading

Forgiveness Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21

The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

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Saints and Feasts

Eden
March 01

Forgiveness Sunday

The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.

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Weekly Bulletin

Agape Coffee Fellowship: Today’s Coffee Fellowship is sponsored by Parish Council/Stewardship Committee and the Ladies Philoptochos for Stewardship Sunday. Thank you to our volunteer hostesses.

Memorial: Today's memorial is prayed in loving memory of Sophia Rubekas (5 years) and George Rubekas (40 years), parents of Denise Zabetakis. May their Memory be Eternal! Αιώνια η μνήμη.

Forgiveness Sunday & Stewardship Committee's "Pledges for Wedges" Sunday TODAY - More information below

Direct Archdiocesan District GOYA Lenten Retreat TODAY: The Journey to The Cross @ Holy Trinity in Bridgeport, CT @1:45PM (Lunch will be provided).  Sessions led by Fr. Nikolas and other CT/NY area clergy. There will also be an Adult Discussion Group for GOYA Advisors and Parents let by Fr. Harry Pappas

Calendar at a Glance

  • 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) - (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)

  • 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) - Compline @6:00PM

  • Mar 9 (M) - Philoptochos Meeting @7:00PM

  • Mar 11 (W) - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy @6:00PM; Lenten+Creation Care Study Group @7:30PM

  • Mar 12 (Th) - End-of-Year Basketball Party 6:00-8:00PM

  • Mar 13 (F) - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy @10:00AM

  • 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 - Registration & Refreshments from 8:30-10:00AM with Call to Order @10:00AM

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 - with our time, talent and treasure. 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.

Stewardship Sunday:  Frappes by Philoptochos - Frappes will be made and offered during coffee hour to current stewards "au gratis."  A $3 donation is suggested for all others. 

Our next Philoptochos meeting is Monday, March 9th, at 7:00 PM. Please join us for as long as you can. Adjusted date/time* Please note, we will pass our monthly tray next Sunday, March 8th.

Our Annual Assumption Church Lenten Potluck dinner, hosted by Philoptochos, will be held on Friday, March 13th at 7:00 PM (after church services). Please bring a lenten food item ready to be served and also bring a beverage of your choice.  For questions please contact Caryn 203-512-5698.  Sign-up using this link 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084da4af22a7f94-lenten

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.

Assumption Church 2020 Stewardship Ministry - A note about Pledges for Wedges Sunday As of last Sunday (2/23/20) we have received 54 Pledge Cards in the first 2 months of 2020. Our parishioners are invited and encouraged to fill out a Pledge Card for the 2020 year (even if you intend to make a one-time contribution) to ensure the ongoing success of the programs and ministries AND JUST AS IMPORTANTLY, to be sure we have your most up-to-date demographic data in our Parish Management Software.  We thank you for your dedication to our parish and your participation in Christ’s work of salvation as we strive to meet the spiritual needs of the families entrusted to our care.

Next, we are pleased to announce that Assumption Church now accepts stewardship donations via online credit or debit payment through Vanco at http://bit.ly/3a8YvJj and via the  GivePlus App available for download to your tablet or smartphone from the Apple App Store or Google Play (search "give plus church"). 

Most Important! What if I cannot fulfill my stewardship commitment? During the course of a year, circumstances and economics change. Your stewardship is valued because it is made out of your love for Christ and His Church and is an expression of thanks for the many blessings in your life. Please do not be concerned if you are unable to meet your stewardship commitment. We rejoice that you are a part of the Assumption Church family.

Finally, a closing thought from the Archdiocese Office of Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism:

One day, a person complained to his priest that the Church and Christianity is one continual “give, give, give.” To which the priest replied, “Thank you very much for the finest definition of Christianity I have ever heard. You’re right, Christianity is all about a constant “give, give, give.” God giving His only Son to the world to show His unconditional love. His Son Jesus giving His life on the cross to forgive our sins and destroy death. Then our Lord’s disciples giving all they had to make sure God’s Good News of love was preached to all people everywhere. They not only gave away their homes and businesses, but even gave up their lives as martyrs in gratitude to God!

 

June 12-13-14   The Greek Experience Festival--Dance Group Program   Join us for an experience of learning traditional Greek folk dances, for creating lifelong friendships, and sharing our culture with our Church community as well as the greater Danbury area. The Assumption Greek folk dance Groups are a part of the Church’s Youth ministry and we welcome all children/young adults to join us. 

March 1st through April 5th:  Registrations for the dance groups will take place following Divine Liturgy in our Community Hall every Sunday starting March 1st.  Registrations will end April 5th. 

Practices will start following Pascha on Thursday, April 30.  Contact Presbytera Maria at yiayiamk@gmail.com for any questions.

The Greek Experience Festival is a labor of love that allows all of us, young and old, to celebrate our traditions and culture. It gives us the opportunity to rejoice in our young people as they experience and discover their Orthodox Faith and Hellenic Heritage.  

Ahepa 2020 Macricostas Scholarship:  Ahepa is pleased to offer this year's Ahepa Macricostas Scholarship.  The application is available on the church website, in the Church Narthex and students can email TonyVEsq@millplainlaw.com for a copy. The deadline is May 10, 2020.  

Lenten & Creation Care Study Group: As Great and Holy Lent is an occasion for us to “purify our hearts and transform our habits,” our Assumption Church family will avail ourselves of this season’s time for increased prayer, fasting and charity to engage in a Lenten study focused on Creation Care. Our first gatherings began this past week and will continue on Wednesdays of Lent after Pre-Sanctified Liturgy (the service begins at 6:00PM and concludes around 7:20PM) on the following dates: March 11, March 18, April 1 and April 8.

Please join us for any one or all of these gatherings as they will each explore some of the distinctive ways in which our Orthodox theology of creation has implications on our Christian practice/praxis and lifestyle, as expressed in its fullness.

YOUTH CHOIR NEEDS YOU!   Looking for a new co-director since Therese Papadopoulos will be moving in the spring. He or she should be responsible, reliable and motivated! Music background is helpful but not mandatory. Please contact Cindy or Therese if interested. Cindyvz37@gmail.com or therese.papadopoulos@gmail.com

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.

IV-On-The-Go Retreat! 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 Orthros 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!

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.

Creation Care: For 30 years, The Orthodox Church has continually advocated and pioneered leadership for Christian care of the environment. Assumption Church is heeding that call to learn about environmental issues and to take action in accordance with our theology. The mission of the Creation Care Ministry is not simply ecology. It is an opportunity to live a more conscientiously Christian lifestyle that will bring more abundant blessings into the life of the parish and your home. 

Check this page each week to find inspiration and recommendations for actions you can incorporate into your daily life.

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

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