WHY A FAST FOR DORMITION? By Daniel Manzuk

It would be a gross understatement to say that much has been written about the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Yet very little has been written about the fast that precedes it.

Every Orthodox Christian is aware and generally knows the reason behind the fasts for Pascha and Christmas. But while they may know of the Dormition Fast, few follow it and more than a few question why it is there, neither knowing its purpose. First, given the pervasive misunderstanding of the purpose of fasting itself, a refresher on its purpose is always a good idea. There is a perception that we should fast when we want something, as though the act of fasting somehow appeases God, and seeing us “suffer” gets Him to grant our request. Nothing can be further from the truth. It is not our fasting that pleases God, it is the fruits of our fast (provided we fast in the proper mind set, and do not merely diet) that please Him. We fast, not to get what we want, but to prepare ourselves to receive what God wants to give us. The purpose of fasting is to bring us more in line with another Mary, the sister of Lazarus, and away from their sister Martha, who in the famous passage was “anxious and troubled about many things.” Fasting is intended to bring us to the realization of “the one thing needful.” It is to help us put God first and our own desires second, if not last. As such it serves to prepare us to be instruments of God’s will, as with Moses in his flight from Egypt and on Mt. Sinai, as well as our Lord’s fast in the wilderness. Fasting turns us away from ourselves and toward God. In essence it helps us become like the Theotokos, an obedient servant of God, who heard His word and kept it better than anyone else has or could.

So why do we fast before Dormition? In a close-knit family, word that its matriarch is on her deathbed brings normal life to a halt. Otherwise important things (parties, TV, luxuries, personal desires) become unimportant; life comes to revolve around the dying matriarch. It is the same with the Orthodox family; word that our matriarch is on her deathbed, could not (or at least should not) have any different effect than the one just mentioned.

The Church, through the Paraklesis Service, gives us the opportunity to come to that deathbed and eulogize and entreat the woman who bore God, the vessel of our salvation and our chief advocate at His divine throne. And as, in the earthly family, daily routines and the indulgence in personal wants should come to a halt. Fasting, in its full sense (abstaining from food and desires) accomplishes this. Less time in leisure or other pursuits leaves more time for prayer and reflection on she who gave us Christ, and became the first and greatest Christian. In reflecting on her and her incomparable life, we see a model Christian life, embodying Christ’s retort to the woman who stated that Mary was blessed because she bore Him: blessed rather are those who hear His word and keep it. Mary did this better than anyone. As Fr. Thomas Hopko has stated, she heard the word of God and kept it so well, that she of all women in history was chosen not only to hear His Word but give birth to it (Him). So while we fast in contemplation of her life, we are simultaneously preparing ourselves to live a life in imitation of her. That is the purpose of the Dormition Fast.

When the assumption of thine undefiled body

was being prepared, the Apostles gazed on

thy bed, viewing thee with trembling.

Some contemplated thy body and were dazzled, but Peter

cried out to thee in tears, saying, I see thee

clearly, O Virgin, stretched out, O life of all, and

I am astonished. O thou undefiled one, in whom

the bliss of future life dwelt, beseech thy Son and

God to preserve thy people unimpaired.

(Sticheron after the Gospel, Orthros)

Daniel Manzuk is a reader at the Church of the Virgin Mary in Alsip, IL

SPOTLIGHT ON STEWARDSHIP

Congratulations once again to our entire community for putting on such a wonderful festival. Our stewards and friends are truly exceptional in there willingness to work together and make such a festival possible. Here are a few words from our fantastic chairman----Larry Anas:

LOUISVILLE 'S GREEK FESTIVAL 2008 A ROARING SUCCESS!

Although, as of this writing all of the figures are not in yet, this year's festival came very close to topping 2006, our best year yet. We should all be very proud. We witnessed thousands of people marching up the ramp to attend our new location in front of the fountain on the Belvedere. Many of us heard nothing but rave reviews for the new set-up, the food and the entertainment.
And, to seal the accolades, the Courier-Journal published a glowing two page news story in the following Monday's paper. Great going everyone!

Our success can certainly be based on the consistent product we've worked so hard to offer over the past several years. We are now a "brand." A brand so strong that people keep coming back for more year after year.

We have over 130 volunteers to thank for this year's success - too many to list in one article. But we can identify the main chairpeople who spent days preparing for our event and presenting their booths in a classy fashion.

Beer Booth: Tina Whelan and Mike Agamemnonos

Book Booth: Dimitrios & Margie Gregoriades

Dancers: Anna Owen and Presbytera Jenny Legakis

Entry booth: Donna Savic and Greg Fischer.
Food Booth: Jim Athanasiou and Pete Fournaris
Gift Booth: Kristen Kyriacou and Pam Theoharatos
Grocery Booth: Nancy Anas
Gyros Booth: Stephanos Kyriacou
Human Resources: Pam Theoharatos

Media Interviews: Emily Digenis

Money Room: Tony Bussio

Pastry Booth: Alex Fischer
Volunteer Coordinator: Elizabeth Johnson

Also a very special thanks goes out to:
- Anna Angelo and Frances Tsaousis for their most generous monetary donations.
- The Masterson family for supplying us with the fabulous food.
- Tony Bussio for finding a printer who donated our brochures.
- The gang of 30 or so who spent a night pasting addresses on the 10,000 or so brochures in preparation for our mailing.
- Mike Agamemnonos, Jim Athanasiou and Pete Fournaris for their help in setting up and tearing down.

Go ahead, everyone. Pat yourselves on the back.

Larry Anas, Festival Chairman

HELLENIC FORUM RECOMMENDS

We have all heard, and maybe even used, the phrase "It’s Greek to me!” to describe something that is difficult. Two of the recommendations for July and August have something to do with the phrase.

1. "It’s Greek to Me" is part of the Scholastic website. This link http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/athens_games/gameGreekToMe.htm takes you to a word game that tests your knowledge of Greek words that have influenced English. You sign in using only your fist name, pick a country from a drop down menu, select an event, either archery or discus throwing, and begin to compete in the Olympic event you selected. The event has various rounds; based on the number of correct responses, you win gold, silver or bronze medals.

2. It’s all Greek to Me: A Tale of a Mad Dog and an Englishman, Ruins, Retsina – and Real Greeks (London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing, 2006) by John Mole is a memoir about buying and renovating a house in the village of Horio. Greece in Print writes: "A wonderful book about Greece, the Greek people and traditional island life with hilariously recounted misadventures. Mole is a brilliant comic writer – and generous humorist as well, for he doesn’t just sketch the various mad characters and situations he encounters, he lampoons himself first and foremost."

David Lundberg, author of Olympic Wandering: Time Travel Through Greece wrote the following review: "Mole is an excellent writer with a fine eye for detail and a very nice sense of humor. His observations capture the essence of Greek village culture with very funny descriptions of the locals, and particularly their conversations. He keys in on the rampant individuality of the Greeks in a warm-hearted way. He is really good at writing dialogue, although with the normal problem of trying to convey Greeks speaking broken English and Anglos speaking very broken Greek. But he does manage to pull it off! A light-hearted, funny journey through Greek village life!" John Mole has lived in Greece for more than 30 years.

3. For those of you who prefer videos to reading, the Hellenic Forum suggests Salome (1953), starring Rita Hayworth and Stewart Granger. The production is an unusual one - the Biblical epic used exterior Holy Land locations, the director, William Dieterle, consulted astrologers about how to set up shots and schedule scenes. But perhaps the most unusual aspect of the film is the story line, which seems to have very little in common with the New Testament account of the beheading of John the Baptist. In this film, Salome falls in love with a Roman Centurion, Claudius, who is secretly a follower of John the Baptist. So, Salome ends up dancing for King Herod in order to spare John the Baptist’s life, not take it! And, in the last scene of the film, we see Salome and Claudius listening to Jesus as he gives his Sermon on the Beatitudes. If you want to see the (in) famous Dance of the Seven Veils, you will have to rent the film! It’s spectacular!

CAMP CARNIVAL

St. Nicholas Summer Camp Carnival is Back!

The Carnival is on THURSDAY JULY 24^TH AT 7:00 PM

We need help with:

• set-up, and tear down,
• supplies,
• games,

PLEASE LET FATHER LARRY OR PRES. JEN KNOW HOW YOU CAN HELP!

This event is for the children of our Metropolis.

All the children from the community are welcome

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR:

Please pray for our brothers and sisters Pat Williams, Beth Pointer, Maria Travis, Ruth Dean and Elizabeth Johnson

PHILOPTOCHOS CORNER

• We are now accepting 2009 dues, which are $30.00. Please see Tina Whalen or Mary Makris for more information.
• As a courtesy to the community, Philoptochos will make kolyva for any bereaved member of the community. The cost is $75.00. Please contact Nancy Anas or Maria Athanasiou for more information.
• As a ministry, Philoptochos members are asked to volunteer to bake Prosforo for the Divine Liturgy. Please contact one of the officers if you would like to volunteer.

A Note from the President

Dear Assumption Family,

On June 8, Assumption had the pleasure of hosting a visiting priest from Kenya, Fr. Alexios, who is a dear friend of Presbytera Jennifer and Fr. Larry. In addition to celebrating the Devine Liturgy with Fr. Larry, he gave the sermon that day. He spoke eloquently and movingly about his native Kenya and the struggles that Africa has faced throughout its history. Philoptochos, at the excellent suggestion of one of its members, presented Fr. Alexios with a $500.00 to the Archdiocese of Kenya through OCMC. From our perspective - one of abundance, without a doubt – this seemed like a modest donation. However, Fr. Alexios explained that it would go a long way to helping the people in Kenya. His words touched the heart of our community - two days later, a member of the community made a donation of $300.00 and a couple of days after that, another community member added $200.00 to the amount. As a community, we donated a total $1,000.00 to the Archdiocese of Kenya!!

This money will go a long way to providing many needed medical services for our brothers and sisters in Kenya, particularly Fr. Alexios’ village. Still, I believe we can do more to help. The community in Kenya needs a microscope and an X-ray machine. I hope that we can provide these items - either through a donation of gifts in kind or through raising the money between now and October.

You may remember Baby Bella, the child who has an inoperable brain tumor who had difficulty swallowing and holding her head up. Philoptochos donated gift cards and money to the family and the community donated strawberry-flavored Pediasure for Baby Bella. This was the only thing she would eat / drink. The family moved out of the Louisville area but on her blog, Bella’s mother wrote about the recent birthday celebration and indicates that the child is doing well. That’s great news!

With love in Christ,

Mary Makris

FATHER LARRY’S BUSY JULY SCHEDULE

Father Larry will be attending the Clergy-Laity Conference in Washington D.C. during the week of July 14-18. The following week he will be at the St. Nicholas Summer Camp in Taylorsville, Ky. He will be available by cell phone: 502-619-0800

WORLD FEST 2008

World Fest is an annual celebration of international music, dance, food, exhibits, crafts and children’s activities in honor of Louisville’s rich ethnic diversity. It is held on the Belvedere.

The dates are August 29, 30 and 31. We will be serving gyro and pastries and will need volunteers to set-up, staff and tear down the booth. Elizabeth Johnson has graciously volunteered to coordinate the volunteers once again.

There is also a parade of nations which everyone is invited to participate in. Ethnic costumes are encouraged.

Please help in whatever way you can.

SUNSET MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE

We will once again be sailing the Ohio River in a lovely sunset cruise. The date will be Saturday, September 27^th. We will board sometime around 6 p.m. Watch your mail for your invitation.

The raffle will be held during this event.

DON’T FORGET WE’RE HAVING A RAFFLE!

If you have not bought a ticket or if you would like to help sell tickets please call the church office or talk to Chris Kounnas or Dr. Ron Fadel

NEWSLETTER SPONSORSHIP

Anyone wishing to sponsor the newsletter should contact Larry, Alex Gerassimides or Mary Makris. You may dedicate the bulletin to a loved one or offer prayers for the community. Your donation helps defray the costs of operating the church

COMMUNITY REMINDERS

• MAKE A PLEDGE FOR THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN!!!
• SIGN AND RETURN A 2007 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE CARD
• Use and recharge the Kroger gift card you purchased a few years ago. A percentage of the amount you spend using the card is returned to Assumption.
• Provide “housekeeping” services.
• Sign up to provide coffee and other treats for the fellowship hour following the Divine Liturgy
• Make a donation to the Friends of the Metropolis Campaign. If you would like additional information or a pledge form, please contact one of the Parish Council members. Or, if you prefer, send your contribution to Friends of the Metropolis of Detroit; 2560 Crooks Rd.; Troy, MI 48084. Make checks payable to Friends of the Metropolis of Detroit.
• Provide a ride to someone in need of one.
• Sing along with the choir .

STEWARDSHIP 2008 UPDATE

Our stewardship goal for this year is $92,500 and as of May 18, 2008 we have received pledges of $76,282 —82% of the way there. Thus far, our pledges include:

81 Families: Average $942

109 individuals: Average $700

If you have sent in your Commitment and you are not on the list it will be updated monthly. If you would like to be a steward please fill out a commitment card and send it to the Church

JULY 2008 CALENDAR

July 9^th: Vespers 6 pm

July 12^th: Great Vespers 6 pm

July 13-18: Father will be at the National Clergy Laity

July 16^th: No Vespers

July 19^th: No Great Vespers

Daughters of Penelope

July 20-26: St. Nicholas Summer Camp

July 21^st: AHEPA

July 23^rd: No Vespers

July 24^th: Camp Carnival

July 26^th: No Great Vespers

July 30^th: Vespers 6 pm

AUGUST 2008 CALENDAR

August 1^st: Begins fast of the Dormition Paraklesis 6 PM

August 2^nd: Parish Council Meeting 8:30 am

Great Vespers 6 pm

August 4^th: Paraklesis 6 PM

August 6^th: Holy Transfiguration

Orthros 9 AM Liturgy 10 AM

Paraklesis 6 PM

August 8^th: Paraklesis 6 PM

August 9^th: Daughters of Penelope

Great Vespers 6 pm

August 10^th: Philoptochos after Liturgy

August 11^th: Paraklesis 6 PM

AHEPA

August 13^th: Paraklesis 6 PM

August 14^th: Great Vespers for Parish Feast 7 PM

August 15^th: Orthros 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM

August 16^th: Great Vespers 6 pm

August 20^th: Vespers 6 pm

August 23^rd: Great Vespers 6 pm

August 27^th: Vespers 6 pm

August 30^th: Great Vespers 6 pm

The summer Bulletin is sponsored by

The Parish council—

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR:

Please pray for our brothers and sisters Pat Williams, Beth Pointer, Maria Travis, Ruth Dean and Elizabeth Johnson

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FALL

Education Opportunities :

Morning Bible Study: In September we will add another bible study. This bible study will meet on a weekday in the morning. Time and Day TBD.

Evening Bible Study : This year we are adding a youth component to our Wednesday evening bible study. There will be an opportunity for our children to come with their parents to the bible study and have supervised fellowship while the adults have their bible study.

Greek School : There has been much interest in restarting Greek School for Adults and Children. We also have some parishioners who are interested in teaching. Please let us know if you or your children are interested in learning Modern Greek.

Fellowship Opportunities :

Family Social Night will be every other month

Community Wide Softball Game will be held in October

Mommy and Me

We are very blessed to have many new babies in our community. We would like to offer the moms of small children and opportunity for fellowship. Please let Pres. Jenny know if you are interested in this ministry.

YAL

We are very blessed to have within our community many new, young faces. We would like to offer our Young Adults an opportunity for fellowship.

Volunteer Opportunities :

Office Angels: Volunteers needed to help in the office during weekdays to answer phones and help with light office work. Please contact Fr. Larry or Maria Athanasiou to volunteer your time.

Please let us know if you are interested or have any questions about getting these upcoming events for the fall started

COMMUNITY NEWS

· Dr. Mona Zady recently retired from the University of Louisville after 40 years of service! (Yes, she started working before she was actually born!). Congratulations Mona—we hope you will find your new status restful and productive.

· Michael Mann has returned stateside. We are glad he’s back safely!

· On a sad note—our community will be losing Kahassai, Freweini and their wonderful children sometime this summer due to a work related relocation. You will be receiving a phone call soon to invite you to a send-off event. We will miss them all VERY much.

PLACING AN ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE BULLETINS

WEEKLY: Give Larry your announcement by Wednesday - you may email him, call him or write it down

MONTHLY : Contact Father Larry, Alex Gerassimides ( agerassimides@gmail.com / 459-5593), or Mary Makris ( mmakris1@juno.com / 238-4709 and give them the information

COFFEE HOUR

We thank every one who has sponsored the fellowship hour for the past month. If you would like to provide coffee and pastries after the Divine Liturgy, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the kitchen.