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

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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!

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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!!!