THE BEACON ASSUMPTION. November 2014 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY. Attract, Serve, Illuminate

Transcription

1 ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Attract, Serve, Illuminate THE BEACON November Ormsby Lane Louisville, Kentucky Phone: (502) Church

2 Happenings...

3 Pastoral Message Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption, For most of us, the month of November is defined by the holiday of Thanksgiving. I know that for me personally, it is one of my favorite days of the year because of the awesome feast that Presbytera prepares. It is a day when most of us get to relax and truly think about all that the Lord has given us. (For most of us, the list of things to be thankful for is very long.) Leading up to Thanksgiving, we have our daily routines of work and school, but as soon as Thanksgiving comes - often times as early as Black Friday, our attention turns to preparations for Christmas. As wonderful as Thanksgiving is, and as much as we personally have to be thankful for we often times forget to express our gratitude for the greatest gift that has been offered God s gift of salvation through the offering of His Son. In fact, it almost makes more sense for us to speak of what we are thankful for on Christmas Day as opposed to Thanksgiving. The entire world looks forward to the Holidays; most of the western hemisphere looks forward to Christmas many not for the birth of Christ, but for presents, big meals, family time and vacation. As Christians, all of this is well and good, but the Nativity of the Lord must always remain the main focus. This may appear to be only a difference of words, Christmas vs. Nativity, but is it truly a difference of orientation - Christmas is most often looked at as a season, whereas the Nativity of the Lord is an event. In one case we prepare with decorations, presents and feasts - the other takes preparation of prayer, presence (at the Divine Services) and fasting.

4 Pastoral Message (continued) It is truly possible to enjoy the Christmas season and celebrate His birth, but for most of our society, the event gets lost in the season. So much so that many don t get to church for the Nativity because they are too busy preparing for Christmas - is this not completely backwards? So that we may enjoy the season and keep our focus on His Nativity, I ask that each of us make a small adjustment to our morning and evening prayers and even to our prayers at mealtime. Beginning with Thanksgiving and continuing through December 25 th, let us say the following statement each time we offer a prayer: Lord, we await your glorious nativity. Amen. This small daily reminder will help us to focus and enjoy the blessings of the season. Thanking the Lord for His Blessings on us, I remain in His Service, Rev. Father Jon Boukis Proistamenos Attract, Serve, Illuminate Kitchen and Hall Needs The parish is running short on some essential supplies. For those who are looking for additional ways to make offerings, please consider picking up one of the following: Toilet Paper Paper Towels Hand Soap Large Trash Bags (33 Gallon) Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags Kleenex

5 Parish Council Corner The Parish Council would like to express our deepest gratitude to Justyne Kondos Willman for chairing the gyro booth at the St. James Court Art Show. The results this year were very favorable due to the hard work of Justyne and the wonderful group of volunteers who stepped up to work on this important fundraiser. Additionally, we want to thank Larry Anas and AHEPA for implementing and operating the food booth at the Harvest Homecoming festival once again this year. All volunteers utilized their time, talents and treasure which resulted in greatly benefitting Assumption! At the most recent General Assembly meeting the following parishioners were nominated to serve on the board of elections: Melina Digenis, Tom Caneris and Mary Makris. The election committee is charged with managing the election to fill the four open spots on Parish Council. The committee will be accepting nominations for individuals in good standing interested in running for Parish Council through Monday, November 3 rd. Elections will be held on Sunday, December 7 th. Welcome Father Jon and Family! The Parish Council will be hosting coffee hour on Sunday, November 16 th in honor of Father Jon, Presbytera Doreece and Lia and their arrival at Assumption. All are invited and encouraged to attend! 2014 Parish Council Joanna Caneris - President John Harris - Vice President Michael Balakos - Treasurer Ryan Leathers - Secretary Larry Anas Emily Digenis Milton Galanos Ramsey Nassar Jim Simatacolos

6 Sunday School All children with attendance of 80% or better have hit the mark and will be listed monthly in THE BEACON as based on cumulative attendance. with 3 absences or less for the entire year will be recognized in May with a special gift to acknowledge their dedication to Religious Education. Attendance is Important!!! Hit the Mark!!! Vasilia Boukis Christopher Collis Mariam Dodd Ulla Dodd Ally Harris Congratulations to: Andrew Harris Matthew Harris Stephen Harris Victoria Reyna David Schenk Leah Schenk Jason Simatacolos John Simatacolos Andrew Taylor Steffi Taylor Ismene Vedder Annual Sunday School Christmas Play The children in 2 nd through 7 th grades will begin preparing for the annual Christmas Play over the next weeks. Please be aware that all children who wish to participate in the play must be in attendance at Sunday School during November and December so they can be assigned a role. While we welcome all in our celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, we need to have time to prepare the children for the program. If you have any questions, please see Melina, Kristen, Elyse or Rebecca.

7 Prayer Rope Workshop Deacon William and Deaconissa Elizabeth will be teaching a workshop on the art of making Orthodox Prayer Ropes. Come and learn how to tie a Komboskini that you can use to build your own prayer life. They also make great Christmas Gifts!!! The workshop will be on Saturday, November 8 th, at 12 Noon (following the Divine Liturgy in commemoration of the Synaxis of the Archangels). Come for Divine Liturgy, stay for the workshop and the fellowship!!! GOYA YAL The YAL is going to BW3 s for Monday Night Football!!! Date: November 10 th Time: 7:00 pm - Close Address: Westport Rd, Louisville, KY Game: Philly On Saturday, November 22 nd, the GOYA will meet at Sky Zone at 5:30pm to work up our appetites on the trampolines!!! RSVP to Dan Cupkovic at: DCupkovic@gmail.com (After which we will satisfy our appetites with dinner)

8 Bible Study Bible Study is an opportunity for us to apply the Scriptures to our everyday lives. The Bible is the Good News that enriches our faith and deepens our understanding of every issue that we face. This can only be done through obtaining the mind of the Holy Fathers. Let the scripture come alive in your life today!!! The Orthodox Bible Study will meet on Wednesday Evenings from 6:30pm-7:45pm and on Thursday Mornings from 10:00am-11:15am to study the Book of Acts of the Apostles. Make a commitment to learning His Word! Church Softball Game That s Right!!! Who are you going to cheer on? Are you going to root for the Home team led by our Parish Council President, Joanna Caneris? Or for the much less athletic underdog Fr. Jon? No matter who you root for, we re all winners when we come and enjoy great fun, fellowship and food!!! The Big Game will be held at the Elks Lodge (just down Ormsby) following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 2 nd with special events for the kids between innings and a fellowship lunch to follow. Christian Fellowship - It s a Winner!!!

9 Basketball Come support the Spartans on Sunday Evenings in November as the represent out parish at Hoops!!! (12101 Sycamore Station Place, Louisville) On Wednesday, November 12 th, we will have our 2 nd basketball open gym for all ages. The gym is at Hobbs Station Road, Louisville. Open Gym is from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Come and enjoy the fellowship and get a bit more exercise!!! Daughters of Penelope The Daughters of Penelope want to thank all who participated in the OXI Day brunch. We had a nice turn out and raised over $400 for the church operating fund. Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, November 15 th, at 10:30 a.m in the church hall. We will make plans for our "Thanksgiving Bake Sale", which will take place on Sunday, November 23 rd, after the Liturgy, in the church hall. We hope everyone will shop our bake sale for both Greek and traditional Thanksgiving sweets. All items will be homemade and can help with your holiday baking.

10 Philoptochos PHILOPTOCHOS UPCOMING EVENTS Have you joined Philoptochos yet? Who? All members of the parish who are 18 years and older. Please pay $35 dues to Evanthia Speliotis, treasurer. New (to us) this year! Become an associate member. Associate members are spouses of members. We need your help. Show your support and become an associate member today by paying dues. You are welcome at any and all events, but you do not have to attend either. Upcoming Events: November: Thanksgiving baskets due and meeting Nov. 16 th after liturgy in the hall; Christmas Baklava for sale. December: Baking of the baklava December 7th after liturgy. We need your help! Pajamas and books for Wayside Christian Mission; Vasilopita sale and auction- more info. to come. January: Vasilopita Sunday- Jan. 4th; Meeting January 18th after liturgy February: Sell baklava at the end of Glendi; Kolyva Workshop Feb. 14 th 9 a.m.; meeting after Saturday of Souls service - place TBD

11 Philoptochos We want to thank the Assumption Parish for your continued support of our on-going project with Chenoweth Elementary and ask that you continue to bring non-perishable food items to the church each Sunday.

12 Philoptochos 2014 Christmas Greek Pastry Sale Don t forget to order your Baklava from a Philoptochos member this November! $15/dozen Philoptochos Ongoing Fundraiser Please help support the charitable needs of the community! For the next few Sundays after liturgy in the hall See our table! Christmas Ornaments $22 Metropolis Greek Cookbooks $20 Kolyva for Memorials How can you get some? When you schedule a memorial service with Father Jon, let him know that you would like Philoptochos to make Kolyva. He can take your $75 donation and will contact a member.

13 Philoptochos Help your neighbor fill their plates this Thanksgiving by providing a Holiday Basket for Eastern Area Community Ministries. Contents: $25.00 Kroger card for perishable food items 5 lb. potatoes/sweet potatoes 4 cans of vegetables Packaged or canned gravy Boxed stuffing mix 4 cans fruit or bag of apples Cranberry sauce Pie filling/crust or cake mix/frosting Evaporated milk Tea/lemonade Laundry basket Please provide a complete basket. Partial contents cannot be used. You can donate gift cards without a basket if necessary. Bring to Assumption GOC by November 16 th Please give your gift cards to Nancy Anas and place baskets in Parish Hall.

14 Assumption Calendar of E Sunday Monday Tuesday 5 th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Parish Softball Game at the Elks Lodge Basketball League Game at Hoops th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour GOYA Meeting Basketball League Game at Hoops 9 10 YAL Outing to BW3 s 7:00pm Detroit Clergy Syndesmos Meeting (Troy, MI) 11:00am 11 Feast of the Apostle Matthew Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Philoptochos Meeting Basketball League Game at Hoops 16 AHEPA Meeting 6:30pm th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Daughters of Penelope Bake Sale Basketball League Game at Hoops 23 Deadline for Submissions to The Beacon Feast of St. Katherine the Great Martyr Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Lyndon Ecumenical Fellowship at Assumption 7:00pm Feast of the Apostle Andrew Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Family Worship Coffee Hour 30

15 vents November 2014 Wednesday Thursday Friday Greek School 6:30pm-7:45pm Bible Study 6:30pm-7:45pm Greek School 6:30pm-7:45pm Bible Study 6:30pm-7:45pm 5 12 Basketball Open Gym 7:00pm-9:00pm Greek School 6:30pm-7:45pm Bible Study 6:30pm-7:45pm 19 Basketball Team Practice 7:00pm-9:00pm 26 Bible Study 10:00am-11:15am Bible Study 10:00am-11:15am Bible Study 10:00am-11:15am Thanksgiving Day Great Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am 28 1 Saturday Great Vespers 5:00pm 8 Synaxis of Archangels Orthros 9am Divine Liturgy 10am Prayer Rope Class 12N No Great Vespers 15 Daughters of Penelope 10:30am Great Vespers 5:00pm 22 GOYA Outing to Sky Zone and Dinner 5:30pm No Great Vespers 29 No Greek School No Bible Study No Bible Study Great Vespers 5:00pm Elections for the Parish Council will take place on Sunday, December 7 th following services. Holy Confession is done by appointment and may be scheduled by calling Fr. Jon at the Church Office: (502) Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Fish Allowed Fast Free

16 St. Catherine Commemorated November 25 th The Holy Great Martyr Catherine was the daughter of Constus, the governor of Alexandrian Egypt during the reign of the emperor Maximian ( ). Living in the capital, the center of Hellenistic knowledge, and possessed of a rare beauty and intellect, Catherine received an excellent education, studying the works of the greatest philosophers and teachers of antiquity. Young men from the most worthy families of the empire sought her hand, but she was not interested in any of them. She told her parents that she would marry only someone who surpassed her in nobility, wealth, comeliness and wisdom. Catherine's mother, a secret Christian, sent her to her own spiritual Father, a saintly Elder living in a cave outside the city, for advice. After listening to Catherine, the Elder said that he knew of a Youth who surpassed her in everything. "His countenance is more radiant than the shining of the sun, and all of creation is governed by His wisdom. His riches are given to all the nations of the world, yet they never diminish. His compassion is unequaled." This description of the Heavenly Bridegroom produced in the soul of the holy maiden an ardent desire to see Him. "If you do as I tell you," said the monk, "you will gaze upon the countenance of this illustrious man." In parting, the Elder handed Catherine an icon of the Theotokos with the divine Child Jesus on Her arm and told her to pray with faith to the Queen of Heaven, the Mother of the Heavenly Bridegroom, and She would hear Catherine and grant her heart's desire. Catherine prayed all night and was permitted to see the Most Holy Virgin, Who said Her Divine Son, "Behold Thy handmaiden Catherine, how fair and virtuous she is." But the Child turned His face away from her saying, "No, she is ugly and unbelieving. She is a foolish pauper, and I cannot bear to look at her until she forsakes her impiety." Catherine returned again to the Elder deeply saddened, and told him what she had seen in the dream. He lovingly received her, instructed her in the faith of Christ, admonished her to preserve her purity and integrity and to pray unceasingly. She then received the Mystery of holy Baptism from him. Again St Catherine had a vision of the Most Holy Theotokos with Her Child. Now the Lord looked tenderly at her and gave her a beautiful ring, showing her betrothal to the Heavenly Bridegroom (This ring is still on her hand).

17 The Great Martyr At that time the emperor Maximian was in Alexandria for a pagan festival. The cries of the sacrificial animals, the smoke and the smell of the sacrifices, the endless blazing of fires, and the bustling crowds at the arenas defiled the city of Alexandria. Human victims were brought, the confessors of Christ, who would not deny Him under torture, were condemned to death in the fire. The saint's love for the Christian martyrs and her desire to ease their sufferings compelled Catherine to speak to the pagan priest and the emperor Maximian. Introducing herself, the saint confessed her faith in the One True God and with wisdom exposed the errors of the pagans. The beauty of the maiden captivated the emperor. In order to convince her and to show the superiority of pagan wisdom, the emperor ordered fifty of the most learned philosophers and rhetoricians of the Empire to dispute with her, but the saint got the better of the wise men, so that they came to believe in Christ themselves. St Catherine made the Sign of the Cross over the martyrs, and they bravely accepted death for Christ and were burned alive by order of the emperor. Maximian, no longer hoping to convince the saint, tried to entice her with the promise of riches and fame. Receiving an angry refusal, the emperor gave orders to subject the saint to terrible tortures and then throw her in prison. The Empress Augusta, who had heard much about the saint, wanted to see her. She prevailed upon the military commander Porphyrius to accompany her to the prison with a detachment of soldiers. The empress was impressed by the strong spirit of St Catherine, whose face was radiant with divine grace. Catherine explained the Christian teaching to them, and they were converted. On the following day they again brought the martyr to the judgment court where, under the threat of being broken on the wheel, they urged that she renounce the Christian Faith and offer sacrifice to the gods. The saint steadfastly confessed Christ and she herself approached the wheels; but an angel smashed the instruments of execution, which shattered into pieces. Having beheld this wonder, the Empress Augusta and the imperial courtier Porphyrius with 200 soldiers confessed their faith in Christ in front of everyone, and they were beheaded. St Catherine firmly confessed her fidelity to the heavenly Bridegroom Christ, and with a prayer to Him she herself lay her head on the block beneath the executioner's sword. The relics of St Catherine were taken by the angels to Mount Sinai. In the sixth century, the venerable head and left hand of the holy martyr were found through a revelation and transferred with honor to a newly-constructed church of the Sinai monastery, built by the holy Emperor Justinian (November 14). St Catherine is called upon for relief of difficult childbirth. At her monastery on Mt Sinai, pilgrims are given souvenir rings as a remembrance of their visit.

18 Greek School ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Greek School Registration Form NAME: AGE: Greek Language Skill Level Please circle your level of knowledge of the Greek language: Beginner, Moderate, or Advanced Availability Both adult and elementary classes meet on Wednesdays at 6:30 to 7:45pm. Students in middle and high school are encouraged to join the adult class. Parent s Name (for child 12 years & under): Address: Phone: Although adult and elementary classes are now in full swing, it is not too late for new students to sign up. Registration is $30 per student per session. Fall session runs September through December and Spring session runs January through April. Please return this form along with registration fee paid to the order of The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church with Greek School in the memo area of the check. You may your completed form to George Soteriou, Greek School Director, or put it in the Greek School Inbox at church by the main office room. If you have any questions please call or George Soteriou at (502) or gksoteriou@gmail.com Thank you!!! Ευχαριστώ!!! Elementary Classes this year are being taught by George Anagnostou!!! We thank our teachers for offering their talent to our Greek School!

19 Greek Fun Translation: I DON T HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN I SEE A SPIDER My problem starts when I no longer see it This may seem humorous when we apply it to spiders, but let us reflect on the deeper meaning. If we hadn t seen the spider, we would not have fear. Knowing the spider exists and then not seeing it causes fear. In the same way, knowledge of our faith can cause us to see where we fall short. So, is it better to know or to not know? Just a bit of food for thought!

20 Philanthropic Opportunities 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 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 address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions You will then get a message to check your inbox and click on the link within the body of the . Click on My Account and use your 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 , select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number. Update or confirm your information. Enter Assumption or our NPO number of 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!!!

21 Philanthropic Opportunities Backpack Buddies Because Hunger Doesn t Take the Weekend Off Help feed 10 kids at Chenoweth Elementary over the weekend! There is a container in the back of the church in which to place a food offering! Make it a habit to bring in an item each week for those children who without help may go hungry. (This will be an ongoing program of the Philoptochos) Please bring foods that are: Non-perishable Shelf-stable Single-serving Nutritious May God Bless and multiply your offerings!!! U of L Pediatrics Book Drive Approximately two-thirds of US children and 80 percent of those living below the poverty threshold are not proficient readers by the end of third grade. U of L gives new books at every well-child checkup through age 5 and we give gently used books on sick visits and to siblings. Bring in new or gently used children s books to the office or to Mary Makris!

22 Friends of the Metropolis Dear Friends of the Metropolis: God has called us to do mighty deeds for the glory of His name and for the love of His people. You are called upon to join in this reality of faith working through love as we continue to manifest the love of God for His Church and His people. When you support the Friends of the Metropolis Campaign, you are part of a greater outreach that proclaims with one universal voice that God is truly our hope and our rock of salvation. Because of your devotion and help to the Friends program, ministries and programs are implemented on a Metropolis-wide basis which strengthen and enhance our faith and our joint ministry of service. If you have not yet become part of the Metropolis-wide effort, I would like to invite you to join forces with the faithful throughout the Metropolis in support of the ministries which are part of the Office of the Metropolitan. Thanking you for your kind and generous response, I remain, with paternal blessings and prayers, +NICHOLAS Metropolitan of Detroit I am pleased to support the work of Metropolitan Nicholas and the Metropolis through the Annual Metropolis Stewardship Friends Program Please send to: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit, 2560 Crooks Rd, Troy, MI 48084

23 Friends of the Metropolis WHAT DOES FRIENDS OF THE METROPOLIS SUPPORT? GENERAL Fully fund the expenses of the Metropolis office, program and travels. EDUCATION Enhance scholarships and adult education programs, as well as support the Metropolis students at Hellenic College/Holy Cross. SUPPORT Develop and provide educational and instructional seminars and services to clergy and parishes. YOUTH Maintain and support the youth office and activities of a full-time Youth and Young Adult Ministries director. OUTREACH/MISSIONS Create opportunities to introduce our faith to society, participate in inter- Christian and inter-faith activities as well as provide quick responses to national disasters. HELLENISM Develop programs for Hellenic Cultural Outreach, including language, including language, history and arts. LEADERSHIP Organize Metropolis Clergy-Laity Conferences, Oratorical Festivals, Christmas Pageants, and Adult Education Programs. SPECIAL PROGRAMS Website development, hospitality to visiting dignitaries and guests, Charity and Philanthropy Do donate to the Friends of the Metropolis online, go to: and click here

24 Directory Update Dear Parishioners of the Assumption, The parish will soon be publishing an updated directory of parishioners. It is important that we have your contact information for the directory as well as for our parish database. Please take a moment and submit the online form that was distributed via the listserv or submit the form below. Thanks for your assistance. Family Data Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Home Phone: Adults Contact Information Name: Address: Mobile Phone: _( ) - Date of Birth: / / Name: Address: Mobile Phone: _( ) - Date of Birth: / / Children s Contact Information Name Date of Birth Mobile Phone Address Grade / / ( ) - / / ( ) - / / ( ) - / / ( ) - / / ( ) -

25 Community Announcements Although it was just a few weeks ago that we were blessed to witness William Redmon s ordination to the Diaconate, we will soon be saying goodbye as the Deacon begins his assignment at Holy Trinity St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Cincinnati, OH. Deacon William will be ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, November 16 th in Cincinnati. If you are able to travel to witness this blessing, please proclaim loudly Axios for our Parish!!! We warmly welcome new parishioners Charlie and Pat Blackford, who come to us from the Parish of St. Andrews in Randolph, New Jersey. Charlie and Pat have moved to Louisville to be closer to family and having been very active in the ministries of St. Andrew s have already jumped into the ministries of our parish. On behalf of our Blessed Parish of the Assumption Welcome!!! Καλωσορίσατε!!! Recently, Gus suffered the loss of the use of one of his eyes and was not assured of full recovery. But through the prayers of the church and his friends and family, Gus is experiencing a full recovery. Gus offers his thanksgiving to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and to the Theotokos for her intercessions for his recovery and for the trials which have served as a strengthener of faith. Glory to God!!! Do you have news that would be edifying in a Community Announcement, if so, call the Church office or office@assumption.ky.goarch.org.

26 The Holy Archangels Taken from The Prologue from Ochrid (November 8 th ) Holy Scripture clearly and irrefutably witnesses that angels ceaselessly communicate with this world. The Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church teaches us the names of the seven leaders of the angelic powers: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salathiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel (an eighth, Jeremiel, is sometimes included). ``Michael'' in the Hebrew language means ``Who is like unto God?'' or ``Who is equal to God?'' St. Michael has been depicted from earliest Christian times as a commander, who holds in his right hand a spear with which he attacks Lucifer, Satan, and in his left hand a green palm branch. At the top of the spear there is a linen ribbon with a red cross. The Archangel Michael is especially considered to be the Guardian of the Orthodox Faith and a fighter against heresies. ``Gabriel'' means ``Man of God'' or ``Might of God.'' He is the herald of the mysteries of God, especially the Incarnation of God and all other mysteries related to it. He is depicted as follows: In his right hand, he holds a lantern with a lighted taper inside, and in his left hand, a mirror of green jasper. The mirror signifies the wisdom of God as a hidden mystery. ``Raphael'' means ``God's healing'' or ``God the Healer.'' (Tobit 3:17, 12:15). He is depicted leading Tobit (who is carrying a fish caught in the Tigris) with his right hand, and holding a physician's alabaster jar in his left hand. ``Uriel'' means ``Fire of God,'' or ``Light of God'' (III Esdras 3:1, 5:20). He is depicted holding a sword against the Persians in his right hand, and a fiery flame in his left. ``Salathiel'' means ``Intercessor of God'' (III Esdras 5:16). He is depicted with his face and eyes lowered, holding his hands on his bosom in prayer. ``Jegudiel'' means ``Glorifier of God.'' He is depicted bearing a golden wreath in his right hand and a triple-thonged whip in his left hand. ``Barachiel'' means ``Blessing of God.'' He is depicted holding a white rose in his hand against his breast. ``Jeremiel'' means ``God's exaltation.'' He is venerated as an inspirer and awakener of exalted thoughts that raise a man toward God (III Ezra 4:36). 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.

27 Happenings... Sponsors of THE BEACON Please contact the Church Office if you are interested in placing an ad and supporting The Beacon Your ad could be here! FULL COLOR ADS 1.25 x 1.5 Blocks 4 Blocks $250 2 Blocks $150 1 Block $100 Ecclesiastical Year Sept. 1 to Aug. 31

28 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 930 Ormsby Lane Louisville, Kentucky, Return Service Requested