Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-04-28
Bulletin Contents

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Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Street Address:

  • 801 Montecito Drive

  • San Angelo, TX 76903


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Alternating Sundays:

9 AM Orthros Prayer Service & 
10 AM Divine Liturgy Communion Service

10 AM Typica Service

The 10 AM Sunday services are followed by Coffee Hour and Fellowship.


Past Bulletins


Calendar & Announcements

UPCOMING  SERVICES    

Sunday, April 28 - Palm Sunday

  • 9:00 am - Orthros 

  • 10:00 am  Divine Liturgy

Sunday, April 28

Monday, April 29 - Holy Monday

  • 6:00 pm - Bridegroom Service (Reader's)

Tuesday, April 30 - Holy Tuesday

  • 6:00 pm - Bridegroom Service (Reader's)

Wednesday, May 1 - Holy Wednesday

Thursday, May 2 - Holy Thursday

  • 9:00 am - Commemoration of the Holy Eucharist

  • 6:00 pm - Service of the 12 Gospels 

Friday, May 3 - Holy Friday

  • 9:00 am - Royal Hours

Decorating the Tomb 

  • 3:00 pm - Unnailing from the Cross 

  • 6:00 pm - Lamentations 

Saturday, May 4 - Holy Saturday

  • 10:00 am - Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil 

  • 11:15 pm - Orthros of Holy Pascha - Resurrection Service

Sunday, May 5 - Great and Holy Pascha

  • 12:00 midnight  - Anastasis Service and Divine Liturgy 

Blessing of Eggs and Baskets Will Follow The Divine Liturgy 

  • 12:00 noon  - Agape Vespers

Sunday, May 12 - Sunday of Thomas

  • 10:00 am -  Reader's Service

Saturday, May 18

  • 6:00 pm - Great Vespers

Sunday, May 19 - Sunday of the Myrrhbearing Women

  • 9:00 am - Orthros 

  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday, May 26 - Sunday of the Paralytic

  • 10:00 am - Reader's Service

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GREAT  LENT 

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we prepare to enter the journey of Great Lent, we also prepare our bodies to fast, both physically and spiritually. Linked is an article for reflection and guidance on fasting, and below is pastoral guidance as we use this time of repentance, reflection and renewal to deepen our communion with God. 

For the Lenten Fast, please note the following guidelines: 

-Fasting should never jeopardize your health. If you are required to eat or abstain from certain foods as a medical/health necessity, please do what is necessary. Please speak with Fr. Nektarios if you need spiritual guidance for observing the Fast.

-Fasting is spiritual. It is about avoiding excess and time spent preparing food in order to commit time to prayer and contemplation.

-Fasting is giving our bodies the nutrition and sustenance needed, but lessening our focus on the desires of our physical body and seeking to commune more with God.

-Fasting is also diminishing the external influences of our fallen world and connecting more with the kingdom of God through prayer, worship, and spiritual reading.

-Fasting in personal. It is between you and God with the help of your spiritual father as needed. The goal is not to be perfect in fasting. The goal is to be nearer to the One who makes us holy because He is holy.

Great Lent begins on Monday, March 18.

-On the weekdays during Great Lent, fast from meat, fish, dairy, oil, and wine.

-Fish, oil and wine are permitted on the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25) and on Palm Sunday (April 28)

-Oil and wine are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays during Great Lent with the exception of Holy Saturday.

-Oil and wine are allowed on the following Commemorations during Great Lent:

 -Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel – March 26

 -St. Andrew of Crete – April 18

 -The Lenten Fast ends on Great and Holy Pascha, May 5, and there is no fasting from May 5 through May 12 in observance of Bright Week.

-Oil and Wine are permitted on Wednesdays and Fridays following Bright Week to Pentecost (June 23), with fish also permitted on the Feast of Mid-Pentecost (May 29) and the Leavetaking of Pascha (June 12)

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STEWARDSHIP 

This is a prayerful encouragement to support our parish with a donation. 

You can give as your regular stewardship or as a special donation either at church in the offering or online through our website at https://orthodoxsanangelo.org/about/ways-to-give 

God continues to bless our Assumption Church and the witness of our Orthodox Christian faith, and your regular stewardship and special gifts help to support the growth of our Church and our fulfilling of the Great Commission through our worship and ministry.

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NEW  PARISH  EMAIL 

Our new parish email is [email protected]

Please use this to communicate with Fr. Nektarios. 

If you have not visited our new website, please do so at http://orthodoxsanangelo.org  

 

RESOURCES  FOR  INQUIRERS 

If you are inquiring about the Orthodox Christian faith, please reach out to Fr. Nektarios for resources.Our faith is focused on our worship and participation in the Church, the Body of Christ, and in cultivating our communion with God. 

We can provide you with a prayer book to guide you in daily prayers, as well as a book and online resources that explain the Orthodox Christian faith and life.

Fr. Nektarios is also available to meet with you by phone, Zoom or in person to offer guidance as you follow God's guidance and seek your spiritual home in the Orthodox Church.

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ONLINE  CATECHISM  CLASS   

There will be no catechism class on April 25.  The next class will be on May 9.

Our focus between now and Holy Pascha (Easter) will be the book The Orthodox Faith, Worship, and LifeMost should have a copy of this book, as we used this same text in 2021, and it has been distributed to many of our catechumens and inquirers.  If you do not have a copy, please let Father Nektarios know. 

This book is very rich and substantive in its focus on the basic beliefs and practices of our faith. It is also a book that emphasizes worship and prayer as essential to living and learning our faith.  

Our weekly sessions will be on Zoom at the link below.  They will also be available livestream on our Assumption Facebook page, as well as on the YouTube Channel for St. Stephen Mission at https://www.youtube.com/@st.stephenorthodoxmission8116/streams

The sessions will also be archived at the same YouTube link in case you miss a session or would like to go back and listen to a specific week or topic. 

 
Meeting ID: 873 8452 7698

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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

Joanna Garcia continues to go through a very difficult time with her ongoing illness. 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.
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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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SPECIAL  OCCASIONS  FROM  APRIL  21  THROUGH  MAY  4  

Birthdays: Julian Garcia, Charis Worden, Zane Scott, Gigi Scott, 

Leo Jr. Alexander (Cia Alexander’s grandson)

Anniversaries: none

Namedays: 

  • 4/21 - Alexandra McDaniel & Lana Vaughn (Alexandra the Empress)

  • 4/23  - Georgiana Bartl, George Kuykendall, Aaron Rosenstrom (St. George)

  • 4/25 - Fr. Mark Lichtenstein (St. Mark the Evangelist)

  • 5/2 - Ricky Zamora

Memorials: Jenny Sakalariou (Lana Vaughn’s godmother), Presbytera Eleni Demetri

 

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Check out the rest of the bulletin! See below for news from the world of Orthodoxy, online concerts and lecture series, and more.

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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. **

 

 

 

 

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 21:1-11; 15-17

At that time, when Jesus drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If any one says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and he will send them immediately." This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

"Tell the daughter of Zion,
Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their garments on them, and he sat thereon. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, "Who is this?" And the crowds said, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee." But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant; and they said to him, "Do you hear what they are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read,

'Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings,
you have brought perfect praise'?"

And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 4th Tone. Psalm 117.26,1.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9.

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.


Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from John 12:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.


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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the 1st Tone

In our baptism we were buried with you, O Christ our God, and by your resurrection you have granted us eternal life. Therefore, we sing your praises, O Lord: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the 4th Tone

Before your passion you confirmed the resurrection of all by raising Laz'rus from the dead, O Christ our God. Therefore, like the children of old, we also carry symbols of victory, and to you, the victor over death, do we cry out: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 6th Tone

In heaven upon your throne, while on earth riding the colt of a donkey, O Christ our God, you accepted the angels' praise with the songs of the children who cried out to you: Blessed is he who comes for the restoration of Adam.
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Saints and Feasts

April 28

John the Martyr of Romania


April 28

Palm Sunday

On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.

The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.


April 28

Memnon the Wonderworker


April 28

The Holy Nine Martyrs of Cyzicus

These holy Martyrs, who were from various regions, suffered martyrdom together when they were beheaded in Cyzicus, a city in Asia Minor on the southern coast of the Sea of Marmara.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

But observe the wisdom of the Evangelist, how he is not ashamed to parade their former ignorance. That it was written they knew, that it was written of Him they knew not. For it would have offended them if He being a King were about to suffer such things, and be so betrayed.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

Besides, they could not at once have taken in the knowledge of the Kingdom of which He spake; for another Evangelist saith, that they thought the words were spoken of a kingdom of this world. (Matt. xx. 21.)
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

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Archdiocese News

Metropolis of Atlanta Annual Pascha Picnic May 11

04/23/2024

Join the Metropolis of Atlanta for their Annual Pascha Picnic! The picnic will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11:00 AM at the Diakonia Retreat Center 455 Quail Ridge Road
Salem, SC 29676.


Hellenic College Holy Cross Announces 2024 Honorees

04/23/2024

Hellenic College Holy Cross will once again recognize a couple for their exemplary vision and leadership in the Church. Helen and Archon Louis Nicozisis will each receive an honorary doctorate from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology at the upcoming 82nd Commencement on May 18, 2024. This highest honor the school can bestow will be granted to them for the impact they have made at Holy Cross and across the Archdiocese in the field of missions and evangelism.


The Hellenic Initiative is once again partnering with DIATROFI – The Program on Food Aid and Promotion of Healthy Nutrition

04/23/2024

This Easter Season, The Hellenic Initiative is once again partnering with DIATROFI – The Program on Food Aid and Promotion of Healthy Nutrition, implemented by Ινστιτούτο Prolepsis, which supports children who face food insecurity and hunger with daily meals delivered to schools. 


Sunday Sermon Series Palm Sunday April 28

04/23/2024

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. But who were people expecting the Messiah to be? And what do the donkey and the palms symbolize? Also, how can Christ enter our hearts?


April 2024 St. Michael's Home Construction Updates

04/22/2024

Apart from landscaping and the final layer of roadway asphalt, the exterior of the structure has been completely transformed with new windows, doors, brickwork, stuccoing, roofing, heating/ac units, etc. and the entire project is just over 2/3 complete. Focus is now on the interior and since all spaces have been partitioned, installation of HVAC, electrical work and plumbing continues and needs close to $2,000,000 to be completed. Once all those systems are installed, sheetrock will go up. While those materials have been purchased and are on-site, another $2,000,000 is needed to complete that major stage of construction. 


“An Inmate is Praying for Me, Unworthy as I Am”: A Lenten Reflection from Fr. Michael Pejovic

04/22/2024

Being a Prisoner Relationship Manager (PRM) for OCPM is no easy task. Each PRM is responsible for hundreds of people in prison across the United States. They are not only personally responding to each inmate’s spiritual needs, but also assisting his or her community around them (family members, Orthodox clergy, prison staff, etc.). With the trauma that often accompanies just one person in prison, you can imagine the heavy cross our PRMs are carrying for our brothers and sisters behind bars.


JOURNEYING THROUGH GREAT LENT, HOLY WEEK, AND PASCHA: A Series of Video Reflections by the Holy Cross Faculty

04/22/2024

The Dean of Holy Cross, Fr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, and the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology faculty invite you to engage with this educational video series, presented by ©The Scriptorium Initiative, offering spiritual guidance and instruction throughout the Triodion, Lenten and Holy Week season. The links to the video recordings will be posted each Sunday on this page and a Holy Cross Educational channel on YouTube.


Saints Constantine and Helen in Jackson Heights, NY Prepare and Deliver Meals for a Midnight Run

04/22/2024

Yesterday, April 22, 2024, the community of Saints Constantine and Helen in Jackson Heights, NY hosted a Midnight Run. Coordinated by Fr. George Hazlaris, parishioners came together and donated, helped prepare meals, and delivered meals as a part of this volunteer effort. 
 


DID YOU KNOW? Small & Great Compline April 18

04/22/2024

Compline (which means “completion”) is the last liturgical service of the day and consists of various psalms, hymns, and prayers. It is part of the “Daily Cycle” (order) of liturgical services performed each day in the Orthodox Church — a tradition carried over from Biblical Judaism into Christianity of praying seven times a day.


His Grace Bishop Neofitos of Eldoret in Northern Kenya Visits the Metropolis of Atlanta

04/22/2024

His Grace Bishop Neofitos of Eldoret in Northern Kenya (Patriarchate of Alexandria) is visiting the United States to raise awareness and material support for the missionary work in his diocese, which includes building the diocesan center, funding clergy, digging wells for water-deprived regions, establishing and improving children’s homes, schools, and clinics, and other such vital work in addition to Orthodox liturgical life, outreach, and catechism.


Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos and Local Clergy Gather for Contrition Vespers at Saint Paraskevi in Greenlawn, NY

04/22/2024

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos together with clergy and faithful from neighboring communities gathered in the venerable Saint Paraskevi Church in Greenlawn, New York to offer the last Contrition Vespers for Great and Holy Lent.


HOMILY By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America On the Fifth Sunday of Lent

04/22/2024

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

I am delighted to be with you, here in this wonderful community of Staten Island, as we prepare for the final week prior to Holy Week. Today, we celebrate one of the greatest Saints of the Church, Mary of Egypt, whose life was completely changed by her experience of Jerusalem, and the power of the Holy Cross in the Church of the Anastasis. We, too, are called to be changed by the same power of the Cross that we will witness not many days from now, and by the glory of the Lord’s Resurrection.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Visits Holy Trinity and Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Staten Island for the Fifth Sunday of Lent

04/21/2024

Today, April 21, 2024, the Fifth Sunday of Lent, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was welcomed to the parish of Holy Trinity and Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Staten Island, New York. Archbishop Elpidophoros was greeted by Rev. Protopresbyter Nicholas Petropoulakos, members of the community including children of the parish.


Ordination of His Grace Bishop Anthony of Synada

04/21/2024

Today, Saturday, April 20, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America ordained Bishop Anthony of Synada at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Axios! His Grace's family, fellow hierarchs, local clergy, and many Greek Orthodox faithful gathered for this special ordination. 


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Denver Metropolis News

2024 Metropolis of Denver Oratorical Festival

2024 Camp Emmanuel

Event Details

June 23, 2024 - June 29, 2024

 

 

 


2024 Men's Retreat


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