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

"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 - July 7-12!!!

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

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!

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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!!!

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!