THE BEACON ASSUMPTION. October 2017 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY. Congratulations to our Clergy-Laity Honorees!

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1 ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Attract, Serve, Illuminate THE BEACON October 2017 Congratulations to our Clergy-Laity Honorees! Michael Agamemnonos & Evanthia Speliotis

2 Assumption Calendar of Events 2 nd Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Greek School Sunday Monday Tuesday 3 rd Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Philoptochos Meeting Greek School 5:00pm Youth Greek Dance Practice (Lyndon Baptist) Sunday of the Seventh Ecumenical Council Orthros 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Greek School 1:00pm YAL Led Parish Grounds Clean-up Harvest Homecoming th Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Greek School 5:00pm Youth Greek Dance Practice (Lyndon Baptist) 29 7 th Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School OXI Day Brunch (Sponsored by the Daughters) Greek School Trunk or Treat 6:00pm Men s Club Meeting, Dinner & Fellowship Deadline for Submissions to The Beacon AHEPA Meeting 6:30pm Fr. Jon Vacation Archdiocesan Presbyters Council National Retreat in Leesburg, Virginia Harvest Homecoming October 2017 Wednesday Thursday Friday Bible Study 6:00pm-7:30pm Bible Study 6:00pm-7:30pm Bible Study 6:00pm-7:30pm No Bible Study Holy Confession is done by appointment and may be scheduled by calling Fr. Jon at the Church Office: (502) Bible Study 10:00am-11:30am Parish Council Meeting 6:30pm Bible Study 10:00am-11:30am Bible Study 10:00am-11:30am No Bible Study Harvest Homecoming Lyndon Baptist October Fest October 14 th at Lyndon Baptist Church 10am-4pm Benefiting Habitat for Humanity Saturday 2nd Annual GOGO Golf Scramble Hierarchical Great Vespers (Lexington) 6:00pm Division II Greek Dancers at Lyndon Baptist Octoberfest 1:00pm Great Vespers 5:00pm Harvest Homecoming Daughter s of Penelope Meeting 10:30am All Youth Outing Devine s Pumpkin Patch 2:00pm No Great Vespers No Great Vespers Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Fish Allowed Fast Free 28

3 Happenings

4 Pastoral Message Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption, For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience that we have behaved in the world, and still more toward you, with holiness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God. (RSV 2 Corinthians 1:12) A time, not so long ago, the faithful of the Orthodox Church relied on God, first and foremost, and then on their talents and abilities, which they also recognized as God-given. Today, the opposite is true. Most now rely on themselves and when things get too rough, then they call on God. They believe that they have all the answers within themselves and don t even think about God until they have exhausted all other options. Their expectation is that God will listen and respond to every supplication regardless of the sincerity of their belief or depth of faith. This must be how in the last minute of a football game, the very long end zone pass became known as the Hail Mary. How do we face the challenges in our lives that will inevitably be placed before us? For the Lord tells us that we will be constantly harassed by Satan just as we shall harass him: he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." (RSV Genesis 3:15) How we choose to face our challenges is what defines our character. Do we have faith in God that He will provide us with all that we need? For as Christ said, Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (RSV Matthew 6:26). Or do we try to depend on our earthly wisdom without relying on the Lord or simply try and run away. Unfortunately, we can try and avoid the challenges that are before us, but they remain with us and reappear in the form of our imperfection until we allow them to be perfected in our faith. We must understand that our faith in God is not an answer, it is the answer! Thanking the Lord for His Blessings on us, I remain, in His Service, Rev. Father Jon Boukis Proistamenos Attract, Serve, Illuminate

5 Dear Parishioners, In our community, everybody works very hard to achieve the common goal of keeping us together and to empower us to do our ministry in the community. If I would start to mention those who offer their time tirelessly, I would probably mention everybody in our community. For the purpose of recognizing the tireless work of our community, I would like to speak of Evanthia Speliotis and Michael Agamemnonos as great examples. I would start with Evanthia. Evanthia works tirelessly to make sure our choir is running flawlessly. The long hours she puts in during our passion week, and others, is well noted and appreciated and respected. She also participates in so many other ministries - to count a few, Philoptochos, education ministries and the annual bake sales. Evanthia also offers her wisdom when we discuss any issue pertaining to our future. She never shows any hesitation to volunteer and to serve the church and the community tirelessly and this is very very much appreciated by all of us. When it comes to Michael, Michael has been in the church for many many years and has served the church in many many capacities - from Parish Council Treasurer to Parish Council President, and now he Co-Chairs the annual festival. Michael has been working tirelessly and quietly to improve the building and the surrounding grounds, always focusing on maintaining the quality of the building. Following the beautification of the wooded area and the removal of so many trees, he put in countless hours preparing and seeding the whole area on his own with a great investment of time, talent and treasure. As I mentioned in my previous letter, the example that he set was fundamental in inspiring his son, Thanasi, to volunteer in leading the WorldFest, which was very successful. Thanasi plainly said that he observed his father for many years and that he is doing exactly what his father has done. This is a great example of his service to the church and his love of our community. These are just a few examples of the commitment and the dedication that both Evanthia and Michael show every day to our community and our church. They are living the example of true Orthodox Christians who show the love of God and the love of Christ through their deeds, not only their words. The church will continue to succeed and be a beacon of faith, since we are blessed to have many Evanthias and many Michaels in our midst. In Christ, Ramsey Parish Council Corner 2017 Parish Council Ramsey Nassar, President John Harris, Vice President Cosmin Schenk, Treasurer Steven Taylor, Secretary Athanasi Agamemnonos Michael Balakos Charles Blackford Daniel Cupkovic Ryan Leathers

6 Contact Information Priest s priest@assumption.ky.goarch.org Parish Council President s president@assumption.ky.goarch.org Office Administrator's office@assumption.ky.goarch.org Church Website: Church Phone: (502) Administrator s Office Hours: 9:00am-1:00pm Monday 930 Ormsby Lane, Louisville, Kentucky From our Community... Richard and Suzanne have sold their home and will be moving to Wisconsin in just a few weeks to be with their family. The have been part of the parish for many years and will be greatly missed! May God continue to bless you on this blessed journey!!! October Birthdays & Namedays 1 st Janice Bellville 3 rd Jim Simatacolos 3 rd Eve Stelter 4 th George Fischer 5 th Peter Fotos 5 th Demetra Raptis 5 th David Schenk 9 th Ryan Yakoumatos 11 th Bill Zhunga 12 th Alex Caneris 13 th Frances Matsis 17 th Timon Roussis 19 th Jason Allemang 21 st Nicholas Fischer 21 st Angelina Georgacopoulos 21 st Eva Papapavlou 24 th Cristina Tone 28 th Nancy Anas 28 th Jim Serdenis 29 th Sarah Cupkovic 30 th Lisa Major 31 st Luke Leathers Just a few of the Saints (Namedays) commemorated in October... 3 rd Dionysios, Dionysia 18 th Luke 23 rd Iakovos (James) 6 th Thomas 20 th Gerasimos 26 th Demetrios, Demetra

7 Philoptochos Philoptochos News!!! Have you joined Philoptochos yet? Who? All members of the parish who are 18 years and older. Please pay $35 dues to Lori Balakos, treasurer. Become an associate member. Associate members are spouses of members. Show your support and become an associate member today! Bible Study Come and See!!! (Gospel According to St. John) Wednesday: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Bible Study is not just for adults. Families can and should come together to learn about the Faith!!! Fellowship Hour October 1 Allemang Family October 8 Not Yet Reserved October 15 Not Yet Reserved October 22 The Blackford Family October 29 Daughters of Penelope The Church is built on 4 legs: Worship (the most important), Fellowship, Evangelization and Service. Divine Liturgy without fellowship following is incomplete. When you host coffee hour you are promoting fellowship which feeds community, not only appetites. Sign up to host a coffee hour today!

8 Trunk or Treat Kick Ball Hot Dogs!!! Chips!!! Fun!!! Fellowship!!! Sunday, October 29 th Following the Divine Liturgy, the children will Trunk or Treat in the parking lot in their costumes. Just a note: Please make sure costumes are church appropriate. Don t forget treats for the Kids!!! What s not to love? No matter your athletic ability, we re all winners when we come and enjoy Christian Fellowship!!! The Game will be held at the Elks Lodge (just down Ormsby) following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 5 th!!! 2 nd Annual GOGO 2 nd Annual GOGO Greek Orthodox Golf Olympics Scramble Saturday, October 7, :00 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start Registration ($125) includes Greens Fees, Practice Range with Free Range Balls, Cart, Locker Room and Shower Facilities, Lunch, Prizes and On Course Events GOGO to be held at: Covered Bridge Golf Club Covered Bridge Rd, Sellersburg, IN 47172

9 Youth

10 2017 Pledge Cards Received Bill & Doris Abdallah Lara Abdallah Sam & Thelma Adams Athanasios Agamemnonos Michael & Vickie Agamemnonos Jason & Elyse Allemang Larry & Nancy Anas Chris & Connie Anggelis Alena Balakos Michael & Lori Balakos Areti & Jack Masero-Baldwin Charles & Patricia Blackford Fr. Jon & Presbytera Doreece Boukis Alexandra Brown Julia Burden Alexandra Caneris Tom & Joanna Caneris Joanne Caridis Engolfia Georgia Christoff Susan Christoff & Louie Falconburg Dean & Katy Collis Gus & Alice Collis Ricky & Anne Collis Stanley & Maria Collis Stephanie Cox & John Hile Dan & Sarah Cupkovic Alexander Digenis George & Helen Digenis Dean & Hadley Dimitropoulos John Dobson David & Jeanne Doukas Ron & Melanie Fadel Michael and Lauren Flaherty Peter & Angelica Fotos Milton & Kelly Galanos Johanna Geftos George & Kendra Georgacopoulos Marcus & Nancy Geromes Thomas Gianacakes Dimitrios & Margie Gregoriades Anthony & Jennifer Griffin John & Julie Harris Michael & Deborah Harris Helen Hellen Elizabeth Johnson John Johnson John & Jean Kallis Peter Kambelos Alexis Karageorge & Rick Buono 97 Rhonda Karageorge Tom Karageorge Chris & Anita Kounnas Nick Kounnas Angeliki Kourelis Stephanos & Kristen Kyriacou Chad & Rose Leathers Phillip & Cheryl Leathers Ryan & Laura Leathers Daniel & Christina Lococo Lisa and Joseph Major Mary Makris Mark & Pamela Mann Penelope Masterson John and Frances Matsis Joanna Mikos Ramsey & Souha Nassar Georgia Panaretos Nicholas Panaretos Andreas & Jennifer Papapavlou Jennifer Paulk Barry & Angeliki Pecha Dennis & Chrisoula Peppas Demetra Raptis Efstratia & Ron Reyna Timon & Elizabeth Roussis Emily Digenis & Hunter Sattich Constantine & Julia Scordalakes Cosmin & Dana Schenk James & Marsha Serdenis Mary Sharish Chuck Shuff Jim & Christine Simatacolos Serban Smadici Evanthia Speliotis & Peter Vedder Katherine Speliotis Chris & Lisa Stavens Gerasimos & Donna Stavens John & Eve Stelter Robert Taylor & Linda Shapiro Melina Digenis & Steve Taylor Gregory & Pamela Theoharatos Dan & Connie Thomas Tara Tsioropoulos Penny VonAllmen Fr. Gregory C. Wingenbach Madelon Zady William Zhunga As the Father has sent me, so I send you. (John 20:21)

11 St. James, Brother of the Lord Celebrated October 23 According to some, this Saint was a son of Joseph the Betrothed, born of the wife that the latter had before he was betrothed to the Ever-virgin. Hence he was the brother of the Lord, Who was also thought to be the son of Joseph (Matt. 13: 55). But some say that he was a nephew of Joseph, and the son of his brother Cleopas, who was also called Alphaeus and Mary his wife, who was the first cousin of the Theotokos. But even according to this genealogy, he was still called, according to the idiom of the Scriptures, the Lord's brother because of their kinship. This James is called the Less (Mark 15:4) by the Evangelists to distinguish him from James, the son of Zebedee, who was called the Great. He became the first Bishop of Jerusalem, elevated to this Episcopal rank by the Apostles, according to Eusebius (Eccl. Hist., Book II: 23), and was called Obliah, that is, the Just, because of his great holiness and righteousness. Having ascended the crest of the Temple on the day of the Passover at the prompting of all, he bore testimony from there concerning his belief in Jesus, and he proclaimed with a great voice that Jesus sits at the right hand of the great power of God and shall come again upon the clouds of heaven. On hearing this testimony, many of those present cried, "Hosanna to the Son of David." But the Scribes and Pharisees cried, "So, even the just one hath been led astray," and at the command of Ananias the high priest, the Apostle was cast down headlong from thence, then was stoned, and while he prayed for his slayers, his head was crushed by the wooden club wielded by a certain scribe. The first of the Catholic (General) Epistles written to the Jews in the Diaspora who believed in Christ was written by this James.

12 St. Demetrios the Myrrhbearer Celebrated October 26 S a i n t D e m e t r i o s w a s a Thessalonian, a most pious son of pious and noble parents, and a teacher of the Faith of Christ. When Maximian first came to Thessalonica in 290, he raised the Saint to the rank of Duke of Thessaly. But when it was discovered that the Saint was a Christian, he was arrested and kept bound in a bath-house. While the games were under way in the city, Maximian was a spectator there. A certain friend of his, a barbarian who was a notable wrestler, Lyaeus by name, waxing haughty because of the height and strength of his body, boasted in the stadium and challenged the citizens to a contest with him. All that fought with him were defeated. Seeing this, a certain youth named Nestor, acquaintance of Demetriοs', came to the Saint in the bath-house and asked his blessing to fight Lyaeus single-handed. Receiving this blessing and sealing himself with the sign of the precious Cross, he presented himself in the stadium, and said, "O God of Demetriοs, help me!" and straightway he engaged Lyaeus in combat and smote him with a mortal blow to the heart, leaving the former boaster lifeless upon the earth. Maximian was sorely grieved over this, and when he learned who was the cause of this defeat, he commanded straightway and Demetriοs was pierced with lances while he was yet in the bath-house. As for Nestor, Maximian commanded that he be slain with his own sword.

13 Phase 2: Naming Opportunities Item Donation Classrooms (including Toddler room) (6) $75,000 Administrative and Priest Offices (2) $75,000 Youth Room $75,000 Meeting Room $100,000 Kitchen $150,000 Entrance/Lobby $200,000 Main Hall $400,000 Building Naming Rights $1,000,000

14 Phase 2: Tiered Giving Tier Donation Level Benefactors $50,000 - $75,000 Pillars $35,000 $49,999 Supporters $20,000 $34,999 Patrons $10,000 $19,999 Providers $5,000 $9,999 Friends $1,000 $4,999 $434,000 Pledged (as of ) Bill & Doris Abdallah Sam & Thelma Adams AHEPA Christine Albro Mike & Lori Balakos Fr. Jon & Pres. Doreece Boukis Joanna & Tom Caneris Stephanie Cox & John Hile Dan & Sarah Cupkovic Dr. George Helen Digenis Dean & Hadley Dimitropoulos Marcus & Nancy Geromes Dr. John & Julie Harris Helen Hellen Adrienne Higgins John Johnson Phillip & Cheryl Leathers Ryan & Laura Leathers Georgia Panaretos Demetra Raptis Jim & Marsha Serdenis Chuck & Diana Shuff Jim & Christine Simatacolos Thomas Smith Evanthia Speliotis & Peter Vedder Steve & Melina Digenis Taylor Penny VonAllmen Madelon Zady Thank you to all who have pledged!!!

15 Oxi Day Brunch Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks! Winston Churchill (April 1941) On Sunday, October 29 th, following the Divine Liturgy, the Daughters of Penelope will be hosting a brunch complete with Egg casserole, Sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash brown casserole, fruit, sweet rolls and muffins, juice, milk, and coffee in honor of OXI Day with all proceeds generously being donated to the Parish!!! Come and enjoy great food, fun and fellowship!!! $10 for Adults $5 for Children ages 6-12 Free for Children 5 and under Daughters of Penelope The Daughters of Penelope had its first meeting of the new year and are happy to welcome our newest member, Eve Stelter. We look forward to working with Eve on our upcoming projects! The agenda calendar for the year was discussed, and we have lots of activities ahead to support our charities, while having a good time together. The next meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 21, in the Church Hall. This will be an important meeting, as we'll finalize our plans for the upcoming "Oxi Day" brunch. The brunch will be held in the Church Hall after the Liturgy, on Sunday, October 29th. We hope the brunch will be well attended by the community, as the proceeds from this brunch goes to Assumption Church. This is also "Harvest Homecoming" time in New Albany, IN. This festival is the largest fundraiser for AHEPA, and the Daughters of Penelope always assist the AHEPA brothers in their booth each year. The Festival will take place October 12-15, and all Daughters are asked to volunteer for a "shift" or 2 or 3...to help our AHEPA Brothers!

16 AHEPA AHEPA has opened its Emergency Relief Fund to provide assistance to the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, announced Supreme President Carl Hollister. Hollister presented an initial $15,000 donation and pledged to raise $100,000 by month's end. Supreme President Hollister has directed AHEPA members to prepare to assist in Irma's aftermath as they have in Harvey's wake. The local AHEPA Chapter has donated $500 toward this relief effort. Individual donations are always welcomed. Use this link to make a donation. Harvest Homecoming October 12 th - 15 th!!! Come and enjoy a Gyro!!! Volunteer!!! AHEPA St. Nicholas Campaign The Order of AHEPA Often Imitated - Never Duplicated AHEPA is $160,000 short of meeting its Saint Nicholas Capital Campaign fund raising goal of $1 million. We are determined to meet it! Donations--large and small--keep pouring in for AHEPA's #RebuildStNicholas capital campaign. Will yours be the one to get us to the historic $1 million milestone? Take action and donate today! The AHEPA is spearheading this effort. The local AHEPA Chapter has done its part by donating $2000 to this campaign. You don t have to be affiliated with AHEPA to help make the pledge a reality.

17 From Mockery to Belief Taken from The Prologue from Ochrid (October 11 th ) Just as, by God's providence, the power of miraculous healing is given to blessed water or sanctified oil, so this same power is also given to icons. St. Athanasius the Great cites one wonderful example of the miraculous power of holy icons: In the town of Beirut, there lived a Christian in a rented house. In moving out of the house, he forgot an icon of the Savior. Then a Jew moved into that house. There were many Jews in that town who were particularly embittered against the Christian Faith. Consequently, when the icon was found in the house, the Jews carried it to their gathering place and mocked it, as their ancestors had once mocked the living Savior. The Jews also did to the icon what their ancestors had done to the Savior: they pierced the hands and feet with nails, wiped vinegar on the lips of the image on the icon, and mocked the image of the Savior in every way possible. Finally, one of them took a spear and struck the divine image under the rib. But oh, the wonder-blood and water flowed from the image's wound as they had from the living body of the crucified Lord. The Jews' terror cannot be described. However, they brought a vessel to catch the blood, and brought many of the sick, blind, deaf, lame and insane to the icon. As soon as the Jews anointed the ailing with this blood, they were healed. The whole town gathered to see this miracle and all glorified Jesus Christ, the true God; and all the Jews in that town came to believe in the living and life-giving Lord Jesus Christ. The Prologue from Ochrid contains short accounts of the lives of major saints for each day, as well as homily, something "for consideration", and points to ponder from Old Testament readings. It is a most valuable addition to any Orthodox library. The contents of these volumes are online at or can be purchased in hardback from any good Orthodox bookseller.

18 Friends of the Metropolis We are truly blessed to have His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas as our Spiritual Father! Let us show our support for the ministries of the Metropolis and for our Spiritual Father by supporting the Friends of the Metropolis Program this month - not waiting until December. Let us be an example to our sister Parishes by having the greatest number of supporters in the next Shepard s Staff (Metropolis Newsletter). God Bless Your Offerings!!! To donate to the Friends of the Metropolis online, go to: and click here Philanthropic Opportunities Backpack Buddies Because Hunger Doesn t Take the Weekend Off Help feed 30 elementary age kids over the weekend! Make it a habit to bring in an item each week for those children who without help may go hungry. Offerings collected in a container in the back of the church! Please bring foods that are: Non-perishable Shelf-stable Single-serving Nutritious