John 14:2 - Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Fr. Peter Karloutsos Fr. Nikolas Karloutsos
30 Clapboard Ridge Road ~ Danbury, CT 06811 phone: 203.748.2992 fax: 203.748.7747
Website: www.agoc.us e-mail: frpeter@agoc.us frnikolas@agoc.us
AUGUST 2016
Father Nikolas and Presbytera Meghan Karloutsos
His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios has assigned Father Nikolas Karloutsos to serve as our Parish Priest
together with Fr Peter. We welcome Father Nikolas and Presbytera Meghan and children--- Thomas, Kalliope
and Lucia back into our Assumption Church Family. Fr Nikolas has been assigned to our Parish, together with Fr
Peter and Presbytera Maria who will continue their Ministry to our Church Family. In September, we will have a
welcome reception for Fr Nikolas and Presbytera Meghan. Fr Peter and Presbytera Maria will be in Greece the
month of July for a family wedding. We wish them a safe journey. Please offer a welcome to Fr Nikolas and
Presbytera Meghan and children.
PANAGIA - THE ALL-HOLY
The first fifteen days of August are set aside each year by the Holy Orthodox Church in order for the faithful to
reflect on the need for all Christians to repent and to willingly accept God into their lives as did the Virgin Mary,
The Mother of God.
The first 15 days of August gives us time to prepare for this special remembrance of the THEOTOKOS. It is a
period of fasting and prayer. We are to take more time for prayer and we should come to the Paraklisis Services
(Prayer Services) during the 15 day period. Hymns are sung and prayers offered for the health and well-being of
our loved ones and ourselves, both spiritual and physical. Let us remember Panagia, who as a Mother understands
our needs and being compassionate, continues to pray for us to Her Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN!
CALENDAR OF SERVICES AND EVENTS
Mon., Aug. 1
FAST PERIOD BEGINS FOR PANAGIAS
Wed., Aug. 3
PARAKLISIS
7:00 pm
Fri., Aug. 5
PARAKLISIS
7:00 pm
Sat., Aug. 6
THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD ON MT. TABOR
Sun., Aug. 7
7th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
9:00 am
Orthros
10:00 am
Divine Liturgy
Wed., Aug. 10
PARAKLISIS
7:00 pm
Fri., Aug. 12
PARAKLISIS
7:00 pm
Sun., Aug. 14
MICAH THE PROPHET
9:00 am
Orthros
10:00 am
Divine Liturgy
Sun., Aug. 14
EVE OF THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION (DORMITION) OF THE MOST HOLY
MOTHER OF OUR LORD.
GREAT VESPERS WITH ARTOKLASIA
6:00 pm
Visiting clergy will join us as we celebrate the Feast Day of our Church. Remember your
Church and be sure to attend services with your family.
Mon., Aug. 15
FEAST OF THE KOIMISIS TIS THEOTOKOY - ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY
9:00 am
Orthros
10:00 am
Divine Liturgy
Sun., Aug. 21
9thh SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
9:00 am
Orthros
10:00 am
Divine Liturgy
College Student Sunday
Panagia Feast Church Family Picnic
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Sun., Aug. 28
10th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
9:00 am
Orthros
10:00 am
Divine Liturgy
Mon., Aug. 29
THE BEHEADING OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST STRICT FAST DAY
Thurs., Sept. 1
ECCLESIASTICAL NEW YEAR - INDICTION - PATRIARCHAL DESIGNATION OF
DAY OF THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Sun., Sept. 4
MOSES THE PROPHET
9:00 am
Orthros
10:00 am
Divine Liturgy
Thurs., Sept. 8
NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS
Sun., Sept. 11
SUNDAY BEFORE THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
9:00 am
Orthros
10:00 am
Divine Liturgy
Sunday Catechism School and Greek School Registration
Grandparent Sunday
Mon., Sept. 12
PHILOPTOCHOS MEETING
7:00 pm
First meeting of the year. Join and support this wonderful organization which
helps many in need. We also enjoy warm friendship as we work together for the
benefit of others. Let us share our blessings by helping and giving of ourselves to
our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Tues., Sept. 13
VESPERS – AT HOLY CROSS CHURCH -MIDDLETOWN, N.,Y. (845-695-1976)
7:00 pm
Wed., Sept. 14
EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
9:00 am
Orthros
10:00 am
Divine Liturgy
PLEASE BRING BASIL FOR SERVICE OF HOLY CROSS
Sun., Sept. 18
SUNDAY AFTER THE HOLY CROSS
9:00 am
Orthros
10:00 am
Divine Liturgy
First day of Sunday Catechism School
Sun., Sept. 18
WELCOME RECEPTION FOR FATHER NIKOLAS & PRESBYTERA MEGHAN
Following Divine Liturgy, a special reception will be held by our Ladies Philoptochos to
welcome Father Nikolas and Presbytera Meghan Karloutsos and their children as Father
Nikolas begins his Ministry and Service to our Assumption Church Family. God’s grace,
peace and strength be with Father Nikolas in his Ministry as we all pray for God’s
blessings for all our Assumption Church Family. AXIOS!!!
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COLLEGE STUDENT SUNDAY
TO ALL COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS
TO PARENTS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS
Sunday, August 21, 2016, following Divine Liturgy, we will call all "college bound students" to the Solea in front of
the Altar to offer a prayer with the Church Family for their health, well being and pray for God's Grace and
Wisdom as they return to campus or for their first year at college.
We want all our College Students to know that the prayers and support of their Church Family will always be with
them.
Please share this with your college students and come to Church that Sunday as we pray to our Lord for not only
their intellectual and vocational progress, but more importantly for their Spiritual Enlightenment and
Faith. Their Faith will give them strength as they face the challenges before them.
We pray that their Orthodox Christian Faith will guide them always according to our Lord's teachings and life.
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SUNDAY CATECHISM SCHOOL
Our Catechism School exists to teach the Orthodox Christian Faith, Teachings and Traditions to our children.
Our children will learn their Orthodox Christian Faith from people who are willing to give their Time and Talent
as Sunday School Teachers. WE NEED YOU!! Please contact Fr. Peter or Rose Koullouris to offer the most
important ministry in our Church. We have over 150 young people registered in our Catechism School. All of us
teach by example. Parents, make an extra effort this year to learn more about your faith in order to teach it to
your children. We are all examples that our young people learn from. PLEASE CALL!!
Sunday Catechism School Registration September 11, 2016
Classes Begin and Registration
September 18, 2016
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DONATION FOR PANAGIAS (AUGUST 15)
The Feastday of our Church----KOIMISIS TIS THEOTOKOY----ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY---gives all of us the opportunity to make a special offering in honor of the THEOTOKOS, Mother of God, Virgin
Mary. Please come to Church during the Panagia Fast (August 1-14), for the PARAKLISIS SERVICES
(SALUTATIONS) AND FOR THE GREAT VESPERS OF THE KOIMISIS (ASSUMPTION). Divine Liturgy August 15th. Please make your special offering (you may pick up an envelope at the Pangari (candle stand), or
mark your check – for Assumption Feast. Thank you.
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2016 – FESTIVAL – 2016
THANK YOU – THANK YOU – THANK YOU!!!
It is not one or two, or even 10 or 20 people who work hard at our Festival. There are hundreds who give their
time, talent and money to ensure our Festival is a success! Of course, we should be extra thankful to our different
chairpersons who coordinate and make sure the signs get put out, the booths and tables set up, the electrical safely
installed, supplies ordered, the food cooked and delivered, the pastries made and packaged, permits signed and
secured, parking adequate, the raffle, entertainment and dancing provided, and then finally, everything cleaned
and put away. WHO DOES ALL THIS?? AND MORE!! All of us know that it is a big job and each of us does
their best. It is not easy taking the responsibility of being a chairperson, but we should be thankful to those that do,
and do our best to help them and support them, for we are really supporting our Church. Great job to everyone
and well done!!
A special thank you to these businesses that donate a great deal of the food and other expenses which helps keep our
costs down. Our parishioners and friends who own businesses donate approximately $10,000.00 worth of food items,
supplies, cash and labor. Without this generous support, our Festival would not be able to generate the profit it does
and be such a success. Also, we must remember those who make and bake all the delicious pastries. Your donation of
ingredients, time and talent keeps down the expenses. Thank you, all of you!
Affordable Automotive, New Milford, CT
Barbarie’s Black Angus Grille, Danbury, CT
BeeHive Restaurant, Armonk, NY
Blue Colony Diner - Newtown, CT
Carvel -North St. Shopping Center, Danbury, CT
Elmer’s Diner, Danbury, CT
Four Brothers Restaurant, Mahopac, NY
Holiday Restaurant, New Milford, CT
Iron Rail Restaurant, New Milford, CT
JK’S Restaurant, Danbury, CT
Mill Plain Diner, Danbury, CT
Mykonos Pizza, Danbury, CT
New Colony V Diner, Bethel, CT
New Holiday Diner, Danbury, CT
Omaha Beef, Danbury, CT
Pioneer Cleaners, Danbury, CT
Spinning Wheel Inn, Redding, CT
Theo’s Downtown Diner, New Milford, CT
The Woodbin, Brookfield, CT
Western Connecticut Craftsman, New Fairfield, CT
Windmill Diner, New Milford, CT
Yankee Clipper Diner, Beacon, NY
THANK YOU & GOD BLESS YOU!!
IN SINCERE APPRECIATION!!
TO ALL THOSE WHO MADE OUR 2016 GREEK EXPERIENCE FESTIVAL A GREAT SUCCESS, GOD
BLESS ALWAYS!!
For all the committee chair-people, a Big THANK YOU!
For all who made personal donations and brought items to be sold, THANK YOU!
For all who donated to our raffle. THANK YOU!
For all who cooked day, noon and night, as well as those who spent so many hours and days in the kitchen and at
home cooking, THANK YOU!
For all who appeared almost every day, for those who went home and came back again, THANK YOU!
For all who worked very hard at the Festival, THANK YOU!
For all who came from out of town, relatives and friends, THANK YOU!
For all who danced, served, decorated, and who set up and then cleaned up, THANK YOU!
For all our beloved children and youth of our Church and friends who danced so well, who came to practice
regularly and for those (teachers, costume handlers, etc.) who helped the dancers do a great job, THANK YOU!
For all who made signs, who put up the signs in town, who advertised and sold tickets, and gave out
INFORMATION about our Festival, THANK YOU!
For all who love us and gave more love and much dedication to our Church, THANK YOU!
For all who announced at the Festival and provided Greek music, THANK YOU!
For all who took personal days from work, THANK YOU!
For all who were members of committees - a job well done, THANK YOU!
For all who assisted the committees, THANK YOU!
For all who brought flowers, beautiful decorations, and set up the tables and chairs, THANK YOU!
For all who set up our booths, THANK YOU!
FOR ALL WHO LOVE OUR CHURCH, THANK YOU!!
FOR OUR OUTSTANDING HARD WORKERS, OUR CHAIRPERSONS & COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS,
THANK YOU!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!
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Following is the list of winners in the raffle drawn on Monday, June 13, 2016
1st Prize - $2,000.00
2nd Prize – $500.00
3rd Prize – 32” Smart TV
4th Prize – Ruby Gemstone
5th Prize – iPad Mini
6th Prize – Woodbin Gift Certificate
7th Prize - $200 Amazon Gift Certificate
8th Prize – $100.00 – BeeHive Rest. Gift Certificate
9th Prize – $100.00 – Spinning Wheel Rest. Gift
Cert.ificate
10 Prize - $100 Iron Rail Rest. Gift Certificate
Georgia Karambatsos - #08934
Nicole Kaplanis - #01512
Angela Lambrakis - #09644
David Imbrugno - #010035
Gale Huria - #0352
Meredith Lypides - #09845
Nick Ghanatsios - #08164
Michaele Giannoutsos - #08122
Ioanna Binaris - 06226
Steven Monsees - #0623
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OFFICE HELP AND MAILINGS
Thank you to all the wonderful parishioners who give their Time and Talent to creating and sending out the monthly
Fanari Newsletter and for each Sunday Church Bulletin. Your help is greatly appreciated. We need more
volunteers to help with the mailings. Once, sometimes twice a month, we need volunteers to fold, collate and stuff
envelopes. The more hands, the quicker it is finished. Your help is needed. Please call Fr. Peter to add your name to
the volunteer list. We meet in the Church Library/Conference Room. We usually meet around 10:00 a.m. and finish
within two or three hours, depending on the mailing. We like to have three or four people working. Please call Fr.
Peter to put your name on the list. Thank you!!
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PSALTI (CHANTER) AND READER MINISTRY
We are looking for people to learn to chant and read at the various services of our Church – Orthros (matins),
Vespers, Paraklisis, etc. Anne Ktorides has done a wonderful job with the choir and learning the various hymns
and tones (melodies) of our Church music. She is willing to share this knowledge and help develop Chanters and
Readers for our Church. All you need is a willingness to learn and some musical background. For Readers, all
that is needed is the willingness to read in a prayerful manner. Please contact Fr. Peter or Anne Ktorides
(746.9927) for more information and to offer your Time and Talents to this very important Ministry. High School
and College age students are encouraged to participate.
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COFFEE FELLOWSHIP
Our Ladies Philoptochos Society has graciously taken the responsibility to co-ordinate the Coffee Fellowship Hour after Divine
Liturgy for more than thirty years!! Our Philoptochos is pleased and proud to continue offering this Ministry to our
Parishioners. But we are in need of more volunteers to prepare and set up for Coffee Hour. First, you need not be a member of
Philoptochos and gentlemen are welcome too!! We encourage entire families to work together to host a Coffee Fellowship; two
families (parents and children), working together to host at least one Coffee Fellowship a year. Choose a person or family to
share the duties with or we can match you with a co-host. Hosting the Coffee Fellowship will teach our children to offer service
to the Church. Also, this is a way for more families to get involved and get to know each other. The more volunteers we have,
the fewer times per year each person is called on to prepare the Coffee Fellowship. A new system for doing Coffee Fellowship
has simplified the duties and responsibilities. Please consider adding your name to the list to prepare coffee once or twice a
year. We now have four coordinators who will help and teach new volunteers what to do and one of them will be available each
Sunday to help guide you as you learn. With 300 families in our community, it would be very nice to see more people
participating. If you enjoy the Coffee Hour and would like to help out, please call Toula Koutmos – 203.426.2699). Thank you.
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SPECIAL SERVICES HELP NEEDED
Father Peter wishes to establish a list of people he can call to help whenever a Mysterion (Sacrament) is held at our
Church. Whenever Father Peter celebrates a wedding or baptism, it would be very helpful to have a person
stationed at the Pangari (candle stand) to make sure the candles do not become dangerous or a mess. Also, to be
available to greet guests and visitors who may have questions or need help in finding restrooms, etc. Other
responsibilities would be to help straighten out the Church, help with set-up and clean-up after services. Most
sacraments take place on weekends. Help may also be needed for funeral services, as well. Please contact Father
Peter to offer your help or for more information, please call 203.748.2992. Thank you.
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IN RECOGNITION:
CONGRATULATIONS
June 19—Our Assumption Church Family recognized our High School and College Graduates. We are so proud
of your accomplishments and wish you all of God's Blessings as you journey into the future, whether the working
world or college bound. God be with you and know that the Assumption Church Family is always here for you.
HIGH SCHOOL
Veronica Kallas
Ourania Koutoumba
Robin Rockwell
John Scapeccia
Christo Stratigakis
Sophia Vendetti
Zoe Vemdetto
Athena Zacharakos
COLLEGE
Anastasia Giannakakos
Ryker Kallas
Georgia Kapetanopoulos
George Kleopoulos
Niko K. Koulouris
Dimitris Koutoumbas
Katie Pappas
Alec Shearer
Mercini Vendetti
June 19 - AHEPA Macricosta Scholarship Recipients for 2016
Fredrick Flannery
Christina Storino
Ourania Koutoumba
Chris Stratigakis
Robin Rockwell
Anthony Vournazos
Angela Storino
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CHURCH LIFE
SARANTISMOS/ NEWBORN BLESSING
May 29 Ioannis, son of Angela and Christopher Rountos of Fedding, CT
HOLY BAPTISM
April 16 Jacqueline Konstandina Lintzeris of Danbury. Sponsors are Andreas Soumakis and Sophia
Soumakis.
June 4 Lucinda Marie, daughter of Silvia and Matthew Kaplanis of Brookfield, CT. Godparents are
Nicole and James Tatarzycki.
June 18 Christopher Silva of Brookfield, CT. His sponsor is Maria Alimonti.
June 19 Marina, daughter of Rosemarie and George Sfikas of Danbury, CT. Godfather is Evaggelos
Poulos
HOLY MATRIMONY
June 18 Katerina Kouroupas and Thomas Sanidas of Ridgefield, CT. Koumbara is Evangelia Rompou
NA MAS ZISOUN - LONG LIFE AND HEALTH
MEMORIAL SERVICE
May 22 Anastasia Gkanastios
May 29 Eleni Amperidis
May 29 Grace Lakunbi Dare
1 year
May 29 Eleni Kallliri
3 year
June 5 Panagiotis “Peter” Gabriel
June 5 Ioannis Koulouris
3 year
June 19 Ernie “Anastasios” Arvanitis
1 year
40 day
2 year
1 year
EONIA I MNIMI – ETERNAL THEIR MEMORY
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP
April 24 Ladies Philoptochos for the Feast of Palm Sunday
May 8 Ladies Philoptochos for Mother’s Day.
May 15 AHEPA in honor of the Archdiocese AHEPA Sunday
May 22 In loving memory of Anastasia Gkanatsios by her son Niko and Fevrii Gkanatsios
May 29 In loving memory of Kostas and Antigone Theodorides by his son Spiro and Nancy
Theodorides and in loving memory of Grace Lakunbi Dare by her daughter Irene Dare.
June 5 In loving memory of Panagiotis Gabriel by his wife Aspasia Gabriel and in loving memory of
their father, Ioannis Koulouris by the families of Dimitri and Kosta Koulouris.
June 19 In honor of our High School and College Graduates by Ladies Philoptochos and parents.
ALTAR FLOWERS
May 29 In loving memory of Grace Lakunbi Dare by her daughter Irene Dare.
EFHARISTO - THANK YOU
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ΥΠΕΡ ΥΓΕΙΑΣ
HEALTH AND WELL BEING
names offered for health and well being
during the Paraklisis Services
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"Wealth is by its very nature ad extra it is meant to go out
from you like a light that dispels darkness. Once wealth is
locked up within the walls of your own spirit, it becomes evil.
St. John Chrysostom
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world
gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let
them be afraid." – John 14:2
quote from Mother Theresa:
"People are often unreasonable and self centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are
kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest,
people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be
jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do
good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give
your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never
between you and them anyway."
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