Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption,

Χριστός Ανέστη!!! Christ is Risen!!!

It was truly a blessing to be together in celebration of the most blessed Holy Week Services and on Pascha in fellowship!

Most years, the moments that are most incredible during Holy Week are liturgical: the Procession of Christ on the Cross, the Un-nailing of Christ, the Procession with the Epitaphios and, of course, the exclamation of the Resurrection. These moments are truly special each and every year. But this year, I found that I was equally moved by hearing your voices chanting together on Holy Friday Evening and in celebration with you on Pascha at our community feast! Church is not a place, it is the people. Being together after such a tough year is a true expression of our faith, hope and love!

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless us all!!!

Rev. Father Jon Boukis

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).
• †  Open the door and direct you to your seat. Hand Sanitizer is available at Candle Stand.
  

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.
• †  Holy Communion procedures, given by the Metropolis of Detroit are listed below.
• †  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

• †  Capacity is determined by social distancing of family units (distance of at least 6 feet).
• †  Fellowship groups, religious education and any other meetings that are typically held on church grounds will be primarily 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 these guidelines.
• †  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.

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!

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!!!