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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-03-28
Bulletin Contents
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Message from Fr. Jon
Upcoming Events
Assumption Parish Calendar
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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@agoclou.org | (502) 425-7775

Services Schedule

Orthros - Sunday 8:450am

Divine Liturgy- Sunday 10:00am

Past Bulletins


Saints and Feasts

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March 28

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

Allsaint
March 28

Herodion the Apostle of the 70

Allsaint
March 28

Hilarion the New

Saint Hilarion took up the monastic life from his youth and lived in seclusion. Later, as Abbot of the Monastery of Pelecete in Asia Minor (believed to be in Bithynia, not far from Triglia), he suffered much from the Iconoclasts, and reposed in the year 754.

Allsaint
March 28

Stephen the Wonderworker

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Ninth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 1st Tone. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

"IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 1st Tone

Although the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers guarded Your most pure body, You arose on the third day, O Savior, giving life to the world. For this reason, the heavenly powers cried out to you, O Giver of Life: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, only Lover of Mankind!

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal 4th Tone

Light of Orthdoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.

Apolytikion of Dormition in the 1st Tone

In giving birth, you remained a virgin, and in your dormition, you did not forsake this world, O Theotokos. For as the Mother of Life, you have yourself passed into life. And by your prayers deliver our souls from death.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Tone

To you, defender and commander in a time of war, I, your City, offer gratitude for victory, for you rescued me from suff'rings, O Theotokos. Since the power you possess is unassailable, from all dangers I entreat you to deliver me, that I may cry to you: Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.
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Message from Fr. Jon

Fr-jon-4

Pastoral Message from the March Beacon

03/01/2021

My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It has been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic altered our daily lives. In fact, that last day that we were operating freely was the Sunday of Orthodoxy, which was March 14, 2020. Our faithful were not able to come to church during Great and Holy Lent, Holy Week and Pascha. Proclaiming “Christ is Risen” on Great and Holy Pascha to the whole world through a cellphone camera overwhelmed me with joy, with regards to His defeat of death, but felt “hollow” without all of you present. Thank God that the technology allowed for some connection.Through Facebook and Zoom we were able to still be “together.”

This year, we are more greatly prepared technologically, and we also have safety protocols in place, a year of experience, and a vaccine being disseminated. I pray fervently that the world will be safely opened for us to be together as a family this Pascha.

In Genesis 3:15, the Lord says to the serpent, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel." In other words, the devil and humanity will continue to harass each other until the end; corruption in the world is inevitable and our lives will be filled with challenges and torment. 2020 was one of the more difficult years, but every year has its difficulties.In the world we are in constant dissonance—in eternity, His abiding love and peace.

Understanding this reality is crucial to our faith and our constant focus on what is to come. We must be vigilant in our hope, dwell in the faith, and abide in love. The harassment of evil in the world must not be allowed to derail us in our journey towards salvation. For it is nothing but a nuisance when we understand the salvation which has been prepared for us. This reality instills in us true joy; thus diminishing our sorrows.

For this reason, I call on each of us to plan for a Great and Holy Lent filled with spiritual exercise (ascesis) –fasting, meditation and prayer. This is the season to prepare for His Passion and Resurrection –let us not be defrauded by the world. I would encourage each of you to reach out to me for guidance in this journey –for at its end is the Risen Lord!

With love and respect, I remain in Service of our Lord who took on carnal flesh that we may achieve salvation,

Fr. Jon


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Upcoming Events

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.

 ________________________________

 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!


Sunday of Orthodoxy Pan-Orthodox Great Vespers

03/21/2021

Come and celebrate the Restoration of the Icons into the Church as a united Orthodox Community of Kentucky on March 21st.Great Vespers will take place at St. Michael at 5 PM on March 21st!!! The congregation will be seated socially distant and there will be no reception to follow...but, we will be together in unity to proclaim the triumph of the faith!!!


Communication Upgrades

03/01/2021

  • New Email Service and Platform! Done! Our new emails are all @agoclou.org. They are... priest, president, announcements, stewardship, office and Philoptochos.
  • Enhancements streaming service! Done! Allows us to stream in HD to Facebook Live without the “buffering” that interrupted service at home.
  • New URL www.greekorthodoxlou.org! Done! Allows us to stream in HD to Facebook Live without the “buffering” that interrupted service at home.
  • Website appearance updated! In progress! Content has been updated to be more dynamic and simple. We can now accept donations through Paypal at our website! The next step is to create a better appearance with potential for current content upload.
  • Livestream will be added to Website and Roku Platform! To be done... Our goal is to have more options for our parishioners and visitors to stream our services.
  • A Youtube Channel to be opened! To be done... A place to share our community with the world...

 


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!!!
 

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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Assumption Parish Calendar

  • Assumption Calendar

    March 28 to April 4, 2021

    Sunday, March 28

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    12:00PM Sunday School (Seniors)

    12:30PM Sunday School (Mids)

    1:00PM Sunday School (Juniors)

    Monday, March 29

    6:00PM Great Compline Service

    Wednesday, March 31

    6:00PM Orthodox Bible Study (Cancelled)

    Friday, April 2

    6:00PM Salutations to the Theotokos (3rd)

    Sunday, April 4

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    12:00PM Sunday School (Seniors)

    12:30PM Sunday School (Mids)

    1:00PM Sunday School (Juniors)

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