Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Tone

From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Theophany Afterfeast in the First Tone

When Thou wast baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest; for the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the certainty of the word. O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and hast enlightened the world, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for the Dormition of the Theotokos in the First Tone

In giving birth you remained a virgin, and in your dormition you did not forsake this world, O Theotokos. For as the Mother of Life, you have yourself passed into life. And by your prayers you deliver our souls from death.

Kevin Lawrence Red Hymnal, pages 222-223

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

You appeared to the world today, and Your light, O Lord, has left its mark upon us. With fuller understanding we sing to You: "You came, You were made manifest, the unapproachable light."

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after he was raised from the dead, and he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me."

Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" So, the word went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die; but Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. First Tone. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 4:7-13.

BRETHREN, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." (in saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Gospel Reading

Sunday after Epiphany
The Reading is from Matthew 4:12-17

At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Saints and Feasts

January 13

Sunday after Epiphany

January 13

The Holy Martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus

Saints Hermylus and Stratonicus contested for piety's sake during the reign of Licinius, in the year 314. Saint Hermylus was a deacon, and Stratonicus was his friend. For his confession of Christ, Hermylus was beaten so fiercely that his whole body was covered with wounds. Stratonicus, seeing him endure this and other torments that left him half dead, wept with grief for his friend. From this he was discovered to be a Christian, and when he had openly professed his Faith and had been beaten, he and Hermylus were cast into the Danube River, receiving the crown of martyrdom.

January 17

Anthony the Great

Saint Anthony, the Father of monks, was born in Egypt in 251 of pious parents who departed this life while he was yet young. On hearing the words of the Gospel: "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, and give to the poor" (Matt. 19:21), he immediately put it into action. Distributing to the poor all he had, and fleeing from all the turmoil of the world, he departed to the desert. The manifold temptations he endured continually for the span of twenty years are incredible. His ascetic struggles by day and by night, whereby he mortified the uprisings of the passions and attained to the height of dispassion, surpass the bounds of nature; and the report of his deeds of virtue drew such a multitude to follow him that the desert was transformed into a city, while he became, so to speak, the governor, lawgiver, and master-trainer of all the citizens of this newly-formed city.

The cities of the world also enjoyed the fruit of his virtue. When the Christians were being persecuted and put to death under Maximinus in 312, he hastened to their aid and consolation. When the Church was troubled by the Arians, he went with zeal to Alexandria in 335 and struggled against them in behalf of Orthodoxy. During this time, by the grace of his words, he also turned many unbelievers to Christ.

Saint Anthony began his ascetic life outside his village of Coma in Upper Egypt, studying the ways of the ascetics and holy men there, and perfecting himself in the virtues of each until he surpassed them all. Desiring to increase his labors, he departed into the desert, and finding an abandoned fortress in the mountain, he made his dwelling in it, training himself in extreme fasting, unceasing prayer, and fierce conflicts with the demons. Here he remained, as mentioned above, about twenty years. Saint Athanasius the Great, who knew him personally and wrote his life, says that he came forth from that fortress "initiated in the mysteries and filled with the Spirit of God." Afterwards, because of the press of the faithful, who deprived him of his solitude, he was enlightened by God to journey with certain Bedouins, until he came to a mountain in the desert near the Red Sea, where he passed the remaining part of his life.

Saint Athanasius says of him that "his countenance had a great and wonderful grace. This gift also he had from the Saviour. For if he were present in a great company of monks, and any one who did not know him previously wished to see him, immediately coming forward he passed by the rest, and hurried to Anthony, as though attracted by his appearance. Yet neither in height nor breadth was he conspicuous above others, but in the serenity of his manner and the purity of his soul." So Passing his life, and becoming an example of virtue and a rule for monastics, he reposed on January 17 in the year 356, having lived altogether some 105 years.

January 19

Mark, Bishop of Ephesus

The great teacher and invincible defender of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Saint Mark, was the offspring and scion of the imperial city, Constantinople. Reared by most pious parents, and instructed in secular and spiritual wisdom, he became preeminent in both. Saint Mark lived as an ascetic on the Prince's Islands and later in the monastery of Saint George Magana in Constantinople. He passed through all the degrees of the priesthood, and was finally advanced to the dignity of Archbishop and the lofty throne of the Metropolis of Ephesus. At the insistence of Emperor John Paleologos, the Saint was sent to the council of the Latins in Florence, to unite the churches that had been divided for so many years. He astounded the papal teachers with the divine wisdom of his words, and was the only one who did not sign the blasphemous decree of that false council. Because of this, the Holy Church of Christ has ever honored this great man as a benefactor, teacher, sole defender, and invincible champion of the Apostolic Confession. He reposed in 1443.

Wisdom of the Fathers

Take heed, then, often to come together to give thanks to God, and show forth His praise. For when ye assemble frequently in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and the destruction at which he aims is prevented by the unity of your faith.

St. Ignatius of Antioch

Epistle to the Ephesians Ch. 13, 2nd century

For as persons not even knowing where to put a step forward, so they sat, overtaken by the darkness.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century

Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, Parish Priest

Happy New Year!!!

Church Services on Sunday, January 13th

will take place as scheduled.

The parking lot and steps will be cleared

of the anticipated snow fall.

The Vasilopita Celebration

will be taking place as scheduled.

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A Reminder from Last Week.....

The Mary and Martha Volunteers

As we begin the new calendar year, I am creating a new parish organization called The Mary and Martha Volunteers. Mary and Martha were the sisters of Lazarus, the good friend of Jesus who Jesus raised from the dead, the event we commemorate on Lazarus Saturday the day before Palm Sunday.

One day when Jesus came by with a large number of people Martha was quite busy in the kitchen preparing food and drink for the guests. Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to every word. At one point Martha, out of frustration, complained to Jesus that her sister was not helping her. Jesus pointed out that Mary had chosen the right thing to do. This was not to criticize Martha but to point out that the word of God takes precedence in all we do.

To that end, this new group will have two components ... to assist in hospitality coordinating and hosting the social fellowship times following services and to do outreach to our visitors and parishioners in a positive, healthy expression of fellowship.

I am pleased to announce that coordinating this group will be Linda Wells. To become part of the group of volunteers please speak with Linda or contact her at linda@lindawells.net.

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The Mary and Martha Volunteers

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Parish Record Form

As I mentioned at the Parish Assembly on June 24th, the parish records are lacking and need to be updated. Everyone will need to complete a Parish Record Form (click on link below for the form) in order to be certified as eligible (upon review) for membership in the parish. Only Orthodox Christians in good standing are eligible to be members of the parish. Completed Forms are to be returned to me. Only I will be seeing them and after review, keeping them with the Sacramental Records. You may drop them into the slot at the top of the locked box located on the wall next to my office door if you like or mail them to the church.

Please review the following information from the Uniform Parish Regulations...

Article 18, Section 7

Each Parish shall maintain a Parish Record which shall include, at a minimum, the following information concerning each parishioner: baptismal and family name, occupation (optional), dates of baptism and/or chrismation and marriage, complete family record of spouse and children, date of entry into the Parish indicating if transferred from another Parish, date of death, and such other information that shall be deemed appropriate.

Article 18, Section 1

Every person who is baptized and chrismated according to the rites of the Orthodox Church is a parishioner. The religious, moral and social duties of a parishioner are to apply the tenets of the Orthodox Faith to his/her life and to: adhere to and live according to the tenets of the Orthodox faith; faithfully attend the Divine Liturgy and other worship services; participate regularly in the holy sacraments; respect all ecclesiastical authority and all governing bodies of the Church; be obedient in matters of the Faith, practice and ecclesiastical order; contribute towards the progress of the Church's sacred mission; and be an effective witness and example of the Orthodox Faith and Traditions to all people.

A parishioner in good standing practices all the religious and moral duties as described in this Section 1. At a minimum, a parishioner in good standing must: be eighteen years of age or over; be current in his or her stewardship and other financial obligations to the Parish, abide by all the regulations herein stated and the Parish Bylaws; and cooperate in every way towards the welfare and well being of the Parish. (Stewardship is recommended to be ten percent (10%) of one’s annual income as stated in Holy Scripture to help meet the financial obligations of the Parish, the Metropolis and the Archdiocese.)

Parish Record Form

Church Services

Sunday, January 13

Sunday after Epiphany
8:50 am - Matins

10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Memorial - Theodore Bozas, 1 year

11:15 am - Vasilopita (St. Basil Bread) Celebration

Sunday, January 20

Twelfth Sunday of Luke
8:50 am - Matins

10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday, January 27

Fifteenth Sunday of Luke
8:50 am - Matins

10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, January 30

The Three Hierarchs
10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Saturday, February 2

Presentation of Christ
10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday, February 3

Sixteenth Sunday of Matthew
8:50 am - Matins

10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Parish News

Heartfelt Sympathies

Condolences are Extended to...

Deepest and heartfelt sympathies are extended to the family of Demetrios Boulafentis who entered eternal life on December 30th. May his memory be eternal.

Vasilopita

Sunday, January 13

The annual Vasilopita (St. Basil Bread) celebration will be taking place on Sunday, January 13, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. The event features the cutting of specially prepared sweet bread dedicated to St. Basil and having a coin hidden inside. Pieces are cut for the parish organizations in the church and during the coffee fellowship for everyone.

The event serves as a fundraiser for St. Basil Academy.

Catechism (Sunday) School

Classes Take Place on Sundays

Classes begin immediately following Holy Communion. We encourage our youth to participate in Catechism (Sunday) School to learn about their Orthodox Faith. For more information, please contact Norman Wells at (304) 229-5907.

Youth Choir Rehearsing Again

Our Youth Choir will be Rehearsing

Our Youth Choir will be starting rehearsals again starting Sunday, January 13. Come share your talent and raise your voice in praise. Practice will take place during the coffee hour. We are delighted that the members of the Youth Choir have been asking when rehearsals will start up again.

Also, in the works... a Children's Choir (younger than the Youth Choir!!!). Watch for more news on our evolving musical talent.

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.

Coffee Fellowship

Coffee and... in the Social Hall

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

The Mary and Martha Volunteers coordinates the hosting of our Coffee Fellowships. Everyone is welcome to volunteer to host. For more information regarding hosting please contact Linda Wells at linda@lindawells.net.

C-CAP (Congregational Community Action Project)

I was a stranger...

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.

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

Cell Phones

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

Calendars for 2019

Wall calendars and pocket icon calendars for 2019 are available in the social hall. If you cannot come to the church, please let us know and we will mail you one.

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.

Bulletin Submission Guidelines

Bulletin Announcements

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

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 and are subject to review.

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 Michael.

Everyone's cooperation is expected and appreciated. Thank you.

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.

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Tone

Apolytikion for Theophany Afterfeast in the First Tone

Apolytikion for the Dormition of the Theotokos in the First Tone

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Saints and Feasts

Sunday after Epiphany

The Holy Martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus

Anthony the Great

Mark, Bishop of Ephesus

Wisdom of the Fathers

Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, Parish Priest

Church Services

Sunday, January 13

Sunday, January 20

Sunday, January 27

Wednesday, January 30

Saturday, February 2

Sunday, February 3

Parish News

Heartfelt Sympathies

Vasilopita

Catechism (Sunday) School

Youth Choir Rehearsing Again

Holy Communion / Church Etiquette

Coffee Fellowship

C-CAP (Congregational Community Action Project)

Philoptochos Social Services Outreach

Cell Phones

Calendars for 2019

Lending Library

Parish Calendar

Bulletin Submission Guidelines

Bulletin Announcements

Directions to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church