Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15.

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Wisdom of the Fathers

When you see life's pleasures, beware that they might not distract you, for they conceal death's snares. Likewise a fisherman casts not his hook to no purpose. As bait for his hook, the enemy uses the delusion of sensuality to arouse desire, that he might thereby catch men's souls and subject them to himself. A soul which has been caught to serve the enemy's will then serves as a snare for other souls, for it conceals the grief of sin with its apparent delight.

St. Ephraim the Syrian

A Spiritual Psalter no 43, pg. 74, 4th century

Since there are certain people who find great fault with us for adoring and honoring both the image of the Savior and that of our Lady, as well as those of the rest of the saints and servants of Christ, let them hear how from the beginning God made man to His own image. For what reason, then, do we adore one another, except because we have been made to the image of God? As the inspired Basil, who is deeply learned in theology, says: "the honor paid to the image conveys to the original.," and the original is the thing imaged from which the copy is made.

St. John of Damascus

The Orthodox Faith, 4.16. Catholic University of America Press in Washington D.C. Translated by Frederic H. Chase, Jr. volume 37, page 370., 8th Century

Saints and Feasts

October 13

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

On the Sunday that falls on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we chant the Service to the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, which gathered in Nicaea in 787 under the holy Patriarch Tarasius and during the reign of the Empress Irene and her son, Constantine Porphyrogenitus, to refute the Iconoclast heresy, which had received imperial support beginning with the Edict issued in 726 by Emperor Leo the Isaurian. Many of the holy Fathers who condemned Iconoclasm at this holy Council later died as Confessors and Martyrs for the holy Icons during the second assult of Iconoclasm in the ninth century, especially during the reigns of Leo the Armenian and Theophilus.

Church Life

Memorial

In loving memory of Kaity Gabriel (1 yr) offered by her daughter Angela Gabriel-Belales and family.

In loving memory of Joan Aphrodite (17 yr) and Emmanuel Speros (6 yr) by their daughter Cynthia Speros.

ΑΙΩΝΙΑ Η ΜΝΗΜΗ! Eternal Be Her Memory!

Agape Coffee Fellowship

Today's Coffee Fellowship is sponsored in loving memory of Kaity Gabriel by her daughter Angela Gabriel-Belales and family.

Today's Coffee Fellowship is sponsored by AHEPA.

Hospitality Ministry

Thank you to AHEPA for hosting this Sunday's Agape Coffee Fellowship.

If you'd like to be a hostess or host please contact Barbara Soldano, Danai Sachinidou or Linda Dallaku at [email protected]. You can also sign up at Agape Sunday fellowship/coffee hour.

Philoptochos only organizes and oversees fellowship, as it should be every steward’s kind offering to host once a year.

For Agape Fellowship Sponsoring opportunities/availability please contact Margot Racano at: [email protected].

Spiritual Enrichment

Orthodoxy 101 Tuesdays at 5:45PM - 6:45PM in the Parish Hall

Open to inquirers, catechumens, and/or lifelong Orthodox Christians wishing to deepen their experience of the Faith, this 11-session spiritual enrichment ministry led by Father Nikolas offers an overview of the life and faith of an Orthodox Christian. Set your faith on a firm foundation and/or reorient yourself as a lifelong learner of The Way (an ancient term for the Christian Orthodox Faith). Essential for catechumens, open to everyone!

LIGHT + LIFE Wednesdays in the Church following 5:45pm Divine Services

Scheduled sessions will cover a variety of Scripture Readings & Saints together with Fasts & Feast Days from our Greek Orthodox Synaxarion and lectionary.

Our next Breaking Bread Sunday potluck is scheduled for October 27, 2024. Topics to be covered over the course of the Breaking Bread Sundays include: Creation, Humanity and the Fall; Death, Dying and Memorializing; Good Standing - what does this mean? Baptism & Chrismation - Initiation into the Body of Christ, a Community of Faith (subject to additions/modification).

Parish News

Fanari Directory 2024

We are preparing to print a new directory and need to update our parishioner contact information.

Please email [email protected] if there has been a change in your name, address, phone number and/or email address since the last printing of the directory in 2022. Or if you are new to our parish and are not listed in the current directory, please email the above information to be listed.

Feed the Hungry Ministry Annual Winter Coat, Hat and Gloves Drive

Beginning November 3 - We have another opportunity to help the homeless in our community. Winter coats are desperately needed!! Please take advantage of holiday sales. Save your unwanted coats, hats and gloves to donate during the month of November. All items should be new or gently used and must be washable. Adult items will be donated to Dorothy Day Hospitality House for distribution to the homeless. Children's items will be distributed by the Dorothy Day Hospitality House at the Spring Street Santa's Workshop event in Danbury.

Protomagiatiko Church Dance - Sunday, April 27, 2025

Save the Date!! Amber Room, Live Greek band, great food and lots of dancing!!

Youth Event

YOUTH AND YOUTH FAMILIES - OPEN ICE SKATE - 10/20 - 4:15PM!

Dearest Assumption youth and families,

We would like to invite all youth and their families to an open skate time on Sunday, October 20th from 4:15 pm- 5:45 pm. This will take place at the Danbury Ice Arena at 1 Independence Way in Danbury. This is not a drop off event and the cost is $17.00 per session and $5.00 for skate rentals. We thought it was a good idea to gather and ice skate before the busy winter season.

Look forward to being together with whoever can make it. NO RSVP NECESSARY.

If you have any questions please contact Stephanie Polistena at 203-482-2770.

In Christ's love,
YOUTH ADVISORS

Kafenio Saturday

October 19th 3:00-7:00PM

Experience the Heart of Greece Right Here in Danbury! The "KAFENIO" at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church! What is "KAFENIO"? A Kafenio is more than just a coffee shop in Greece; it is a vibrant social hub where people come together to share life, discuss ideas, and enjoy each other's company. We want to recreate this environment in our church hall, offering a slice of Greek life and hospitality. Event Details: • Where: Church Hall, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Danbury, CT • When: Saturday October 19th, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm Activities Include: • Coffee and Refreshments: Enjoy traditional Greek coffee and other refreshments while engaging in warm fellowship. Coffee will be provided, bring your own snacks and baked goods. • Games: Participate in friendly, non-gambling games like Backgammon (τάβλι), Chess (Σκάκι), and other card games. • Music and Singing: Sing along to traditional Greek songs and exchange memories. Everyone is Welcome: • Parishioners and visitors • Seniors and the young at heart • Men and women alike A Focus on Fellowship: This event is designed to support adult fellowship with an emphasis on marriage, family, and spiritual growth. It provides an excellent opportunity for those in their golden years, 50 and above, to connect and share in a monthly gathering known as the "Kafenio", and as the fellowship becomes stronger, we can plan other activities like luncheons, speaking engagements and trips. Why "KAFENIO"? "KAFENIO" is not just a gathering; it is a celebration of life, philosophy, values, and ideas, akin to a traditional Greek Kafenio. It's a chance to enjoy fellowship and fun without traveling far from home!

Ladies Philoptochos

Collection for monthly obligations today - The National Philoptochos Emergency Fund.

The money collected will be donated to Archdiocese National Hurricane Relief fund. We encourage everyone to join in helping those in desperate need. This is an opportunity for us to come together as a community in support of our brothers and sisters affected by these storms.

Birthday celebration

Thursday 10/24 for August through November birthdays, at Chuck's Steak House. Sign up is a must:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084DA4AF22A7F94-52121084-lpbirthday.

Festival Of Tables 2024

We are having our FOT on November 16. We are accepting PAID ONLY reservations during coffee fellowship or mail a check to Assumption Church (attn: Philoptochos) 30 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury, CT 06811. Adults $60, children up to 12 years old $40. Paid RSVP by November 3rd.

We are asking for ladies to host a table, for raffle donations and for helpers for the day of the event. Please follow the link to SignUp. FOT 2024

Festival of Tables Flyer

Tickets on sale!!

Please click flyer for more details.

Grand Raffle Flyer

Only 200 tickets available

We encourage everyone to support our fundraiser by buying a ticket for our Festival of Tables Grand Raffle! Please click on flyer for more details.

Greek Elder Care

Support, Services and Resources

Please click on flyer for more details.

Links for Livestreaming Services

Pray with us by subscribing to the Assumption YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/@assumptionchurchdanbury

Or by visiting our Assumption page on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/assumptiongreekorthodoxchurch/videos

Live events will be streamed on both these services on programmed service hours.

Calendar

Calendar

October 11 to November 11, 2024

Friday, October 11

Be Attentive Retreat at HCHC

Sunday, October 13

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

12:15PM Sunday Catechism School Team Meeting

2:00PM Baptism

Monday, October 14

Columbus Day & Indigenous Peoples' Day - Office Closed

Wednesday, October 16

5:55PM Small Blessing of Waters - Agiasmos

6:45PM 2nd Wednesday LIGHT & LIFE

Thursday, October 17

7:30PM Parish Council Meeting

Saturday, October 19

3:00PM Kafenio

Sunday, October 20

6th Sunday of Luke

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

Thursday, October 24

5:55PM Orthodoxy 101

Saturday, October 26

The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer

8:45AM Orthros & Liturgy - The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer

Sunday, October 27

Oxi Day Presentation after Church

7th Sunday of Luke

2nd Breaking of Bread

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

11:00AM NO MEMORIALS

Tuesday, October 29

12:00PM WCDNF in Church Hall

Wednesday, October 30

☦️ The Holy Martyrs Zenobius and His Sister Zenobia

5:55PM Paraklesis to the Holy Unmercenaries

6:45PM Orthodoxy 101

Thursday, October 31

10:00AM WCDNF in Church Hall

Friday, November 1

🍇 Cosmas and Damian the Holy Unmercenaries of Asia, and their mother Theodota

10:00AM Visitation

11:30AM Funeral

Saturday, November 2

The Holy Martyrs Acindynos, Pegasios, Aphthonios, Elpidophoros, and Anempodistos

9:30AM Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral for Archbishop’s Nameday

Sunday, November 3

Daylight Saving Time ends

5th Sunday of Luke

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

Monday, November 4

11:00AM WCDNF using hall

Tuesday, November 5

Election Day (General Election)

Wednesday, November 6

5:55PM Paraklesis to St. Nektarios

6:45PM 3rd Wednesday LIGHT & LIFE

Thursday, November 7

7:00PM Great Vespers Archangels Church, Stamford, CT

Friday, November 8

🍇 Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & the other Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, & Barachiel

5:30PM Vigil (Vespers, Orthros & Liturgy) Nektarios the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis

Saturday, November 9

Nektarius the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis

Sunday, November 10

8th Sunday of Luke

8:45AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

Monday, November 11

Veterans Day

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Wisdom of the Fathers

Saints and Feasts

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

Church Life

Hospitality Ministry

Spiritual Enrichment

Parish News

Youth Event

Kafenio Saturday

October 19th 3:00-7:00PM

Ladies Philoptochos

Festival of Tables Flyer

Tickets on sale!!

Grand Raffle Flyer

Only 200 tickets available

Greek Elder Care

Support, Services and Resources

Links for Livestreaming Services

Calendar

Calendar

October 11 to November 11, 2024