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Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-09-12
Bulletin Contents
Allsaint
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Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 7179193382
  • Street Address:

  • 801 Montecito Drive

  • San Angelo, TX 76903


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Sundays
9 AM Orthros Prayer Service
10 AM Divine Liturgy Communion Service

Wednesdays except during Summer and Holiday Breaks
7 PM Bible Study or Discussion Group

 


Past Bulletins


Calendar & Announcements

Announcements 

DONATIONS
 
We've had some expensive repairs here on the church building, and need to do more. Please consider special donations or increasing your pledge amount.
 
For example, we need approximately $6–7,000 for the HVAC systems. We also ought to do some work for beautification of our church, God's temple. These tasks require money. Every little bit helps. 
 
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SPECIAL  OCCASIONS 
 
Nameday: none
Birthday: Aaron Rosenstrom
Anniversary: none
Memorial: none

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UPCOMING  SPECIAL  SERVICES

  • Tuesday, September 14, Elevation of the Holy Cross: 9:00 am Orthros, 9:45 am Liturgy
  • Tuesday, October 26, St. Demetrius Day: 9:00 am Orthros, 9:45 am Liturgy

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FALL  PICNIC

We will have our Fall Picnic on Sunday, October 24, after church. A coordinator is needed. Stay tuned for more details.

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COFFEE  HOUR

Please join us for Coffee Hour. Your presence is important for building the church community.

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PARISH  COUNCIL

The next PC meeting will be on September 12.

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WAYS  YOU  CAN  HELP

  • Thank you to the people who donated wine for the liturgy.  We have enough for several months. We still need prosforo bakers. If you'd like to sign up, see Fr. Mark.

  • Please consider sponsoring coffee hour, perhaps team up with someone. There is a sign-up sheet in the kitchen.

  • You are welcome to help chant or read the Epistle. See Father or John Choate.

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YOUR  ORTHODOX  EDUCATION

Reminder: When you travel, find an Orthodox parish and go to church! They are easy to find online.

When you visit other churches, please take photos of the icons and architecture. Print them and bring them here. We'll post them in the social hall, to share with our parish community.

Why should we visit other parishes when we go on vacation? Because God doesn't take a break from us, so we shouldn't take a break from Him!

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Saints for the Week: We have many saints with interesting write-ups in this week's bulletin. Scroll down in this bulletin to find out more.

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Other Announcements:

  • Send your prayer requests to Fr. Mark. Also send your requests for visits to the sick and the hospitalized. These days, hospitals do not release patient information or call the priest, so you need to let Father know yourself.

  • Reminder: Whenever we cannot attend church services, we should still find a way to worship God. You can pray these Morning Prayers during that time. The morning prayers are also good way to start every day. Here are some Evening Prayers for you too. "A day hemmed in prayer rarely comes unravelled." 


** As always, see the parish website for any changes and updates. **

 

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."


Epistle Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.


Gospel Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17

The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 3rd Tone

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the mighty power of his arm. He has trampled down death by death, becoming the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of hell and has granted to all the world his great mercy.

Apolytikion for Apodosis of Nativity of the Theotokos in the 4th Tone

Your birth, O Theotokos, has filled the world with joy, for there rose from you the Sun of Justice, Christ our God. He destroyed the ancient curse and replaces it with a blessing, thus confounding death by giving us eternal life.

Apolytikion Hymn of Our Parish: for the Dormition of the Theotokos, in the 1st Tone

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

Seasonal Kontakion in the 4th Tone

Your holy birth delivered Joachim and Anna from the reproach of childlessness, and liberated Adam and Eve from death's corruption, O Pure One. Thus freed from the stain of sin, we your people honor your birth, crying out to you: A woman thought barren brings forth the Theotokos who nourishes Christ our Life.
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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
September 12

Autonomos the Martyr

This saint was a bishop in Italy. Fleeing from the persecution of Diocletian in 298, he came to Bithynia, where he went from place to place converting many from the idols to the true God. Because of this, one day as he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Archangels, they who worshipped wood and stones fell upon him and beat him to death with staves and stones.


Exaltation
September 12

Sunday before Holy Cross


Allsaint
September 12

Hieromartyr Cornatus, Bishop of Iconium


Allsaint
September 12

Agirus, the Hieromartyr of Cornoutus, Bishop of Iconium


Allsaint
September 12

Daniel of Thassos


Allsaint
September 12

Julian the Martyr


Allsaint
September 12

Theodore the Hieromartyr of Alexandria


Allsaint
September 12

Apodosis of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary


15_elevation
September 13

Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross


Allsaint
September 13

The Consecration of the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre)

The church that is honoured far above all others is that of the Holy Resurrection, which Saint Constantine the Great constructed at the place of Golgotha, where our Saviour was crucified and buried. For a long time this place had been purposely buried beneath the earth by the Jews and heathen; furthermore, during the reign of Hadrian (117-138), a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built over the site so that this sacred place might be even further desecrated and fall into utter oblivion. It was here that the Cross was hidden. However, at the command of the pious Emperor Constantine, excavations were made and the tokens of the saving Passion were found. It was here, then, that the very great and magnificent temple named in honour of Christ God's Resurrection-the Anastasis-was built under the supervision of the blessed Helen, while Dracilian was Eparch of Palestine and Macarius was Archbishop of Jerusalem. It was the latter, also, who exalted the venerable Cross and performed the consecration of this temple in the year 336.


Allsaint
September 13

Cornelius the Centurion & Martyr

Saint Cornelius was a Roman by race, a pagan by religion, a centurion in rank, an inhabitant of Caesarea of Palestine, a man pious and God-fearing who gave many alms to the people and prayed continually unto God. In accordance with an angelic vision granted to him, he sent to Joppa that they might bring the Apostle Peter. Saint Peter catechized him in the Faith of Christ and baptized all his household (Acts, ch.10). This became the beginning and the first fruits of the calling of the nations. It is said that, after this, he became a bishop, as some say, of Caesarea; but others say of Scepsis, which is not far from Troas; and that he died as a martyr.


Exaltation
September 14

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.

Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.


Nikitas
September 15

Nikitas the Great Martyr

This Saint was of high birth among the Goths beyond the Danube River. He was taken by Athanaric, pagan ruler of the Goths, and after being tortured, was burned to death for his confession of Christ. According to some, this took place during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great; according to others, under the Emperor Gratian.


02_elevation
September 15

Afterfeast of the Holy Cross


Bessarion
September 15

Bessarion of Larissa


Allsaint
September 15

Porphyrios the Actor


Euthemia
September 16

Euphemia the Great Martyr

Saint Euphemia was from Chalcedon and lived in virginity. According to some, she suffered martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian, in 303; according to others, in 307. Her sacred relics are preserved in the Patriarchate in Constantinople.


Allsaint
September 16

Sebastiana, Disciple of St. Paul the Apostle


Exaltation
September 16

Afterfeast of the Holy Cross


Allsaint
September 16

Ninian the Enlightener of Scotland

Saint Ninian was born in Cumberland in Britain around the year 360, about a half century after the Emperor Constantius Chlorus died in the British city of York, and his son Constantine, who was with him when he died, was proclaimed Emperor. Ninian was born of Christian parents of noble lineage, at a time when paganism was still strong in his native land. As a young man he went to Rome, where he spent many years in study and ascetical struggles. At Rome, Saint Ninian was consecrated some time after the death of Pope Damasus in 384, and was sent back to his native island about the end of the fourth century. On his return journey, it is likely that he passed through Tours and met Saint Martin; what is certain is that many churches and cells associated with Saint Ninian, including his own cathedral in Whithorn, were named in honour of Saint Martin. When Saint Ninian returned to Cumberland, he established monasteries that fostered both the life of prayer and missionary labours. By his preaching, his godly life, and his miracles, he ministered to his own countrymen, the Britons, and also converted many of the pagan Picts, who inhabited the northern regions (in today's Scotland). He reposed in peace at his see of Whithorn in Galloway in 432.

Allsaint
September 16

Edith the Nun of Wilton Abbey


Sophia
September 17

Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love

These Saints were from Italy and contested for the Faith about the year 126, during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian. Faith was twelve years old, Hope, ten, and Love, nine; each was tormented and then beheaded, from the eldest to the youngest. Their mother Sophia mourned at their grave for three days, where she also fell asleep in peace; because of her courageous endurance in the face of her daughters' sufferings, she is also counted a martyr. The name Sophia means "wisdom" in Greek; as for her daughters' names, Faith, Hope, and Love (Charity), they are Pistis, Elpis, and Agape in Greek, and Vera, Nadezhda, and Lyubov in Russian.


Allsaint
September 17

Herakleides & Myron, Bishops of Cyprus


15_elevation
September 17

Afterfeast of the Holy Cross


Exaltation
September 18

Saturday after Holy Cross


Allsaint
September 18

Eumenius the Wonderworker, Bishop of Gortynia

This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth, and later became Bishop of Gortynia in Crete. He travelled to Rome, and to Thebes in Upper Egypt, where through his prayers he ended a drought; there also, after working many miracles, he reposed in deep old age. His holy relics were returned to Gortynia and buried at the place called Raxos.


Allsaint
September 18

Ariadne the Martyr


Exaltation
September 18

Afterfeast of the Holy Cross


Exaltation
September 19

Sunday after Holy Cross


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

For not in heaven only is He, but everywhere, and He fills all things; but yet He speaks according to the infirmity of His hearer, desiring to lead him up little by little ... For after having spoken of the very great benefaction that had come to man by Baptism, He proceeds to mention another benefaction, which was the cause of this, and not inferior to it; namely, that by the Cross ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

Our Redeemer and Maker, Who was Son of God before the ages, became Son of Man at the end of ages. Thus the One Who, through the power of His divinity, had created us to enjoy the happiness of everlasting life, might Himself restore us, through the weakness of our humanity, to recover the life we had lost.
St. Bede the Venerable
Homilies on the Gospels, 2.18. 7th Century. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 126.

Now if the Jews, by looking to the brazen image of a serpent, escaped death, much rather will they who believe on the Crucified, with good reason enjoy a far greater benefit ... Seest thou the cause of the Crucifixion, and the salvation which is by it?
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

"He gave His Only-begotten Son," not a servant, not an Angel, not an Archangel. And yet no one would show such anxiety for his own child, as God did for His ungrateful servants ... He who giveth life to others, much more to Himself doth He well forth life ... For He calls the Cross the fountain of life; which reason cannot easily allow, as the heathens now by their mocking testify. But faith which goes beyond the weakness of reasoning, may easily receive and retain it.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

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