Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-06-09
Bulletin Contents

Organization Icon
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (502) 425-7775
  • Street Address:

  • 930 Ormsby Lane

  • Louisville, KY 40242


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Orthros - Sunday 8:50 am

Divine Liturgy- Sunday 10:00 am


Past Bulletins


Saints and Feasts

June 09

Sunday of the Blind Man

The Lord Jesus was coming from the Temple on the Sabbath, when, while walking in the way, He saw the blind man mentioned in today's Gospel. This man had been born thus from his mother's womb, that is, he had been born without eyes (see Saint John Chrysostom, Homily LVI on Matthew; Saint Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book V:15; and the second Exorcism of Saint Basil the Great). When the disciples saw this, they asked their Teacher, "Who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" They asked this because when the Lord had healed the paralytic at the Sheep's Pool, He had told him, "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee" (John 5:14); so they wondered, if sickness was caused by sin, what sin could have been the cause of his being born without eyes. But the Lord answered that this was for the glory of God. Then the God-man spat on the ground and made clay with the spittle. He anointed the eyes of the blind man and said to him, "Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam." Siloam (which means "sent") was a well-known spring in Jerusalem used by the inhabitants for its waters, which flowed to the eastern side of the city and collected in a large pool called "the Pool of Siloam."

Therefore, the Saviour sent the blind man to this pool that he might wash his eyes, which had been anointed with the clay-not that the pool's water had such power, but that the faith and obedience of the one sent might be made manifest, and that the miracle might become more remarkable and known to all, and leave no room for doubt. Thus, the blind man believed in Jesus' words, obeyed His command, went and washed himself, and returned, no longer blind, but having eyes and seeing. This was the greatest miracle that our Lord had yet worked; as the man healed of his blindness himself testified, "Since time began, never was it heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind," although the Lord had already healed the blind eyes of many. Because he now had eyes, some even doubted that he was the same person (John 9:8-9); and it was still lively in their remembrance when Christ came to the tomb of Lazarus, for they said, "Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have caused that even this man should not have died?" Saint John Chrysostom gives a thorough and brilliant exposition of our Lord's meeting with the woman of Samaria, the healing of the paralytic, and the miracle of the blind man in his commentaries on the Gospel of Saint John.


June 09

Righteous Father Columba of Iona

After he established a number of monasteries and churches in his native Ireland, Saint Columba founded the renowned monastery of Iona, off the coast of Scotland. Having guided many in the path of salvation, reposed in peace in 597.


June 09

Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria

On this day we commemorate Saint Cyril's falling asleep. On January 18 we commemorate the occasion of the Saint's restoration to his see in Alexandria after he had suffered a brief exile because of the machinations of the Nestorians. Shortly thereafter the Third Ecumenical Council was convoked in Ephesus and the blasphemous doctrine of Nestorius was condemned. See January 18 for Saint Cyril's life and works.


June 09

3 Virgin-martyrs of Chios


June 09

5 Nuns beheaded in Persia: Thecla, Mariamne, Martha, Mary, & Enmatha


June 09

Righteous Father Cyril of Belozersk

Saint Cyril of Belozersk, a Muscovite born in 1337, was tonsured in the Simonov Monastery in Moscow where he was later made abbot. Renouncing this position, at a revelation from the Mother of God he set out for the wilderness of Belozersk (White Lake) to live the life of a hermit. Later, when others desiring to lead the monastic life had gathered under his direction, he founded the Monastery of Belozersk. Throughout his life he had a very great reverence for the wonderworker, and was adorned with all the virtues, above all humility. Once, through the working of the enemy, one of his monks conceived an unendurable hatred for him; after being tormented by it for a whole year, he finally decided to reveal it to Cyril. When the monk was overcome with grief and shame at his malice towards such a venerable man, Cyril comforted him, affectionately telling him, "All the others are in error concerning me; only you have perceived my unworthiness," and forgiving him, sent him away in peace. Saint Cyril reposed on this day in 1427 at the age of ninety.


BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 1st Tone. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 16:16-34.

IN THOSE DAYS, as we apostles were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by soothsaying. She followed Paul and us, crying, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." And this she did for many days. But Paul was annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the rulers; and when they had brought them to the magistrates they said, "These men are Jews and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs which it is not lawful for us Romans to accept or practice." The crowd joined in attacking them; and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one's fetters were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, "Men, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, with all his family. Then he brought them up into his house, and set food before them; and he rejoiced with all his household that he had believed in God.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Blind Man
The Reading is from John 9:1-38

At that time, as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am the man." They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes and I washed, and I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet."

The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself." His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess him to be Christ he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age, ask him."

So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, "Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become his disciples?" And they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you." He said, "Lord, I believe"; and he worshiped him.


BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal 1st Tone

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 1st Tone

Let us the faithful give praise and worship to the Logos, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation; for of His own goodwill he consented to ascend the cross in the flesh and endured death and raised the dead by His glorious resurrection.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Tone

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.
BACK TO TOP

Message from Fr. Jon

Pastoral Message from the June Beacon

06/01/2024

Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption,

It seems as though the entire world is in turmoil. Everywhere we turn there are growing acts of violence (both in number and severity), political turbulence, social unrest, and a growing sense of personal entitlement. To say that our current societal context is tempestuous would be a great understatement. There are 2 reasons for our current state of unrest: 1. “Love of Self;” and, 2. Denial of an absolute truth.

With the dawn of social media, “worship of the self” has grown exponentially. Many constantly report to the world every event and thought that enters one’s mind. Many have a “stream of consciousness” social media presence – only asking how one should report themselves. Should it be in words (Twitter) or pictures (Instagram)? It is for an older, more mature group (Facebook) or a younger peer-oriented crowd (TikTok)? Do I want to put a filter on the post to further alter the post? This may appear as communication, but in fact is marketing a persona and expression of ego; an attempt to control the narrative. It is “love of self.” This egotism is not relegated to social media; it is everywhere – legislative chambers, schools, and in our own backyards.

I would like to stress that social media is not all bad, it provides great opportunities to feel connected to our friends and family (although not really connected).  It also created a forum for businesses to reach those who may benefit from their offerings. With every great good, comes an equal possibility of “not so good.”

Truth has become an abstract concept. Truth is no longer a bedrock that is unchangeable, it is now whatever one wishes to believe.  How many times have we heard someone say, “that’s not my truth.” In and of itself, that statement is entirely false – there is no “my truth” or “your truth,” there is just “the truth.”

Together, these 2 are a dangerous combination. Now, one’s opinion (“Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.” – Plato) becomes “truth” and is declared with a visceral authority. The “love of self,” which St. Maximus the Confessor says is the root of all evil, negates the ability for intelligent cordial dialogue and many times severs relationships on a single criterium. The “if you’re not with me you’re against me” attitude prevails vilifying anyone who has a different opinion. Yet both have declared their opinion as truth. Each declares that one’s opinion must be ratified by the other, but doesn’t respect the other’s right have an opinion – this may be the definition of hypocrisy.

A true Christian doesn’t entrench oneself in this new “reality.” All it takes is merely by loving the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength; loving your neighbor as yourself; and, receiving the Lord and His teachings as the Truth (Paraphrased from Matthew 22). This is very simple, but it is not easy.

This is exactly what the Lord taught in Mark 8:34, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” By denying ourselves and allowing Christ to guide us, we escape the context of today and pursue the joy only brought to us through Him.

In His Service,

Fr. Jon


BACK TO TOP

Upcoming Events

Lunch Bunch

06/18/2024

"Jason's Deli"

  12 Noon on Tuesday, June18

Come and enjoy great fellowship with others you have flexibility during the daytime hours

RSVP to Nancy Anas at

(502) 645-2307 by 6-16-24


St. Nicholas Summer Camp

07/07/2024

St. Nicholas Summer Camp - July 7-12!!!

Click Here for Deatails - https://stnicholascamp.org/


Livestreaming Services

Click on this link (www.facebook.com/AGOCLou) and bookmark our page in your browser.  Faith is foundational in our lives and, when so many thinks around us are changing, it is steadfast.  I have offered thanksgiving to God that we have such great technology for our faithful to stay connected.

Kroger Community Rewards®

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!!!


BACK TO TOP

Assumption Philoptochos

Philoptochos Message

05/01/2024

As we approach the end of our year, Philoptochos would like to thank the Assumption community for supporting our philanthropic mission to “help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities and the victims of disasters.” With your help we have done a lot of good work and have made a difference in the local community. We have collected:

  • Used shoes for WaterStep that funds clean water projects throughout the world
  • Pants for the Clothing Assistance Program (CAP) of Jefferson County Public Schools that serves 10,000 students and their families
  • PJs and books for homeless kids and teens living at Wayside Christian Mission Shelters
  • Winter coats and accessories for Kentucky Refugee Ministries
  • Kid and adult diapers for St. Bernadette Diaper Bank Ministry
  • Personal hygiene items for the homeless living at Wayside Christian Mission shelters
  • Surplus medical supplies and equipment for Supplies Over Seas
  • Food items for kids participating in Blessings in a Backpack to take home over the weekend so they will not go hungry

 

Philoptochos has also made sizable financial donations to Blessings in a Backpack and Dare to Care.

In addition to our charitable work, we sponsor the Vasilopita Auction every January which supports our church’s ministries, such as Sunday School, Altar Boys and Greek School.  We also sponsor the Palm Sunday Fish Luncheon, we dye the red eggs for the Resurrection and Agape services, and we offer a meal after vespers on August 14, the eve of our church’s feast day.

 

Philoptochos is open to all Orthodox women over the age of 18 (stewardship is not required). We meet once a month from September (the start of the ecclesiastical calendar) to May. Dues are $35. If you would like more information, or to join, please see one of the officers: Nancy Anas, Hadley Dimitropoulos, Laura Dorman, Angeliki Kourelis, or email Angeliki at: [email protected].  

Our last meeting, until we resume in September, will be on Sunday May 19 after church.

 

Happy Easter! Καλό Πάσχα!


BACK TO TOP

Assumption Parish Calendar

  • AGOC Calendar

    June 9 to June 23, 2024

    Sunday, June 9

    8:50AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Wednesday, June 12

    6:00PM Orthodox Bible Study

    Thursday, June 13

    9:00AM Orthros of the Ascension

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy for the Great Feast of the Ascension

    Saturday, June 15

    10:30AM Daughters of Penelope Meeting

    Sunday, June 16

    8:50AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Tuesday, June 18

    12:00PM Lunch Bunch

    Wednesday, June 19

    6:00PM Orthodox Bible Study

    Saturday, June 22

    9:00AM Orthros for the Saturday of the Souls

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy for the Saturday of the Souls

    Sunday, June 23

    8:50AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM Kneeling Service of Pentecost

BACK TO TOP