Christian Light Weekly Newsletter

Weekly Newsletter for May 4, 2025

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7.

In those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, "it is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochoros, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaos, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Προκείμενον. Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 117.14,18.
Ἰσχύς μου καὶ ὕμνησίς μου ὁ Κύριος.
Στίχ. Παιδεύων ἐπαίδευσέ με ὁ Κύριος.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 6:1-7.

Ἐν ταῖς ἡμεραῖς ἐκείναις, πληθυνόντων τῶν μαθητῶν, ἐγένετο γογγυσμὸς τῶν Ἑλληνιστῶν πρὸς τοὺς Ἑβραίους, ὅτι παρεθεωροῦντο ἐν τῇ διακονίᾳ τῇ καθημερινῇ αἱ χῆραι αὐτῶν. Προσκαλεσάμενοι δὲ οἱ δώδεκα τὸ πλῆθος τῶν μαθητῶν, εἶπον, Οὐκ ἀρεστόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς, καταλείψαντας τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ, διακονεῖν τραπέζαις. Ἐπισκέψασθε οὖν, ἀδελφοί, ἄνδρας ἐξ ὑμῶν μαρτυρουμένους ἑπτά, πλήρεις πνεύματος ἁγίου καὶ σοφίας, οὓς καταστήσωμεν ἐπὶ τῆς χρείας ταύτης. Ἡμεῖς δὲ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ διακονίᾳ τοῦ λόγου προσκαρτερήσομεν. Καὶ ἤρεσεν ὁ λόγος ἐνώπιον παντὸς τοῦ πλήθους· καὶ ἐξελέξαντο Στέφανον, ἄνδρα πλήρης πίστεως καὶ πνεύματος ἁγίου, καὶ Φίλιππον, καὶ Πρόχορον, καὶ Νικάνορα, καὶ Τίμωνα, καὶ Παρμενᾶν, καὶ Νικόλαον προσήλυτον Ἀντιοχέα, οὓς ἔστησαν ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀποστόλων· καὶ προσευξάμενοι ἐπέθηκαν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας. Καὶ ὁ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ ηὔξανεν, καὶ ἐπληθύνετο ὁ ἀριθμὸς τῶν μαθητῶν ἐν Ἱερουσαλὴμ σφόδρα, πολύς τε ὄχλος τῶν ἱερέων ὑπήκουον τῇ πίστει.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women
The Reading is from Mark 15:43-47; 16:1-8

At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 15:43-47, 16:1-8

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐλθὼν Ἰωσὴφ ὁ ἀπὸ Ἀριμαθαίας, εὐσχήμων βουλευτής, ὃς καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν προσδεχόμενος τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, τολμήσας εἰσῆλθε πρὸς Πιλᾶτον καὶ ᾐτήσατο τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ. Ὁ δὲ Πιλᾶτος ἐθαύμασεν εἰ ἤδη τέθνηκε, καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος τὸν κεντυρίωνα ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτὸν εἰ πάλαι ἀπέθανε· καὶ γνοὺς ἀπὸ τοῦ κεντυρίωνος ἐδωρήσατο τὸ σῶμα τῷ Ἰωσήφ. Καὶ ἀγοράσας σινδόνα καὶ καθελὼν αὐτὸν ἐνείλησε τῇ σινδόνι καὶ κατέθηκεν αὐτὸν ἐν μνημείῳ, ὃ ἦν λελατομημένον ἐκ πέτρας, καὶ προσεκύλισε λίθον ἐπὶ τὴν θύραν τοῦ μνημείου. Ἡ δὲ Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ καὶ Μαρία Ἰωσῆ ἐθεώρουν ποῦ τίθεται. Καὶ διαγενομένου τοῦ σαββάτου Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ καὶ Μαρία ἡ τοῦ Ἰακώβου καὶ Σαλώμη ἠγόρασαν ἀρώματα ἵνα ἐλθοῦσαι ἀλείψωσιν αὐτόν. Καὶ λίαν πρωῒ τῆς μιᾶς σαββάτων ἔρχονται ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, ἀνατείλαντος τοῦ ἡλίου. Καὶ ἔλεγον πρὸς ἑαυτάς· Τίς ἀποκυλίσει ἡμῖν τὸν λίθον ἐκ τῆς θύρας τοῦ μνημείου; Καὶ ἀναβλέψασαι θεωροῦσιν ὅτι ἀποκεκύλισται ὁ λίθος· ἦν γὰρ μέγας σφόδρα. Καὶ εἰσελθοῦσαι εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον εἶδον νεανίσκον καθήμενον ἐν τοῖς δεξιοῖς, περιβεβλημένον στολὴν λευκήν, καὶ ἐξεθαμβήθησαν. Ὁ δὲ λέγει αὐταῖς· μὴ ἐκθαμβεῖσθε· Ἰησοῦν ζητεῖτε τὸν Ναζαρηνὸν τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον· ἠγέρθη, οὐκ ἔστιν ὧδε· ἴδε ὁ τόπος ὅπου ἔθηκαν αὐτόν. Ἀλλ᾿ ὑπάγετε εἴπατε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ Πέτρῳ ὅτι προάγει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν· ἐκεῖ αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε, καθὼς εἶπεν ὑμῖν. Καὶ ἐξελθοῦσαι ἔφυγον ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου· εἶχε δὲ αὐτὰς τρόμος καὶ ἔκστασις, καὶ οὐδενὶ οὐδὲν εἶπον· ἐφοβοῦντο γάρ.

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

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

Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When You descended to death, O Immortal Life, then, the light of Your divinity destroyed Hades. When You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers cried out, "Glory to You our Christ, the Giver of Life."

Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ Ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾅδην ἐνέκρωσας τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος, ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον·Ζωοδότα Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Holy Myrrhbearers Sunday in the Second Mode

Lowering Your pure body from the Cross, Joseph wrapped it in clean muslin with fragrant spices and laid it in a new tomb. But on the third day You arose, O Lord, and granted the world Your great mercy.

Ὁ εὐσχήμων Ἰωσήφ, ἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου καθελὼν τὸ ἄχραντόν σου Σῶμα, σινδόνι καθαρᾷ, εἱλήσας καὶ ἀρώμασιν, ἐν μνήματι καινῷ κηδεύσας ἀπέθετο, ἀλλὰ τριήμερος ἀνέστης Κύριε, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Holy Myrrhbearers Sunday in the Second Mode

Standing by the tomb the angel said to the Myrrh-bearing women: "Myrrh is for the dead; but Christ has shown Himself stranger to death." So go and cry aloud, "The Lord has risen and granted the world His great mercy."

Ταῖς Μυροφόροις Γυναιξί, παρὰ τὸ μνῆμα ἐπιστάς, ὁ Ἄγγελος ἐβόα. Τὰ μύρα τοῖς θνητοῖς ὑπάρχει ἁρμόδια, Χριστὸς δὲ διαφθορᾶς ἐδείχθη ἀλλότριος, ἀλλὰ κραυγάσατε, Ἀνέστη ὁ Κύριος, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

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.

Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες ἀθάνατε, ἀλλὰ τοῦ ᾍδου καθεῖλες τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ ἀνέστης ὡς νικητής, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, γυναιξὶ Μυροφόροις φθεγξάμενος. Χαίρετε, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις εἰρήνην δωρούμενος ὁ τοῖς πεσοῦσι παρέχων ἀνάστασιν.

Saints and Feasts

May 04

Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women

About the beginning of His thirty-second year, when the Lord Jesus was going throughout Galilee, preaching and working miracles, many women who had received of His beneficence left their own homeland and from then on followed after Him. They ministered unto Him out of their own possessions, even until His crucifixion and entombment; and afterwards, neither losing faith in Him after His death, nor fearing the wrath of the Jewish rulers, they came to the sepulchre, bearing the myrrh-oils they had prepared to annoint His body. It is because of the myrrh-oils, that these God-loving women brought to the tomb of Jesus that they are called the Myrrh-bearers. Of those whose names are known are the following: first of all, the most holy Virgin Mary, who in Matthew 27:56 and Mark 15:40 is called "the mother of James and Joses" (these are the sons of Joseph by a previous marriage, and she was therefore their step-mother); Mary Magdalene (celebrated July 22); Mary, the wife of Clopas; Joanna, wife of Chouza, a steward of Herod Antipas; Salome, the mother of the sons of Zebedee, Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus; and Susanna. As for the names of the rest of them, the evangelists have kept silence (Matt 27:55-56; 28:1-10. Mark 15:40-41. Luke 8:1-3; 23:55-24:11, 22-24. John 19:25; 20:11-18. Acts 1:14).

Together with them we celebrate also the secret disciples of the Saviour, Joseph and Nicodemus. Of these, Nicodemus was probably a Jerusalemite, a prominent leader among the Jews and of the order of the Pharisees, learned in the Law and instructed in the Holy Scriptures. He had believed in Christ when, at the beginning of our Saviour's preaching of salvation, he came to Him by night. Furthermore, he brought some one hundred pounds of myrrh-oils and an aromatic mixture of aloes and spices out of reverence and love for the divine Teacher (John 19:39). Joseph, who was from the city of Arimathea, was a wealthy and noble man, and one of the counsellors who were in Jerusalem. He went boldly unto Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus, and together with Nicodemus he gave Him burial. Since time did not permit the preparation of another tomb, he placed the Lord's body in his own tomb which was hewn out of rock, as the Evangelist says (Matt. 27:60).

Wisdom of the Fathers

They [the women] had followed Him ministering to Him, and were present even unto the time of the dangers. Wherefore also they saw all; how He cried, how He gave up the ghost, how the rocks were rent, and all the rest.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 88 on Matthew 27, 4th Century

And these [the women] first see Jesus; and the sex that was most condemned, this first enjoys the sight of the blessings, this most shows its courage. And when the disciples had fled, these were present.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 88 on Matthew 27, 4th Century

Weekday Services

May 5 - 10, 2025

NO WEEKDAY SERVICES

Metropolis of Boston Ministry Award Recipient 2023

37th Metropolis of Boston Ministry Awards Celebration

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church

2023 Recipient Eleni Dafulas

Eleni Dafulas is known by all at Assumption in Pawtucket for her quiet, humble service to the church. Originally from the beautiful Greek mountain village of Malakasi near Metsovo, in the early 60s after marrying her husband Athanasios, also from the same village, she settled with him in Attleboro and joined the Assumption community in Pawtucket. From that time on they were life-long members of the parish – Athanasios passed away eleven years ago and is sorely missed. He had the magic Midas touch and could fix anything he touched, and Eleni, from the time she joined the community to this day, offers of her talents in every possible way. She never misses a church service and is the main provider of prosphora for many years. As a lifelong Philoptochos member, she has contributed so much with her cooking and sewing skills.

Her main claim to fame, however, is her strong Christian faith manifested in her willingness to offer her time and talent to the glory of God. She was involved with the Philoxenia house and, most recently, has become a guardian angel for Philoptochos members who are in nursing homes, visiting them to serve their every need, but mainly to preserve their dignity and keep them company. Her quiet, Christian example and strong faith has affected so many in the community. This is especially evident in her family. Her sons John and George continued the tradition of being rock-solid faithful members of the community. George completed the diaconate program; her grandson Nick Dafulas is a seminarian at Holy Cross; Sakis, Ellie, Eleni and Nasia are heavily involved at the camp, in Goya, Greek School and Sunday School.

We are so blessed to have Eleni in our community. Her quiet, humble presence is living evidence of the parable of Matthew 25 that “in as much as you have done this to one of these the least of my brethren, you have done it to me.” We thank her for her example and for all the ways she has made our community strong through her genuine love of Christ.

***This article was not previously published in our Assumption publications. Details in bio are as of May 2023.

Metropolis of Boston Ministry Award Recipient 2024

Elizabeth Lazouras is a life-long Assumption member. Her grandparents emigrated from Patra/Kalavryta in 1909 and settled in the Greek section of Pawtucket. They were founding members of the original Assumption built in 1912. Her parents were born across the street from each other, married, and had 2 children – Elizabeth and her brother Peter. Her father Andrew was choir director. Her mother Chrysanthe was PTO President. Elizabeth graduated from Katharine Gibbs Business School and then attained credentials enabling her to become a Medical Malpractice Paralegal for a Providence trial attorney for 20 years.

Elizabeth is an Assumption Sunday School and Greek School Graduate, and was a GOYA member/officer throughout her teens. She went on to become GOYA adviser for several years. She also was the founder/chairperson of the Assumption YAL hosting many Metropolis-wide events. Beth was a Parish Council Member, PTO Member/Officer (10yrs), Sunday School Teacher (8yrs), current Sunday School Director (12yrs), and organizer of our Myrofores (12yrs).

Beth is our Assumption Office Administrator (12yrs) working endless hours each week (half of which are volunteer hours) alongside Fr. Philip Zymaris making it a perfect team to carry out the duties of the Church Office. She is involved in all aspects of the Church Office including choreography of Lent/Holy Week flowers, the administrative portion of our Greek Festival, creating Newsletters and Sunday Bulletins, working with parishioners regarding memorials and sacraments, and a myriad of other responsibilities. She also safely helped us through COVID with her very detailed creation and implementation of a reservation system.

Beth is a Proud Greek Mom to her 2 children, Niko (25) and Katerina (17) who are following in their Mom’s footsteps. Niko attended Greek School and is a Sunday School graduate, altar boy, GOYA member/officer/President, and current GOYA Adviser. Katerina is a Greek School and Sunday School graduate, GOYA member/officer, and current GOYA President.

They are very proud to say that they are a Metropolis of Boston Camp family. MBC is where their faith has grown and where they have made lifetime friends. Niko has been involved with MBC since he was 12 y/o, first as a camper and now on staff for several years as a counselor and camp photographer. Katerina has been an MBC camper since she was 9 y/o and looks forward to being on staff next year.

Beth’s heart and soul are her children . . . they are her pride and joy. She always expresses how much of a blessing they are to her. Beth is completely elated to be this year’s Assumption recipient of the Metropolis Ministry Award. She is honored to receive this award as a testament to the hard work of her ancestors and to her children who are her legacy and the future of our Assumption Church and our Metropolis. Beth is greatly humbled to be presented with this award by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios.

***This article was not previously published in our Assumption publications. Details in bio are as of May 2024.

Assumption Announcements

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

General Assembly

Sunday, June 1st following Divine Liturgy

Join in the discussion and decisions for YOUR PARISH!!!

Additional information to be provided

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39th ANNUAL METROPOLIS MINISTRY AWARD 2025

The Metropolis calls upon us to annually nominate someone from our Assumption Church community whom we would like to recognize. This nominee should be an example of Orthodox Christian spirituality and should be actively involved in the communal worshipping life of our church first and foremost. They should also demonstrate dedication to the church, love, hard work, and attention to the needs of our community by serving unselfishly with their time and talents.

We request all parishioners to submit a nomination form indicating their choice for this year’s 2025 Metropolis Ministry Award recipient from the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket. Please submit the attached Nomination Form including the name of the parishioner that you would like to nominate to be our recipient this year prior to 2pm on Sunday May 11, 2025. There will be ballots and a ballot box available in the Community Center. You can also email your nomination form to the Church Office prior to 2pm on Sunday May 11, 2025 to [email protected]

The Ministry Awards Celebration will be held at Gillette Stadium Cross Insurance Club in Foxboro on June 8, 2025 with a reception at 4pm and dinner at 5pm.

GOYA

Thank you to our GOYAns for doing such a great job serving at our Assumption Palm Sunday Luncheon!!!

GOYA will have their monthly meeting TODAY May 4th after Divine Liturgy in the Community Center. They will be discussing upcoming events.

GOYA will host coffee hour during the month of May on May 4th, May 11th (Mother's Day), and May 25th.

GOYA is sponsoring a Supply Drive to help support the Confetti Foundation. TODAY May 4th is the last Sunday to make a donation to this worthwhile cause. There is a decorated box in the Community Center for donations. The mission of the Confetti Foundation is to supply birthday parties to children who have to spend their birthday in a hospital, oncology clinic or hospice facility. Please see a list of items which are needed on below flyer.

GOYA is also sponsoring a "One Day Only" Food Drive TODAY May 4th. Box is located in the Community Center. Donations will be delivered to the New Beginnings Food Kitchen in Woonsocket to support local families in need. Please see a list of food items which are needed on the below flyer.

GOYA Food Drive.png

PTO

The Assumption PTO is pleased to announce the 8th Annual PTO Scholarship Program. The Scholarship will award one high school student of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church parish with a scholarship towards furthering their education at an accredited two or four-year college, university or vocational school. Each applicant will be evaluated on their participation and fellowship within the Assumption of the Virgin Mary parish community. Student participation will be verified accordingly by the Sunday School Director, Greek School Director, Fr. Philip, and PTO Board members as needed. Scholarship will be awarded to the student scoring the highest out of the possible 60 points.

Email blast will be sent next week with the application attached. Application deadline is May 24, 2025. Please send all requirements to the attention of Fr. Philip Zymaris in an envelope marked "PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL." Applicant names will not be visible to the individuals reviewing and scoring the essay.

For more information or if you would like to make a donation to the PTO Scholarship Fund, please contact the PTO at pto@assumptionri.org or speak directly with a board member.

PTO monthly meeting will take place TODAY May 4th after Divine Liturgy in the Community Center.

PHILOPTOCHOS

Philoptochos meeting will take place after Divine Liturgy TODAY May 4th

Elections for officers will take place TODAY May 4th

New members are always welcome!

General Information

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Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Christian Light Weekly Newsletter

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

Apolytikion for Holy Myrrhbearers Sunday in the Second Mode

Apolytikion for Holy Myrrhbearers Sunday in the Second Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Saints and Feasts

Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women

Wisdom of the Fathers

Weekday Services

Metropolis of Boston Ministry Award Recipient 2023

Metropolis of Boston Ministry Award Recipient 2024

Assumption Announcements

GOYA

PTO

PHILOPTOCHOS

AHEPA

Endowment Fund

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