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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-08-23
Bulletin Contents
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Message from Fr. Jon
Upcoming Events
Assumption Parish Calendar
Theway
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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

Theway
August 23

11th Sunday of Matthew

Dormitio
August 23

Apodosis of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Concerning the Dormition of the Theotokos, this is what the Church has received from ancient times from the tradition of the Fathers. When the time drew nigh that our Savior was well-pleased to take His Mother to Himself, He declared unto her through an Angel that three days hence, He would translate her from this temporal life to eternity and bliss. On hearing this, she went up with haste to the Mount of Olives, where she prayed continuously. Giving thanks to God, she returned to her house and prepared whatever was necessary for her burial. While these things were taking place, clouds caught up the Apostles from the ends of the earth, where each one happened to be preaching, and brought them at once to the house of the Mother of God, who informed them of the cause of their sudden gathering. As a mother, she consoled them in their affliction as was meet, and then raised her hands to Heaven and prayed for the peace of the world. She blessed the Apostles, and, reclining upon her bed with seemliness, gave up her all-holy spirit into the hands of her Son and God.

With reverence and many lights, and chanting burial hymns, the Apostles took up that God-receiving body and brought it to the sepulchre, while the Angels from Heaven chanted with them, and sent forth her who is higher than the Cherubim. But one Jew, moved by malice, audaciously stretched forth his hand upon the bed and immediately received from divine judgment the wages of his audacity. Those daring hands were severed by an invisible blow. But when he repented and asked forgiveness, his hands were restored. When they had reached the place called Gethsemane, they buried there with honor the all-immaculate body of the Theotokos, which was the source of Life. But on the third day after the burial, when they were eating together, and raised up the artos (bread) in Jesus' Name, as was their custom, the Theotokos appeared in the air, saying "Rejoice" to them. From this they learned concerning the bodily translation of the Theotokos into the Heavens.

These things has the Church received from the traditions of the Fathers, who have composed many hymns out of reverence, to the glory of the Mother of our God (see Oct. 3 and 4).

Irenaeus
August 23

Our Holy Father Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons

The Holy Hieromartyr Irenaeus was born in Asia Minor about the year 120, and in his youth was a disciple of Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna. Saint Irenaeus was sent to Lyons in Gaul, to be a fellow labourer of Pothinus, Bishop of Lyons (celebrated June 2), who had also been a disciple Saint Polycarp. After the martyrdom of Saint Pothinus, Saint Irenaeus succeeded him as Bishop of Lyons. Besides the assaults of paganism, Irenaeus found himself compelled to do battle with many Gnostic heresies, against which he wrote his greatest work, A Refutation and Overthrow of Knowledge Falsely So Called . He was also a peace-maker within the Church. When Victor, Bishop of Rome, was prepared to excommunicate the Christians of Asia Minor for following a different tradition celebrating Pascha, Irenaeus persuaded him to moderate his zeal, and mediated peace. He made Lyons an illustrious bastion of Orthodoxy and a school of piety, and sealed his confession with martyrdom about the year 202, during the reign of Septimius Severus. He is not to be confused with Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Sirmium, also celebrated today, who was beheaded and cast into a river in 304 under Diocletian.

Allsaint
August 23

Our Holy Father Kallinikos, Patriarch of Constantinople

Allsaint
August 23

Lupus the Martyr

The Holy Martyr Lupus was a devoted servant of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius, and was present at his martyrdom. Later, when his own labours in confession of the Faith became known to the rulers, Saint Lupus himself was arrested, given over to torture, and finally beheaded for Christ.

Allsaint
August 23

Our Righteous Father Nicholas of Sikelion

Allsaint
August 23

38 Martyrs of Thrace

Allsaint
August 23

Our Holy Father Irenaeus, Bishop of Sirmium

Allsaint
August 23

Haralambos of Kalyviani

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after he was raised from the dead, and he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me."

Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" So, the word went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die; but Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 2nd Tone. 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 9:2-12.

Brethren, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35

The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 2nd Tone

When You descended unto death, O Life Immortal, You rendered to Hades a mortal blow by the lightning of Your divinity, and when from the depths of darkness You also raised the dead, all the heavenly powers cried out: O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to You.

Apolytikion for Apodosis of the Dormition in the 1st Tone

In giving birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity; in thy dormition, thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos. Thou wast translated unto life, since thou art the Mother of Life; and by thine intercessions dost thou redeem our souls from death.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Tone

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.
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Message from Fr. Jon

Fr-jon-4

Pastoral Message from the August Beacon

08/01/2020

Dear Faithful and Friends of the Assumption,

I am continually humbled by people that are finding Orthodoxy and reaching out to our parish.  We have been so blessed by the Lord to be able to have so many from such diverse backgrounds finding His Church in so many ways.  Even during these most challenging times, we have a few people in catechism in preparation for being received into the faith.

It is such a tremendous privilege that we have been given—not only in receiving the Orthodox Faith, but also in preserving it and passing it on to our children and to all those whom the Lord brings to our doors.  It is by our Apostolic nature and through Evangelism that we continue the ministry that Christ Himself bestowed upon the Apostles.  We not only preserve the Faith, but we bring as many as we can to its fullness.

We have been blessed to be able to make 2 huge steps forward in our outreach to the community—the New LED Sign and a NEW Audio and Camera System for our Live Streaming on Facebook. These investments were not small, but I truly believe that they will bring more people to His Church. It baffles me just how many were watching our live stream when it was incredibly difficult to understand due to the acoustics! How many more will have their hearts touched now that the beautiful prayers and hymns can be heard!

The vision of outreach and evangelism is one that most have on a conceptual basis.  Putting into practice is another issue.  It takes stepping out of our comfort zones and reaching out to those we do not know. It takes opening ourselves up in a very intimate way to our friend, families and coworkers—potentially being looked at as “religious” or in a different way than we have been. It takes effort, commitment and resources that could be placed in other areas.

I am truly proud of our parish council for sharing in this vision and making the investment in our outreach program.  I am greatly thankful for our brothers and sisters that saw the importance and donated to make it happen.  I know that with the proper humility before the Lord that we will reach many.  Together, we will “Attract, Serve and Illuminate!”  All we need now is our new building, but I will save that for the September Beacon.

In Service of the Risen Lord,

Fr. Jon


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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.

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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.


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!


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!

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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!!!


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Assumption Parish Calendar

  • Assumption Calendar

    August 23 to September 6, 2020

    Sunday, August 23

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM 2020 Greek Fast’n Go Clean-up

    Wednesday, August 26

    6:00PM Orthodox Bible Study

    Sunday, August 30

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Sunday, September 6

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

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