Holy Assumption Orthodox Church is a parish of the Diocese of Chicago and the Midwest, of the Orthodox Church in America. We are in Communion with the universal Eastern Orthodox Christian Church; which abides by the teachings and traditions handed down from Christ through the Apostles, Holy Fathers, Ecumenical Councils, the Saints and the Hierarchy to this day since 33 AD without change or reform.

"The Orthodox Church is evangelical, but not Protestant. It is Orthodox, but not Jewish. It is catholic, but not Roman. It isn't non-denominational; it is pre-denominational. It has believed, taught, preserved, defended and died for the Faith of the Apostles since the Day of Pentecost 2000 years ago." Steven Robinson

The Orthodox Church is currently in the Great Lent 2026 fasting period, which began on Clean Monday, Feburary 23, 2026 and will conclude on Great and Holy Saturday, April 11, 2026, which leads us to HOLY PASCHA on APRIL 12, 2026.   This is 40-day fasting period where we abstain from meat, dairy, wine and oil, and where we focus more strictly on prayer, spiritual renewal and preparation, and increased focus on repentance, increased devotion and alms-giving.

+Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.  Amen.  O most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins.  O Master, pardon our transgressions.  O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.  Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.

Today's commerated feasts and saints:

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT 

Tone 6  -  St. Gregory Palamas

Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of the Kiev Caves Lavra. 

St. Theophylactus, Bishop of Nicomedia (842-845).

Ven. Lazarus (1391) and Athanasius (15th c.), of Múrom.

Apostle Hermes of the Seventy (1st c.).

Hieromartyr Theodoretus of Antioch (4th c.).

Ven. Dometius (363). The “KURSK-ROOT” Icon of the Mother of God.

Click this link to read about the lives of these saints...

• Luke 24:36-53
• Hebrews 7:26-8:2
• John 10:9-16
• Hebrews 1:10-2:3
• Mark 2:1-12

The Mission of The Orthodox Church in America (OCA), the local autocephalous Orthodox Christian Church, is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

Learn more about the OCA

On Sunday December 7th we were truly blessed to pray the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy lead by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel who also bestowed Father Peter with the Jeweled Cross and tonsured Altar server Joseph to the rank of reader.

Father Peter and Matushka Michelle received a special blessing from His Eminence on the occasion of their 30th Wedding Anniversary and 30 year Anniversary in the priesthood!

May God grant you many blessed, happy and healthy years!

• PASCHA BREAD for your upcoming Paschal meal

• Nut Rolls - whole and half rolls
• Poppyseed Rolls - whole and half rolls
• Nut Horns - Sold by the lb.
• Perohi - potato/cheese and sauerkraut - limited quantity available

God blessed us with a beautiful festival last year, and now we are happy to start preparing for this years

***HALUPKY FESTIVAL 2026***

We are looking forward to seeing old friends and family and meeing new friends!

This special annual festival is the way we celebrate our church Feast and Name Day,

Holy Assumption - Holy Dormition of the most Blessed Theotokos, Mother of God,

which we honor on August 15, 2026.

We can't wait to see you all as we celebrate the day together

at Liturgy, going to church tours and enjoying food, fun and polka music! 

Follow our Facebook page by clicking this link!

On Saturday September 23, 2023, Holy Assumption Orthodox Church observed 125 years of witnessing to the Apostolic Faith in Marblehead with a magnificent Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest. 

We thank everyone who helped to prepare for and participated in this momentous occasion!

About 90 parishioners, visiting clergy, and friends attended the morning service, followed by a festive banquet attended by approximately 115. 

Vespers were held the evening before, followed by an informal meal.  Matushka Michelle Tomas directed the choir for the services.

Most parishioners and visitors met His Eminence Archbishop Daniel for the first time during his first visit to Holy Assumption.  Many visitors also met for the first time Rev. Fr. Peter Tomas, pastor at Holy Assumption since May 1, 2023.

Visiting priests who celebrated with His Eminence were Very Rev. Fr. John Adamcio, Very Rev. Fr. Emilian Hutnyan, and Rev. Jan Cizmar.  Very Rev. Fr. Basil Stoyka also attended the Liturgy.  Serving during the Liturgy were one visiting deacon and four visiting sub-deacons.

The Honorable Jacqueline Bird, Mayor of Marblehead, presented a proclamation in honor of the Holy Assumption’s 125^th anniversary, and Rev. Fr. Joe Repko, priest at Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Marblehead, presented Father Peter with an icon of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos.  Parish Council President Ron Royhab served as master of ceremonies. 

Come visit our bookstore, which is located in our Parish hall, and enjoy the variety of books, prayer ropes, jewelry and other Orthodox items for sale.  We also have a library where you can borrow books for free!