Congratulations and thanks to all the bakers, organizers, workers, and donors who made the November 12 Greek Pastries Bake Sale fundraiser possible. Bravo!
We are still accepting orders. Please contact Wilma Dunias, a member of our parish, at baklavabywilma@q.com.
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UPCOMING SERVICES
- Sunday, November 20, 10am Typica service, followed by Coffee Hour.
- Sunday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Weekend), 9am Orthros, 10am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour.
Fr. Mark Lichtenstein, celebrant.
- Sunday, December 4, 10am Typica service, followed by Coffee Hour.
- Sunday, December 11, 10am Typica service, followed by Coffee Hour.
- Sunday, December 18, 9am Orthros, 10am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour.
Fr. Mark Lichtenstein, celebrant.
- Saturday, December 24 (Christmas Eve), 9am Orthros, 10am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour.
Fr. Mark Lichtenstein, celebrant.
- Sunday, December 25 (Christmas Day), 9am Orthros, 10am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour.
Fr. Mark Lichtenstein, celebrant.
- Sunday, January 1 (New Year's Day, St. Basil's Day, and Commemoration of the Circumcision of Christ) 9am Orthros, 10am Divine Liturgy, followed by Coffee Hour.
Fr. Mark Lichtenstein, celebrant.
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CHRISTMAS SERVICES
- The fasting period before Christmas started on November 15.
- During this pre-Nativity fasting period, we give up meat for the full extent of the Fast, from November 15 through December 24.
- If we are able and have no health problems that prevent us, we also fast from these things:
- Fish is permitted on days that are not Wednesdays and Fridays, up through December 12. In addition, fish is permitted on other Feasts and Days of Commemoration designated on the Church calendar. Note: Shellfish is not considered "fish," so it is always permitted.
- Oil and Wine are permitted on weekends, up through December 24. They are also permitted on days that are not Wednesdays or Fridays through December 12, and on other Feasts and Days of Commemoration designated. This year, those dates when oil and wine are permitted are November 16, 25, 30 and December 9, 12, 15, 20.
- It is always wise to talk to your priest before undertaking a fast. He can give you advice about how to make the fast manageable for you. Fasting should always be helpful, never harmful.
- Fasting is not just about food. Fasting is about drawing closer to God. So, in addition to being more mindful about God as we eat and drink, we Christians also change our leisure time activities: we read more books about God, or listen to podcasts on AncientFaith.com, or watch documentaries about saints. We also pray more, give alms more, and attend church more.
- December 24 & 25: We will hold the usual Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services for the Nativity. Christmas Day is on a Sunday this year.
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ONLINE CATECHISM CLASS ON THURSDAYS
Thansgiving Break: We will skip November 24. Our next session will be December 1. Join us each Thursday at 7:00 pm via Zoom for a weekly study and catechism session on the Orthodox Christian faith.
On October 27 we began a new book which has been a standard survey of Eastern Orthodoxy, The Orthodox Church, by Timothy Ware.
The session includes a 25-30 minute presentation followed by time for discussion, questions and answers. The presentation is recorded to YouTube for those who may be unable to attend that week.
One aspect of this series using this book is that The Orthodox Church has led many from other religious backgrounds to the Orthodox Christian faith. We will give attention to many of these topics as we cover the book in the weeks ahead.
Please let Fr. Nektarios know if you need a copy of the book (Email Fr. Nektarios).
The Zoom link will be sent out as a reminder each Thursday morning. Please join us, other catechumens and inquirers, and Orthodox Christians from throughout north-central Texas for an engaging session each week!
Topic: Catechism Session
Time: 7:00 pm Thursday evenings, on Zoom
Interested: Email Fr. Nektarios
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FASTING
Currently we are in the pre-Christmas fast, which is described above. When we are in a season of normal fasting, we fast on only Wednesdays and Fridays.
Question: Why do we fast?
Answer: Because Christ did. He also said that we need to fast to increase our spiritual strength. “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:29)
Question: Why do we fast on Wednesdays and Fridays even when it's not Lent?
Answer: Because Christ was betrayed on a Wednesday, and crucified on a Friday.
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CARING MEALS MINISTRY
If you know someone who needs meals due to illness, birth, etc., please see Kathy Baughman or Noelle Bartl. Thank you to everyone who volunteers for this ministry. You are being the hands of Christ!
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HELP FOR THE GARCIA FAMILY
As you know, Joanna Garcia continues to go through a very difficult time with her ongoing illness. Joe is her faithful caregiver, so he is at home full-time helping her now. They could really use some extra support from us!
If you want to give a financial donation to help with medical expenses, etc., please make your check out to our church (Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, or AVMGOC for short), and make note that it's for the Garcias.
If you have any questions, please call or text Kathy at 325-277-0274.
The Garcias sure appreciate our prayers and support. Cards or notes of encouragement would brighten their days too. You can send them to the church, and we will forward them on. The church address is Assumption Orthodox Church, 801 Montecito Dr., San Angelo, TX 76903.
Thank you for helping during this time of great need.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
The organizers of the Concho Christmas Celebration have invited our parish to be hosts for the Christmas light tour.
Date: Friday, December 23
Time: one-hour shifts, from 6-9 pm
There will be a sign displayed that says we are the hosts, and it will have the name of our church.
What it involves is greeting people in their cars at the starting point of the tour, and handing out a little bag that has a survey card, a pencil, and a candy cane.
This will be a good way for people to meet members of our parish and see how friendly we are. It will also help spread Christmas cheer.
If you can volunteer, even for a little while, please see Charis Worden or go to the sign-up sheet in the church kitchen, on the refrigerator. Thank you!
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PARISH COUNCIL
The next meeting will be Sunday, December 18, during Coffee Hour.
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COFFEE HOUR
We have open slots on the sign up sheet for Coffee Hour, which can be found on the refrigerator in the church kitchen. Can you help host? It's okay to bring something simple, or even just one dish. Encourage others to sign up with you as co-hosts. "Many hands make the burden light." Thank you for your help!
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Check out the rest of the bulletin online! See below for news from the world of Orthodoxy, online concerts and lecture series, and more.
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SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Birthdays: none
Anniversaries: none
Namedays:
- 11/21 Nameday Eva Bartl (Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple)
- 11/25 Nameday Seraphina Katerina Bartl, Kathleen Baughman, Katia Lichtenstein (St. Katherine)
Memorials: Fr. David Eckley
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AFTER CHURCH
Please join us for refreshments in the Social Hall.
** As always, see the parish website for any changes and updates. **