Publish-header
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-07-19
Bulletin Contents
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Message from Fr. Jon
Upcoming Events
Assumption Parish Calendar
Hlyfthrs
Organization Icon
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (502)425-7775
  • Street Address:

  • 930 Ormsby Lane

  • Louisville, KY 40242

Contact Information

Presiding Priest Rev. Fr. Jon S. Boukis

priest@assumption.ky.goarch.org | (502) 425-7775

Services Schedule

Orthros - Sunday 8:450am

Divine Liturgy- Sunday 10:00am

Past Bulletins


Saints and Feasts

Hlyfthrs
July 19

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council

On the Sunday that falls from the 13th to the 19th of the present month, we chant the Service to the 630 Holy and God-bearing Fathers who came together for the 4th Ecumenical Council who assembled in Chalcedon in 451, to condemn Eutyches, who taught that there was only one nature, the divine, in Christ after the Incarnation, and Dioscorus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who illegally received Eutyches back into communion and deposed Saint Flavian, Patriarch of Constantinople, who had excommunicated Eutyches.

In the Slavic tradition, on this Sunday, the Fathers of the first six Ecumenical Councils are all commemorated.

Allsaint
July 19

Saint Theodore, Bishop of Edessa

Our Father among the Saints Theodore was born in Edessa of Mesopotamia. At the age of about nineteen, he became a monk at the Monastery of Mar Sabbas in Palestine. After he had spent some twenty-four years there, he was chosen to become Bishop of Edessa, about the year 836. The city of Edessa at that time was beleaguered with many heresies, among them the Arian, Nestorian, Eutychian, and Manichean. Wishing to free the Orthodox of Edessa from the injustices of the many heretics, he undertook a journey to Babylon in Persia - that is, Baghdad - to ask the Persian King, who then ruled over all Syria, to use his power to protect the Orthodox of Edessa. When he arrived he learned that the King was gravely sick; but gaining admission to him, the holy Bishop Theodore restored him to health through prayer, and, after speaking to him many days in secret about the dispensation of God, converted him to Christ, baptizing him with the name of John. Returning to Edessa having accomplished his purpose, Theodore later learned by revelation that King John, with his three Arab body-guards who had been baptized with him, had professed their faith openly and received martyrs' crowns at the hands of the Persian Moslems. This was in the days when the blessed Theodora and her son Michael reigned in Constantinople. Not long thereafter, Theodore retired to the Monastery of Mar Sabbas, and ended his days.

Allsaint
July 19

Macrina the Righteous, sister of St. Basil

Saint Macrina, the elder sister of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, was sought after by many as a bride because of her beauty, wisdom, and illustrious birth, and in tender youth was espoused by her parents to a bridegroom of fitting nobility. When her betrothed died, Macrina refused any other suitors, and devoted herself to a life of virginity, asceticism, and prayer. When her brother Basil returned from a brilliant career in the best schools of Constantinople and Athens, puffed up with not a little youthful pride-for knowledge puffeth up-it was the ardent admonitions and holy example of his blessed sister that persuaded him to turn from seeking worldly glory to the service of God. Saint Macrina founded a convent, where she ended her earthly life in the year 379, and was buried by her brother Gregory, who wrote a moving account of her last days and his grief at seeing such a light pass out of the world.

Seraphimsarov
July 19

Translation of the Holy Relics of Righteous Seraphim of Sarov

The uncovering of the holy relics of Saint Seraphim of Sarov on July 19, 1903 was attended by many thousands, among them the foremost of the clergy and royalty; the holy Tsar Nicholas II (see July 4) was one of the bearers of the relics in procession, and the Grand Duchess Elizabeth (see July 5) wrote an eyewitness account of the many miracles that took place. Not only had the Saint foretold the coming of the Tsar to his glorification, and that from joy they would chant "Christ is Risen" in summer, but he had also left a letter "for the fourth sovereign, who will come to Sarov." This was Nicholas II, who was given the letter when he came in 1903; the contents of the letter are not known, but when he had read it, the Tsar and future Martyr, though not a man to show his emotions, was visibly shaken. For the life of Saint Seraphim, see January 2.

Allsaint
July 19

Dius, Abbot of Antioch

Saint Dius, who was from Antioch in Syria, later came to Constantinople and established a monastery there, and wrought many wonders. He flourished in the time of Saint Theodosius the Great (379-395).

BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, Jesus, having risen from the dead, stood in the midst of his disciples and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 2nd Tone. Psalm 31.11,1.
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous.
Verse: Blessed are they whose transgressions have been forgiven.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15.

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Matthew 5:14-19

The Lord said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 1st Tone

Let us the faithful give praise and worship to the Logos, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation; for of His own goodwill he consented to ascend the cross in the flesh and endured death and raised the dead by His glorious resurrection.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Fathers in the Plagal 4th Tone

Most glorified art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast established our Fathers as luminous stars upon the earth, and through them didst guide us all to the true Faith. O Most Merciful One, glory be to Thee.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Tone

The protection of Christians unshameable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, do not turn from the prayerful cries of those who are in sin; instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercession and speed now to supplication as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.
BACK TO TOP

Message from Fr. Jon

Fr._jon

Pastoral Message from the July Beacon

07/01/2020

Dear Faithful and Friends of the Assumption,

If there is one word that describes 2020 it is “change!” Our parish began the year expecting big change—a new building, which will still happen.  In addition, we got Covid, which seems to have changed just about the way that we do everything.  I find myself experiencing great joy and great discontent simultaneously.

This July 30th, I will be celebrating the 15th Anniversary of my Ordination to the Holy Priesthood. It is incredible how quickly the years pass, yet each day seems to be an eternity.  Serving His Church has been and continues to be the greatest blessing and privilege of my life.

I feel blessed beyond what I deserve to have such wonderful supportive family. Presbytera Doreece is the one who allows me to serve you as I should.  Her work in our family gives me the freedom and ability to serve the parish without worry. Presbytera allows me to be a priest without any impediment and truly is an icon of what a Presbytera should be. Our daughter, Lia, is truly amazing.  Lia has all gifts that I feel God has bestowed on me, only greater!  It has been incredible to see Lia embracing her gifts and her faith. It has been amazing to have her as a chanter for various Sacraments. And, of course, you - My children in the Lord! When I was given the opportunity to come to Louisville, 6 years ago, I was not horribly enthused; but after meeting you, I felt that God had given me a true gift. Our parish is truly special is so many ways—our members embrace visitors, value education, don’t gossip, give generously, attend regularly, and generally love one another.  I pray that I may be given the privilege of serving you for many more years and that together, we will continue to grow in faith as we serve the Risen Lord.

At the same time,  it has been truly distressful to have been in church celebrating the Divine Liturgy with no one in the Nave.  Evanthia has been a true blessing for whom I will always be thankful—without her, I would have been unable to have continued Sunday Services. Saying “Peace be with you all” to a camera was challenging.  I received so much strength from reading the comments on Facebook after the service and speaking with you throughout the week.  I pray that Evanthia and I brought you as much comfort as you brought us.

The lesson that I hope that you receive from this letter, is that you can feel the presence of the Lord while suffering.  His blessings are ever present even when we are dwelling in the most difficult of contexts.  Covid kept us apart, but it also caused us to more greatly appreciate one another.  The Church doors were closed, but worship continued. Families were “isolated,” but they grew closer.  Don’t dwell on our suffering, it will always be there.  Dwell on His blessings, for they are the greatest of gifts from our Father you loves the greatest sinner more than the greatest saints loves Him.

In Service of the Risen Lord,

Fr. Jon


BACK TO TOP

Upcoming Events

Assumption Reopening Guidelines

06/21/2020

Assumption Reopening Guidelines

 

Before Coming to Church

  • †  Consider your risk.  Those who are at risk (persons with pre-existing health conditions and those over the age of 65) are strongly encouraged to stay at home.
  • †  Assess your health.  Anyone who is currently experiencing any symptoms of illness must stay at home.
  • †  Make sure you have a mask. (Masks for children under the age of 7 are not required but preferred. Note: Children 2 and under should not wear masks.)

 

Upon Arrival at Divine Liturgy

A Parish Council Member will greet you to:

  • †  Verify all who enter the church have a mask.
  • †  Take your temperature with a touchless thermometer (anyone with a temperature of 100.5° or above will not be permitted to enter).
  • †  Provide hand sanitizer.
  • †  Ask you the following:  Have you had a fever or other symptoms of Covid-19 in the past 72 hours? Have you been in contact with anyone that tested positive or exhibited symptoms of Covid-19 in the last 14 days?
  • †  Open the door and direct you to your seat.

 

At Divine Liturgy

  • †  The Icons will remain on the Solea.  One may bow to show respect.  Please do not kiss any icon.
  • †  Seating (social distanced at 6 feet apart) will numbered and assigned.
  • †  There will be no choir. (Chanter only)
  • †  There will only be 1 Adult Acolyte.
  • †  No paper bulletins will be distributed.  Bulletins will continue to be sent electronically.
  • †  No liturgical books will be in the pews.
  • †  Procedures for receiving Holy Communion will be announced prior to Holy Communion (procedures, given by the Metropolis of Detroit are listed below). The Eucharist will be distributed to those wishing to partake. Parishioners are reminded not to judge others based on their individual decision in this regard.
  • †  No tray will be passed (the tray will be at the candle stand).
  • †  Antidoron will be distributed in plastic bags. The hand of the priest is not to be venerated with a kiss.  One may bow to show respect.

 

General Applicable Guidelines

  • †  The Commonwealth of Kentucky allows for 50% of capacity (=120 people).  Phase 1 of the Metropolis guidelines stipulate 50% of the capacity allowed by the Commonwealth (=60 people).  Phase 2 of the Metropolis guidelines, which will begin  (beginning Sunday, July 19, allow the capacity permitted by the Commonwealth (=120 people). During both phases, family units must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet.
  • †  There will be no gatherings on church premises aside from Divine Liturgy.  Fellowship groups, religious education and any other meetings that are typically held on church grounds will remain virtual (Zoom).
  • †  The priest may offer pastoral counsel and provide the sacraments of Communion, Unction, and Confession on an appointment basis. Proper precautions for limiting contact and proximity must be observed.
  • †  Weddings, Baptisms, and Funerals may also be conducted according to the capacity limitations and rules for each phase.
  • †  No one is allowed be in any church facility without the express permission of the priest.

 ________________________________

 Holy Communion Procedures (Metropolis of Detroit)

It is clearly understood that the Holy Communion is the very Body and Blood of Christ which cannot be tainted by any harmful thing, and that those who receive it with proper intent of mind and heart cannot be harmed by it. However, for the pastoral reason that we do not want people to allow their fear of the coronavirus to separate them from the chalice, clergy are to drop the sacrament into the opened mouths of the faithful, being careful that the spoon not come into contact with the person. If accidental contact with the individual is made, the spoon will be immediately sanitized by dipping it in grain alcohol (140 proof or more) for at least 30 seconds,  dipping it in a rinse of water, and wiping it dry prior to the next use.

 

RSVP Procedure During Period of Reduced Capacity

At the beginning of each week, the parish will alternate sending out an email to half of our parishioners (Last names A-K or L-Z) for reservations for the next week’s Divine Liturgy.  On Wednesday of each week, an email will be sent to the listserv opening reservations to the entire parish.  In this way, every parishioner will be given the opportunity to attend the Divine Liturgy at least every other week, if one chooses.

Parish Council members will be present at the front door to screen and seat those who have seats assigned from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM.  After 10:15 AM, the Parish Council Members will enter the church and lock the doors. No one will be permitted to enter after 10:15 AM.

 

Holy Communion for those not having attended Divine Liturgy

For our parishioners who are not able to attend the Divine Liturgy, Holy Communion will continue to be administered following the Divine Liturgy until 11:20 AM (after all those who have attended the Divine Liturgy have departed).  During that period, the Parish Council will admit one family unit at a time to approach the Holy Altar and receive the Eucharist.

It is important that no one who wishes to receive Holy Communion is unable to due to the reduced capacity of the divine services or choosing to not attend in-person services due to one’s elevated risk or age during this challenging period.


Livestreaming Services

For the next few weeks, Livestreaming our services on Facebook will be the new normal.  It is truly important that we, as the Body of Christ, continue to pray together during these trying times.
 
You do not need to register with Facebook to watch our livestream or view the daily video postings that have been uploaded. (In order to post, “like,” or comment, you must be “on” Facebook.)  One merely needs to navigate to the page and scroll down.  Facebook will have a pop-up asking you to register, but you need not register. I do not have Facebook, nor will I register.
 
Click on this link (www.facebook.com/AGOCLou) and bookmark our page in your browser.  Faith is foundational in our lives and, when so many thinks around us are changing, it is steadfast.  I have offered thanksgiving to God that we have such great technology for our faithful to stay connected.

Orthodox Bible Study

Bible Study is an opportunity for us to apply the Scriptures to our everyday lives. The Bible is the “Good News” that enriches our faith and deepens our understanding of every issue that we face. This can only be done through obtaining the mind of the Holy Fathers. Let the scripture come alive in your life today!!!

The Wednesday Orthodox Bible Study will meet on Wednesday Evenings via ZOOM Teleconference (check calendar or email for link) from 6:00pm-7:30pm (please check calendar to verify times). Make a commitment to learning His Word!


Community Center Capital Campaign

The Campaign is moving ahead!  The current position is as follows:
 
Capital Campaign pledges to date:  $716,786
Goal:  $1,500,000
Dollars needed to begin construction of new center:  $483,000
 
Contact George Digenis or Joanna Caneris to discuss how you can help fulfill this project

Amazon Smile

Great News!!!  Amazon Smile will donate .5% of your purchases to the Assumption!!!
 
All you have to do is enter through the link below and shop as usual!!!
 
Don’t forget to bookmark it on all your devices!!!
 

Assumption Recycles!!!

Did you know that the Assumption recycles? There is a blue recycling bin in the social hall and another in the classrooms area. Please recycle clean and empty plastic, glass and metal bottles/containers as well as paper. Dirty plates, styrofoam, and plastic bags are not recyclable.


Kroger Community Rewards®

Are you already Kroger shopper?
Your current shopping could be benefitting the Assumption!

Kroger Community Rewards® makes fund-raising easy...all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card!

______________________________________________________

TO USE THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:

· Go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com and register your Kroger Plus Card (if you are already registered, click “Sign In” instead of “Create an Account.”)

· Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions

· You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.

· Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.

· Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number. If you use your phone number at the register instead of a card, call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number.

· Update or confirm your information.

· Enter “Assumption” or our NPO number of AT066 and select us from the list and click on confirm.

· If enrollment is complete, you will see Assumption’s name on the right side of your information page.

· That’s it!!! Use your registered Kroger Plus card or phone number at the register and our parish benefits!!!

By registering online, coupons can be electronically attached to your Plus Card. Not only do you help the Church, but you save money. Talk to everyone you know about registering to benefit our parish!!!


BACK TO TOP

Assumption Parish Calendar

  • Assumption Calendar

    July 19 to August 2, 2020

    Sunday, July 19

    9:30AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Wednesday, July 22

    6:00PM Orthodox Bible Study

    Sunday, July 26

    9:30AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Wednesday, July 29

    6:00PM Orthodox Bible Study

    Sunday, August 2

    9:30AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

BACK TO TOP