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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-01-03
Bulletin Contents
Baptism
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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

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

  • 930 Ormsby Lane

  • Louisville, KY 40242


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Orthros - Sunday 8:450am

Divine Liturgy- Sunday 10:00am


Past Bulletins


Saints and Feasts

Baptism
January 03

Sunday before Epiphany


Allsaint
January 03

Malachi the Prophet

The Prophet Malachi ("messenger of God") is the last of the twelve minor Prophets, and also of all the Prophets of the Old Testament. He prophesied in the days of Nehemias, a wise man among the Jews, who also held a high and powerful position in the court of Artaxerxes the Long-armed, King of the Persians, who reigned from 465 to 424 B.C. Malachis' book of prophecy is divided into four chapters; he foretold the coming of Christ as the Sun of Righteousness (4:2)


Gordios
January 03

Gordios the Martyr of Caesarea

The Martyr Gordios who was from Caesarea of Cappadocia, was a centurion by rank. Unable to bear the impiety of the heathen, he withdrew to the wilderness to purify himself through prayer and fasting. After he perceived that his ascetical training had prepared him sufficiently, he came down from the mountains when a certain pagan festival was held in Caesarea, attended by all, and presented himself before the multitude. Although the spectacles of the festival continued, no one paid them any heed, but all eyes were turned upon him. From his sojourn in the mountains, his look was wild, his beard was long, his raiment squalid, his body like a skeleton; yet a certain grace shone round about him. He was recognized, and a loud shout and tumult was made as his fellow Christians rejoiced, and the enemies of the truth cried out for his death. He boldly professed his faith before the Governor, and after torments was beheaded, in the reign of Licinius in the year 314. Saint Basil the Great delivered a homily on Saint Gordios, mentioning that some of those in his audience had been present at the saint's martyrdom (PG 31:497).


Baptismb1cp
January 03

Forefeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ


Allsaint
January 03

Righteous Genevieve of Paris


Allsaint
January 03

Righteous Peter of Atroas


Allsaint
January 03

Righteous Akakios the Wonderworker


Allsaint
January 03

Righteous Thomais of Lesbos


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that He had said these things to her.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 2nd Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 4:5-8.

TIMOTHY, my son, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.

For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.


Gospel Reading

Sunday before Epiphany
The Reading is from Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophets, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' John was baptizing in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."


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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 Forefeast of the Theophany in the 4th Tone

Be thou ready, Zabulon; prepare thyself, O Nephthalim. River Jordan, stay thy course and skip for gladness to receive the Sovereign Master, Who cometh now to be baptized. O Adam, be thou glad with our first mother, Eve; hide not as ye did of old in Paradise. Seeing you naked, He hath appeared now to clothe you in the first robe again. Christ hath appeared, for He truly willeth to renew all creation.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 4th Tone

In the running waters of the Jordan River, on this day the Lord of all crieth to John: Be not afraid and hesitate not to baptize Me, for I am come to save Adam, the first-formed man.
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Message from Fr. Jon

Fr-jon-4

Pastoral Message from the January Beacon

01/01/2021

Dear Faithful and Friends of the Assumption,

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. ”  John 16:33

A new year is now upon us, and, I can’t imagine that there is any person that hasn’t thought something like, “I am happy to see 2020 go and am hopeful for 2021.” It is natural to always be looking for the “light at the end of the tunnel.”  The challenges of 2020 have been overwhelming making it look like one long tunnel!

We, as Christians, are called to be “in the world, but not of the world.” In other words, we need to exist in a world that is carnal (of the flesh), but we don’t need to allow the flesh to define what is truly important to us.  We must look at the world through the lens of our faith; always discerning the will of God and the importance of focus on salvation.  In the end, we all will end up in eternity—if we truly understand this, should not the pursuit of salvation be paramount? What on this earth is more important than what is to come?

It is during times of tribulation that we must look more closely at our path.  From a distance, it may look as though it was entirely wrought with misfortune, but when examined closely, God’s grace is evident.  I am so thankful for the people in my life—those who I had the blessing of become closer with this year, and those who entered my life as a result of the crisis in which we are.  This crisis has revealed what truly exists within the inner person—for some, beauty, kindness, love, philanthropy and true faith have emanated; for others, not so much.  What is truly heartening is that the goodness of humanity has greatly dwarfed those who are centered on the self.

I am convinced that many of the blessings that we have realized would have not become manifest without the tribulation. So I must proclaim, “Glory to God in the midst of this tribulation.  Glory to God, who has allowed this suffering to become a seed of spiritual growth.  Glory to God for His beneficence!”

I encourage each of us to take more than a moment to reflect closely on the past year.  I am convinced that each of us will find many blessings for which we are truly grateful.  For, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -Jesus

Praying for God’s Grace and Blessing in the New Year filled with spiritual joy and health, I remain,

In His ever-abiding love,

Fr. Jon

Attract, Serve, Illuminate


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Upcoming Events

Home Blessings

01/17/2021

Many of our faithful have their home blessed every year...but are currently isolating due to the Covid pandemic.  In fact, it is in time of tribulation that having our homes blessed is paramount!

This year, we will do a group home blessing on Facebook Live.  Fr. Jon will do a home blessing at his home with the prayers, petitions, readings and hymn of the season.  When it comes time to bless, we each can take the Holy Water (Agiasmos) blessed for Epiphany and sprinkle it in our respective homes (as Fr. Jon chants and does likewise).  By the prayers of the church and our own faith, we will prevail.

The Service of the Blessing of Our Homes will take place on Facebook Live on Sunday, January 17, at 2:00pm.

If you would prefer to have you home blessed in person, please contact Fr. Jon at priest@agoclou.org or (502) 425-7775 for an appointment.

 


Sunday School

11/01/2020

Dear parents,
 
This is just a friendly reminder regarding Sunday School.  We are very excited to be able to deliver religious education over Zoom this year.
 
If you haven't registered, don't worry, your children can still attend!
 
Class Schedule:
6th Grade - 12th Grade (12:00 noon -12:30 p.m.)
1st - 6th Grade (12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m.)
Preschool - Kindergarden (1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.)
 
 
Zoom link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5024257775?pwd=WmtrWFZJenhXWldIcDBoK2hjY29DUT09

Meeting ID: 502 425 7775
Passcode: 930
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,5024257775# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,5024257775# US (New York)
 
If there are any questions please contact Chuck at 502.264.7728 or charles.h.shuff@gmail.com

Assumption Covid Guidelines

10/01/2020

Assumption Covid 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)
  • †  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 upto 50% of capacity (=120 people). 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.


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!


Communication Upgrades

01/01/2021

  • We have migrated our email service to a new platform.  This should provide more reliable email service and greater management flexibility.  Our new emails are all @agoclou.org. They are... priest, president, announcements, stewardship, office and Philoptochos.
  • We are also making enhancements to our streaming service.  In a few days, internet service will be installed directly to the church which will increase our bandwidth substantially.  Our increase capability will allow us to stream in HD to our website (see next item), Facebook and to the Archdiocese App on Roku! More options and better quality!
  • Our website is currently being updated to give it a better appearance with more dynamic content.  The goal is to add streaming to the site and develop ecommerce to accept donations online!!!

 


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!!!


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