Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Fr. Peter 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
FANARI NEWSLETTER
CHRISTMAS 2015
Sat., Nov. 21
Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple
Sun., Nov. 22
9th Sunday of Luke
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Catechism School
Sun., Nov. 22
GOYA-JOY Thanksgiving Family Dance – Community Hall (See Flyer)
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Thurs., Nov. 26
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Sun., Nov. 29
13th Sunday of Luke
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Catechism School
Thurs., Dec. 3
Great Vespers - St. Barbara - Orange, CT (203.795.1347)
7:00 pm Let us visit our Sister Church in Orange to celebrate their Feast Day. Call
St. Barbara for directions.
Sat., Dec. 5
St. Nicholas - Vespers, Newburg, NY (845.561.2556)
7:00 pm Call St. Nicholas for directions.
Sun., Dec. 6
Saint Nicholas The Wonderworker
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Catechism School
Mon., Dec. 7
Philoptochos Christmas Party
7:00 pm All women of the Parish invited
Wed., Dec. 9
Conception by St. Anna of the Theotokos
Sun., Dec. 13
Saint Herman of Alaska – First Saint of America
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Catechism School
Christmas Pageant Practice following Catechism School for all.
Sat., Dec. 19
Practice again for the entire Catechism school
Following Pageant Practice the JOY and GOYA will visit Nursing Homes, etc. for
Christmas caroling...details will follow.
Sun., Dec. 20
Sunday Before Christmas
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Christmas Pageant
Thurs., Dec. 24
Great Vespers of Christmas Eve - Christmas Carols
7:00 pm
Fri., Dec. 25
The Nativity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Sun., Dec. 27
Sunday after the Nativity
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
No Catechism School
Fri., Jan. 1
St. Basil The Great
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL THE ASSUMPTION FAMILY
Sun., Jan. 3
Sunday Before Theophany
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy and Agiasmos – Blessing of Water
Catechism School
Tues., Jan. 5
Forefeast of Theophany
7:00 p.m. Reading of Royal Hours & Great Blessing of Water (Agiasmos)
Wed., Jan. 6
Holy Theophania - Epiphany - Baptism of Our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ Agiasmos - Great Blessing of Water
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Sun., Jan. 10
Sun., Jan. 17
Sun., Jan. 24
Sun., Jan. 31
Mon., Feb. 1
Sunday After Theophany
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Catechism School
CELEBRATION OF VASSILOPITA - ST. BASIL’S BREAD
Saint Anthony The Great
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Catechism School
Saint Xenia of St. Petersburg
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Catechism School
GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING—All parishioners should attend!!!
15th Sunday of Luke
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Catechism School
7:00 pm
Philoptochos Meeting
Tues., Feb. 2
The Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ into the Temple
Sun., Feb. 7
16th Sunday of Matthew
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Catechism School
Sun., Feb. 14
Sunday of The Canaanite Woman
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Catechism School
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POINSETTIAS & CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Our Church will again be decorated with Poinsettia Plants and Christmas decorations. Please consider
making a donation towards the Christmas decorations. Thank you!!
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CHRISTMAS DONATION
The Christ Child brings Hope, Peace & Love. Think of His Promise of Life and the ministry we
are dedicated to providing for our Church Family and for those in need. Your support is essential
to do this work. Make your offering at this special time of the year. Merry Christmas!!!
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"As Orthodox Christians, we use the Greek word kairos to describe a moment in time, often a brief moment
in time, which has eternal significance. For the human race as a whole, there is now a kairos, a decisive
time in our relationship with God’s creation. We will either act in time to protect life on earth from the worst
consequences of human folly, or we will fail to act. May God grant us the wisdom to act in time. Amen. "
His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
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2015
PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD
2015
Dear Parishioner and Benefactor of Our Assumption Church:
Once again our community will be preparing a Parish Christmas Card. I am sure that all will agree last year’s Christmas Card was a proclamation of our Lord’s Birth. Again, we are certain that all of you
will want to take part in this year’s card. When you stop and think about it, it is really a good
Christmas idea! Instead of mailing costly cards to everyone separately, express your Christmas
Greetings and cheer along with the community. We are asking for a donation of $30.00; however, if you
are able to give more, we ask you to do so, keeping in mind that all the proceeds will go to our Sunday
School and Youth Program.
Please complete the form below and return it to Father Peter of the Church Office no later than
December 1, 2015. List your name or names as you would like it to appear on the card.
A special bonus: By participating, you will be spared the tedious task of addressing, licking stamps and
envelopes, not to mention the increasing costs for cards and postage!!
Name(s) __________________________________________________________________
Enclosed is my donation for $30.00 or $ ______. (Please make checks payable to the Assumption Church
- marked for “Christmas Card”.)
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HOLIDAY BASKETS
Baskets will be placed in the vestibule of the Church so that we can fill them with food items, canned
goods, or presents, to be given to families in need. During this Christmas season, let us remember and
also teach our children to remember those who have need. We are truly blessed! Let us share our
blessings!
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2015-2016 PARISH COUNCIL 2015-2016
Dear Father Peter,
I, ______________________ , humbly submit my name to serve on the PARISH COUNCIL for the term
2015-2016. I recognize that service on the PARISH COUNCIL is an awesome responsibility and I am
ready to offer my TIME, TALENT AND TREASURE as a GOOD STEWARD OF THE CHURCH.
Please submit this form to the Church office no later than November 30, 2015. Thank you.
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Caring & Comfort – Just as our Parish has grown in size, so have the needs of our parishioners. Our
Ladies Philoptochos Society has always been at the forefront, there to welcome and provide comfort and
assistance to those of our parishioners in need. Meeting the needs of our parishioners can include
cooking for or visiting someone just out of the hospital; visiting someone who is ill at home or calling or
visiting the homebound and elderly; driving to doctor appointments or doing their grocery shopping; or
providing financial support when needed. A committee of ladies in the Philoptochos has been working
to meet all these needs; but now we find we need YOUR help. If you can offer any time to help with any
of the needs mentioned above – occasionally or on a regular basis, please call Cathy Hatzis (203.942.2475)
or Toula Koutmos (203.426.2699) coordinators for the Caring & Comfort Committee. Our hope is to
compile a list of “volunteers” who could be called upon to assist with these situations as the needs arise.
As with any task, the more hands to help, the quicker and easier the task becomes. Please try and find
the time to open your heart to those in our parish with these special needs. We, too, would all want some
Caring & Comfort should the need arise for us.
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GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING - JANUARY 24, 2016
(following Divine Liturgy)
All parishioners are asked to come to this meeting. The 2016 Budget will be presented and reports of
various committees. Your suggestions, comments and encouragement are needed so that our Parish
Council Church organizations and Fr. Peter can continue in the direction we hope leads to progress,
fellowship and God's Kingdom. Please take the little time to show you care. Thank you!
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STEWARDSHIP 2016
How old should a person be in order to be a STEWARD of the Church? What is the amount a
STEWARD offers to God, His Church and Mission? Do you want to make sure your Church has
enough resources to do the best work that is possible? Do you want your Church to meet its financial
obligations? The answer is in your heart. If you are a teenager who works part-time, you can make an
offering to your Church. If you are a college student, you can make an offering to your Church. If you
are a working young adult and live in your parent’s home, you definitely should make an offering to
your Church. If you are a young adult living on your own, you can make an offering to your Church.
Married or single, you can make an offering to your Church. Parents, you must teach your children;
young teenagers, young adults, married or single to support their Church. We must teach each other
the importance of GOOD STEWARDSHIP. It is not just giving money; it is coming to worship services
to pray and worship our good and loving God. It is offering ourselves totally to His Son, Jesus Christ
and receiving the Holy Spirit in our Lives. It is being a STEWARD - giving our TIME - TALENTS and TREASURE.
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CALENDAR OF SERVICES
Great Vespers of Christmas Eve – Christmas Carols
7:00 p.m.
December 25
Christmas Day
9:00 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
December 27
Sunday after Nativity
8:45 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
January 1
New Year’s Day
9:00 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
January 3
Sunday Before Theophany
9:00 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
Catechism School
January 5
Forefeast of Theophany – Reading of the Royal Hours - The Great Blessing of the
Water (Agiasmos)
January 6
Holy Theophania - Epiphany - Baptism of Our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ Agiasmos - Great Blessing of Water
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am
Divine Liturgy
January 10
Sunday After Theophany
9:00 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
Catechism School
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JANUARY 10, 2016
December 24
Ladies Philoptochos presents the cutting of the VASSILOPITA – Join us for this special 2016
BLESSING!!! Let us ask our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Bless our Parish and our families as one
family in prayer and worship!!
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Father Peter will be blessing homes during the month of January. Please fill out the form to let him
know when you would like him to come to your home. This is a beautiful and meaningful custom that
our families should practice and our children should participate in.
If you would like Father Peter to visit your home, please fill in the form and hand it to Father Peter after
Church, mail it in or call for an appointment.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Name:
______________________________________________
Address:
______________________________________________
City & State:
______________________________________________
Phone:
______________________________________________
Date of Visit:
______________________________________________
Morning ________
Afternoon __________
Evening _______
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VOLUNTEERS
YES – All the parishioners that volunteer their time and talents are the people that keep our parish going.
While most parishes are burdened with the expenses of an office staff, maintenance staff, choir director,
chanter, youth director, coaches and more, our parish is blessed with wonderful VOLUNTEERS for these
positions. VOLUNTEERS who make the commitment and take on the responsibility of these jobs.
VOLUNTEERS who willingly devote their time and talents to these positions. VOLUNTEERS teach your
children on Sunday the principles of the Orthodox Church. VOLUNTEERS host and serve the Coffee
Fellowship each Sunday that we all enjoy. VOLUNTEERS bake and cook and prepare for special events that
our parish hosts. BUT - we need MORE people to VOLUNTEER. Make your Church a priority and find
the time to VOLUNTEER to help in one of the many areas of need in our parish. Please see Fr. Peter to find
out where YOU can offer your time and talents best. Helping others – isn’t that what it’s really all about?
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STEWARDSHIP 2016
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
It has been said: “We make a living by what we get.
But, we make a life by what we give.”
The above quote reflects very much the generous spirit of the members of our Assumption Church
Family. Your commitment to support the LIFE of our Church is evident in the STEWARDSHIP of
TIME, TALENT AND TREASURE offered during this past year of 2015. You recognize that your
giving to support the Ministries of our Church also gives meaning to your life and the lives of your loved
ones. Christ, our Lord, calls each of us to be His co-worker in this world. You have done that. This is
also, a reminder to please fulfill your Stewardship donation for 2015.
Our Assumption Church is blessed to have so many giving, caring and generous families and individuals
who support the Sacred and Life-giving Ministries that guide our youth and feed our souls. We are
truly thankful.
Our yearly commitment to sustain the Daily Ministries of our Church depends on your FAITHFUL
STEWARDSHIP SUPPORT for the approaching year 2016.
The WORKING BUDGET of our Church provides for Outreach Ministries, salaries, maintenance,
custodial, utilities, insurance, Catechism and youth programs, Church and office supplies and much
more. The 2015 Budget was $278,670.00. January 24, 2016 the General Assembly meeting will vote to
accept the new Budget. We hope you attend this important meeting. Your Parish Council works hard
to make sure your donations are used wisely and effectively.
Please complete the STEWARDSHIP FORM to let us know your willingness to support the Ministries of
our Assumption Church for 2016. It helps us to be good Stewards. Let us work together for our Lord
and His Church. You are our Church Family.
In His Service,
Father Peter Karloutsos
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CHURCH LIFE
SARANTISMOS/ NEWBORN BLESSING
September 12 Lybia Aggeliki, daughter of Katerina and John Koutsandonis of Southbury, CT.
September 27 Evangelos, son of Maria and Kirk Deligiannis of Southbury, CT.
HOLY BAPTISM
September 12 Melina Panagiota, daughter of Megan and Michael Trimandilis of Danbury, CT. Godfather is
Kosta Trimandilis.
November 7
Dominick Stephen, son of Karol and Dominic Sedito of Carmel, NY. Godfather is Stelios
Stylianou.
November 7
Noah, son of Georgia and Brandon Garay of Pawling, NY. Godfather is Haryle Kaldis
HOLY MATRIMONY
October 3
Samantha Telegadis of Ridgefield, CT and John McMurray of New York, NY. Koumbaro is
Bill Telegadis.
October 23
Nicole Kaplanis and James Tatarzycki of Danbury, CT. Koumbara is Lauren Kaplanis.
NA MAS ZISOUN LONG LIFE AND HEALTH
FUNERAL SERVICE
September 7
Margaret Caravakis
September 19 Thomas O’Brien
October 21
Anna Meken
MEMORIAL SERVICE
September 13 Ourania Stamatis
September 20 Eve Donigian
Steve Mehalakes
October 4
For the Past Presidents of our
Ladies Philoptochos
October 11
Galatia Ktorides
John Ktorides
October 25
Peter "Panagiotis" Ayvaliotis
Nicholas Herzegovitch
November 1
Thomas O’Brien
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Victoria O’Brien
Margaret Caravakis
40 day
40 day
10 year
1 year
7 year
15 year
6 year
40 day
6 year
40 day
EONIA I MNIMI - ETERNAL THEIR MEMORY
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COFFEE FELLOWSHIP
September 20 In loving memory of Eve Donigian by her husband David, children Christina and Matthew
and their families.
September 27 Ladies Philoptochos
October 4
In honor of the Ladies Philoptochos Past Presidents and in memory of Past Presidents who
have passed into our Lord’s Kingdom.
October 11
In loving memory of Stan’s parents, Galatia and John Ktorides, by Stan and Anne Ktorides.
October 18
In honor of Godparents/Godchild Sunday by our Ladies Philoptochos and Parish Council.
October 25
In loving memory of Peter Ayvaliotis by his wife Mary Ayvaliotis and family.
November 1
In loving memory of Thomas O’Brien by his wife Connie and children, and in loving memory
of Victoria O’Brien by her husband Kevin and son Patrick.
EFHARISTO - THANK YOU
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RESERVATIONS
Tables can be reserved (8 minimum)
SEE A GOYAn downstairs Nov. 1st, 8th or 15th!!!
Bring Your Family & Friends, Reservations Strongly Recommended!
PLEASE return this form with your payment. Make checks payable to Assumption GOYA and
mail to
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church ~ 30 Clapboard Ridge Road ~ Danbury, CT 06811
Name:__________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________
No of Adults____@ $25 = $__________18 & under____ @ $15 = $________5& under___
Total Amount Due = $________________ Amount Enclosed $______________________
Reserved Table of 8 ____ 10 ____ INCLUDE LIST OF NAMES FOR TABLE
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