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Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-09-16
Bulletin Contents
Exaltation
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Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (540) 667-1416
  • Fax:
  • (540) 667-1990
  • Street Address:

  • 1700 Amherst Street

  • Winchester, VA 22601


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Sunday Services

Matins -                 8:50 am 

Divine Liturgy -    10:00 am

Sunday School -  Immediately following Holy Communion


Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Tone

Thou didst abolish death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst transform the myrrh-bearers' lamentation, and didst bid Thine Apostles to preach that Thou art risen, O Christ God, granting great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Holy Cross in the First Tone

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

Apolytikion for Great Martyr Euphemia in the Third Tone

O Euphemia, Christ's comely virgin, thou didst fill the Orthodox with gladness and didst cover with shame all the heretics; for at the holy Fourth Council in Chalcedon, thou didst confirm what the Fathers decreed aright. O all-glorious Great Martyr, do thou entreat Christ God that His great mercy may be granted unto us.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

Lifted up on the Cross by Your free will, Christ God, grant mercies to the new commonwealth that bears Your name. Gladden our faithful rulers by Your power, giving them victories over their adversaries. May Your alliance be for them a weapon for peace, an invincible standard.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35

At that time, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Tone. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20.

Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.


Gospel Reading

Sunday after Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."


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Saints and Feasts

Exaltation
September 16

Afterfeast of the Holy Cross


Allsaint
September 16

Ninian the Enlightener of Scotland

Saint Ninian was born in Cumberland in Britain around the year 360, about a half century after the Emperor Constantius Chlorus died in the British city of York, and his son Constantine, who was with him when he died, was proclaimed Emperor. Ninian was born of Christian parents of noble lineage, at a time when paganism was still strong in his native land. As a young man he went to Rome, where he spent many years in study and ascetical struggles. At Rome, Saint Ninian was consecrated some time after the death of Pope Damasus in 384, and was sent back to his native island about the end of the fourth century. On his return journey, it is likely that he passed through Tours and met Saint Martin; what is certain is that many churches and cells associated with Saint Ninian, including his own cathedral in Whithorn, were named in honour of Saint Martin. When Saint Ninian returned to Cumberland, he established monasteries that fostered both the life of prayer and missionary labours. By his preaching, his godly life, and his miracles, he ministered to his own countrymen, the Britons, and also converted many of the pagan Picts, who inhabited the northern regions (in today's Scotland). He reposed in peace at his see of Whithorn in Galloway in 432.

Sophia
September 17

Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love

These Saints were from Italy and contested for the Faith about the year 126, during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian. Faith was twelve years old, Hope, ten, and Love, nine; each was tormented and then beheaded, from the eldest to the youngest. Their mother Sophia mourned at their grave for three days, where she also fell asleep in peace; because of her courageous endurance in the face of her daughters' sufferings, she is also counted a martyr. The name Sophia means "wisdom" in Greek; as for her daughters' names, Faith, Hope, and Love (Charity), they are Pistis, Elpis, and Agape in Greek, and Vera, Nadezhda, and Lyubov in Russian.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

And see how He also makes His discourse unexceptionable: not saying at all, "whether you will, or no, you must suffer this," but how? "If any man will come after me."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

"I force not, I compel not, but each one I make lord of his own choice; wherefore also I say, 'If any man will.' For to good things do I call you, not to things evil, or burdensome; not to punishment and vengeance, that I should have to compel.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

"... For although it be in my power, as Son of God, to hinder thee from having any trial at all of those hardships; yet such is not my will, for thy sake, that thou mayest thyself too contribute something, and be more approved."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

If you would be victorious, taste the suffering of Christ in your person, that you may be chosen to taste His glory. For if we suffer with Him, we shall also be glorified with Him. Blessed are you if you suffer for righteousness' sake. Behold, for years and generations the way of God has been made smooth through the Cross and by death. The way of God is a daily Cross. The Cross is the gate of mysteries.
St. Isaac the Syrian
The Orthodox Way: Revised Edition, SVS Press, p. 129

When, on this day, we look at the precious Cross of Christ, in faith let us adore it, let us rejoice, and embrace it ardently, beseeching our Lord, who of His own choice gave Himself to be crucified on it, to make us worthy of adoring His most precious Cross so that, free from all defilement, we may attain the day of Resurrection.
Orthros for the Adoration of the Holy Cross

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Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, Parish Priest

Fmkchapel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catechism (Sunday) School Begins September 16

Classes begin for our Catechism (Sunday) School on Sunday, September 16.  Our teaching staff for this year includes:  Annitsa Spanos, Tessa Hennessy, Linda Wells and Kate Conant.  Norman Wells is the Director.  Following classes and immediately after the distribution of the antidoron at conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on September 16,  Norm and I will be meeting in church with the students, teachers and parents for a few minutes.  The students will then go out for a fun series of events and snacks as Norm and I continue a brief session with the parents.  

Please see the calendar below for this school year.

Catechism School Calendar 2018 -2019

 

 

 

 

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Church Services

Friday, September 14

Elevation of the Holy Cross
       10:00 am - Divine Liturgy


Sunday, September 16

Sunday after the Holy Cross
       8:50 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy

 


Sunday, September 23

First Sunday of Luke
        8:50 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy

    


Sunday, September 30

Second Sunday of Luke
        8:50 am - Matins & Divine Liturgy

 


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Parish News

Catechism (Sunday) School - Classes Begin September 16th

Classes Start September 16th

Classes will begin on Sunday, September 16th and will be held immediately following Holy Communion. We encourage our youth to participate in Catechism (Sunday) School to discover more about their Faith. For more details, contact Norman Wells at (304) 229-5907. 

 

Following classes and the distribution of the antidoron, our students, teachers and parents are asked to be in the church for a short meeting with Fr. Michael and Norman Wells.  The students and teachers will then be leaving for some activities outside at the front of the church, followed by a pizza party.  The parents will join them after some further time with Fr. Michael and Norm. 

 


Coffee Hour

Everyone is welcome to join in fellowship during the Coffee Hour following the Divine Liturgy on Sundays. If you would like to host a coffee hour, please see the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board next to Father's Study. 

The Ladies Philoptochos Society coordinates the hosting of our Coffee Hours.  Everyone is welcome to volunteer to host a coffee hour.  For more information regarding hosting a Coffee Hour, please contact Kate Conant at (240) 422-0738.   


Philoptochos Social Services Outreach

Assistance Needed - Help Us Help You or Those You Know
The Ladies Philoptochos Social Services Committee needs your help. If you need some assistance in getting to medical or other appointments, a ride to church, shopping or financial assistance or would welcome a quick visit just because, or know of anyone who does, the Social Services Committee would like to hear about it.  Please let Father Michael know (540-667-1416 or frmichael.dormition@gmail.com) and he will pass it on to the Committee.  

This information will be held in the strictest confidence by the Committee and shared with only a select number of Philoptochos members.  

Help us reach out to you or those you know who could use a helping hand.

 

For a comprehensive list of resources in the Metropolitan Winchester area, please click on the link below.

 

Winchester Community Resources

 


C-CAP (Congregational Community Action Project)

Please help the less fortunate by donating non-perishable foods, pantry items clothing and baby items. Place your donations in the C-CAP collection bin in the Social Hall. Thank you.

 


Holy Communion / Church Etiquette

Receiving Holy Communion / Church Etiquette 

 

Just some reminders about receiving Holy Communion when properly prepared to do so.....

As with all the Greek Orthodox Church's Sacraments, Holy Communion is offered to Orthodox Christians who are sacramentally in good standing with the Church.  This would mean among other things that if married the wedding took place in the Orthodox Church, if divorced (and were married in the Orthodox Church) an Ecclesiastical Divorce has been obtained, and that you are not under penance placed by a Father Confessor, etc.  The Orthodox Church does not practice open Communion.

When approaching the Chalice, please quietly say your Baptismal name as you take the red cloth and place it under your chin

Also, please open your mouth to allow the communion spoon to enter, and once it has please close your mouth around the spoon to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.  Please do not sip, as if sipping soup.  

Also, don't forget we have a closed-circuit real-time broadcast, with sound, of the services on the monitor in the Social Hall.  If your youngster needs a short break please step into the hall until he/she feels ready to rejoin the congregation, while you continue to be able to participate in the service.  Thank you.

Please remember that all movement in the church should be curtailed during all processions, the reading of the Epistle/Gospel, the recitation of the Creed and Lord's Prayer and during the sermon, and whenever the priest is facing the congregation (which indicates he is conveying the blessings of God).

 

Thank you for your attention to these reminders.

  

If you are married but have not been married in the Orthodox Church, or if divorced and were married in the Orthodox Church and have not received an Ecclesiastical Divorce, please contact Fr. Michael to discuss the process of restoring you back into the Sacramental life of the Church.


Altar Servers

Young men between the ages of 10 to 18 are invited to be considered for serving in the Holy Altar. Altar Servers should strive to arrive by 10:00 am. For more information, please see Father Michael.


Cell Phones

Cell phones should be silenced or turned off during Church services.  Thank you for remembering.

 


Lending Library

Did you know the Church has a Lending Library?  

The books available for borrowing are in the bookcase next to the Gift Shop by the wall. Most of the books on display are available to be borrowed (those not are on a separate shelf which is marked as reference only).  Feel free to check out the available books.  If interested in borrowing a book, fill out the card in the back of the book and leave it in the basket in the bottom corner.  It's the honor system, so once you have read the book, please don't forget to return it so others may borrow it.  Happy reading!!!


Parish Calendar

Upcoming liturgical services, meetings and events can be viewed on the parish’s website calendar and are listed in the Sunday bulletin. To view the Parish Calendar  Click here.

All parish organizations are requested to coordinate with Father Michael the date and time of proposed meetings and events to help prevent scheduling conflicts. Email bulletin announcements or updates to frmichael.dormition@gmail.com. Everyone's cooperation is appreciated.


Calendars for 2018

Wall calendars and pocket icon calendars for 2018 are  available in the social hall.  If you cannot come to the church, please let us know and we will mail you one.

 


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Bulletin Submission Guidelines

Bulletin Announcements

Announcements for the Sunday e-bulletin and printed bulletin may be submitted by e-mail to frmichael.dormition@gmail.com. The deadline for announcements is Monday evenings by 8:00 pm for the upcoming  bulletin. 

All announcements must be in connection with Parish events, activities, fundraisers or community services. Fundraiser and community service announcements must be for non-commercial/non-profit events and activities. Submitted announcements must be furnished as desired for placement and are subject to editing.  Submission does not imply acceptance for publication.

All ministries are requested to coordinate with Father Michael, as early as possible, the date and time of proposed meetings and events to prevent scheduling conflicts. E-mail new postings, updates and changes to Father. Everyone's cooperation is expected.

To ensure the privacy of our Parishioners, announcements for births, baptisms, and weddings are not automatically included.  The family should make this request to Fr. Michael. 

All announcements should be brief and concise including accurate contact information. All submissions are subject to approval for insertion and to editing.

 


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Directions to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church

We welcome you to worship with us on Sunday and whenever the Divine Liturgy is celebrated. Matins begins at 8:50 am and the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

Click here for Google Map & Specific Driving Directions »

DIRECTIONS TO THE DORMITION CHURCH FROM THE NORTH:

1. Proceed south on Interstate 81 South heading toward Winchester
2. Take exit 317 for VA-37/ US-11 toward US-522 N/ US-50 W/ Winchester/ Stephenson (0.3 mi)
3. Turn right at US-11 S/ VA-37 S/ Martinsburg Pike, Continue to follow VA-37 S (3.8 mi)
4. Take the ramp to US-50 E/ Northwestern Pike (0.2 mi)
5. Turn left at US-50 E/ Northwestern Pike, Continue to follow US-50 E (0.6 mi )
6. Turn left at Omps Dr, Continue to entrance of the Church`s parking lot (100 ft)
7. Turn left into the Church`s parking lot.

DIRECTIONS TO THE DORMITION CHURCH FROM THE SOUTH:

1. Proceed north on Interstate 81North heading toward Winchester
2. Take exit 310 for VA-37 toward US-11/VA-642/ Winchester/ Kernstown/ US-50/ US-522/ Berkely Spgs/ Romney (0.2 mi)
3. Turn left at VA-37 N (5.2 mi)
4. Take the US-50 ramp to Winchester/ Romney (0.3 mi)
5. Turn right at US-50 E/ Amherst St (0.5 mi)
6. Turn left at Omps Dr, Continue to entrance of the Church`s parking lot (100 ft)
7. Turn left into the Church`s parking lot.

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