My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Often, we can only visualize and make a reality what we bring to the forefront of our minds. For example, we will not notice red cars on the road unless we specifically are focused on red cars; or, as in golf, one will not hit the fairway if dwelling on the trees, water hazards or sand traps. We tend to gravitate toward what is in our minds as our priority, whether conscious or unconscious. 

In a few short days, Great and Holy Lent will be upon us. It is my hope and prayer that each of us has taken a few moments to make our Lenten journeys to Pascha a priority.  In each of the following areas, have we mapped out a sacrificial and challenging, yet achievable plan: fasting, praying, church attendance, reading, philanthropy, and silence. Whether one has or has not, there is still time.

With the Assumption being able to open up a bit more from our Covid protocols of the past few years (new protocols on page 5), we have been able to restore many options that can be incorporated into one’s plan:

• “Transformative Christianity Webinar” as request by the Philoptochos (see page 2)
• Lenten Services (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays) - see included calendar.
• Sunday of Orthodoxy Pan-Orthodox Great Vespers on March 13 in Nicholasville (see page 2)
• Parish Oratorical Festival on March 20 (see page 2)
• St. Nektarios, “Man of God,” movie on March 21 (see page 3)
• Bellarmine Yard Sale  to aid Guatemala (see page 3)
• Blood Donation as requested by the Philoptochos (see page 4)
• “Blessings in a Backpack” as requested by the Philoptochos (see page 4)

Take a moment and plan your Lenten journey in fasting, prayer and any or all of the above opportunities. With a plan, Holy Week and Pascha will much more greatly “explode” in our hearts!

A Blessed Great and Holy to all of you as we prepare for His Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection!

In Christ,

Fr. Jon

ΖΗΤΩ ΕΛΛΑΣ!  Long live Greece! 

What a special day today, that we celebrate the 201^st anniversary of Greek Independence.  We thank the Heroes of the Greek War of Independence that fought for 400 years for freedom, justice and the preservation of our Hellenic culture (including the art of Greek dance)!!

My apologies for the late notice, but, we have a lot to do in a very short amount of time.  I have been very busy working on our practice venue, schedules and groups.  We have had such an AMAZING response this year that we will proudly have 5 dance groups:

Ta Pedakia                                      Ages  3 – 5

The Kefi Dancers                              Ages  7 – 9

The Athenian Dancers                     Ages 10 – 13

The Hellenic Dancers                       Ages 16 – 17       (traditional)

The OPA Dancers                            Ages 16 – 17       (modern)

There will be an in-person registration and first dance practice this Sunday evening:

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022

LYNDON BAPTIST CHURCH AUDITORIUM (parking lot/entrance behind church)

8025 New LaGrange Road (down the street from Assumption)

5:30PM – 6:30PM             Ta Pedakia

6:30PM – 7:30PM             Kefi and Athenian Dancers

We will discuss practice schedules, costumes, COVID protocols and more.  Dancers, please wear comfortable shoes (no flip-flops) and bring a bottled water.

Let’s keep things fun and safe!  ***Please do not attend if you have symptoms of infection: fever, cough, sore throat, sinusitis or have had close exposure to someone with COVID 19***

(As per previous notification, Hellenic and OPA Dancers will be meeting at my home tomorrow evening at 5:30pm).

Let the fun begin……………………………..!!!

OPA!!

Alexis Karageorge

Cell: (502) 439-1300

Dear Assumption Family,

The people of Ukraine need us!

Philoptochos is launching a fundraiser to support the Ukraine Relief Fund. This fund was established by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in collaboration with the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). It aims to raise $1 million for both immediate and long-term support for the Ukrainian people.

Initial IOCC work includes providing generators, fuel, and other emergency supplies. The IOCC is also coordinating with partners in Romania and Moldova who are serving refugees arriving from Ukraine. They are working with local churches to provide emergency supplies including food, water, blankets, baby food, diapers and other hygiene items.

Philoptochos will collect cash or checks on Sunday March 6 and 13 in a special “Ukraine basket” that will be located by the candle tray. Please make checks payable to “Philoptochos” with “Ukraine” in the memo line.  

You may also mail checks to Hadley Dimitropoulos at 6021 Sweetbay Dr, Crestwood, KY 40014. If you prefer to venmo her please email her at  hadley.dimitropoulos@gmail.com.

Thank you very much for your support!

The SJC Parish Oratorical Festival has been postponed to Sunday, May 22, following Divine Liturgy. The presentations will not be part of the Metropolis Competition, but offered for the edification of our youth and our members.  The Sunday School will be making this part of the curriculum and working on it in class!

All are encouraged to come and be inspired by our youth.  This is a wonderful event!!!  Don’t miss it!

With the schools open to in person classes, we are happy to announce that the program sponsored by AGOC Philoptochos in partnership with Broadway Baptist Church, that supports children from Chenoweth Elementary School is back! We are collecting food for 40 less fortunate children that will be placed in their Backpacks every Friday, so they can have food over the weekend.

Your help and generosity have made this program possible over the years and is needed now more than ever! Please look for the information on what type of foods we are collecting (non-perishable individual packages, nuts free, etc). The collecting bin is in the back of the church.

If you have any questions, please contact Alice Collis at aliceccollis@gmail.com

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 Orthodox Bible Study is currenly on Summer break. Make Bible Study part of a greater commitment to the faith in the Fall.

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!!!

Assumption Parish (Louisville, KY) Worship Guidelines

Revised February 22, 2022

†  Mask protocols

• The wearing of masks is optional and supported. The Parish Council wants every person to feel safe in the Church.
• Although wearing a mask is not formally mandated and is a personal prerogative for anyone to wear a mask as he/she sees fit, as a church community, we want to be as caring and welcoming of everyone as we possibly can.
• Wearing a mask is out of love and care for your fellow parishioners, so that everyone may feel safe and comfortable attending church and participating fully in our community of faith.

†  Seating

• A section of the church will be designated for individuals who choose to social distance (masks required in this section). 
• The remaining portion of the church will be open seating for those who do not choose to be socially distant.

†  Fellowship Hall

• Coffee Hour will resume in the hall without restriction.
• Sunday School will return to the classrooms.