Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Tone

Let the Heavens rejoice; let earthly things be glad; for the Lord hath wrought might with His arm, He hath trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead hath He become. From the belly of Hades hath He delivered us, and hath granted great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion of Sun. of the Elevation of the 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 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 Plagal Fourth Tone

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"

Saints and Feasts

March 31

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

March 31

Hieromartyr Hypatius

This Saint, who was from Cilicia of Asia Minor, became Bishop of Gangra, the capital of Paphlagonia. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council. Because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he was put to death by the Novatians, a sect which denied that sins committed after Baptism could be forgiven.

April 01

Mary of Egypt

When Mary was only twelve years old, she left her parents and departed to Alexandria, where she lived a depraved life for seventeen years. Then, moved by curiosity, she went with many pilgrims to Jerusalem, that she might see the Exaltation of the venerable Cross. Even in the Holy City she gave herself over to every kind of licentiousness and drew many into the depth of perdition. Desiring to go into the church on the day of the Exaltation of the Cross, time and again she perceived a certain invisible power preventing her entrance, whereas the multitude of people about her entered unhindered. Therefore, wounded in heart by this, she decided to change her way of life and reconcile herself to God by means of repentance. Invoking our Lady the Theotokos as her protectress, she asked her to open the way for her to worship the Cross, and vowed that she would renounce the world. And thus, returning once again to the church, she entered easily. When she had worshipped the precious Wood, she departed that same day from Jerusalem and passed over the Jordan. She went into the inner wilderness and for forty-seven years lived a most harsh manner of life, surpassing human strength; alone, she prayed to God alone. Toward the end of her life, she met a certain hermit named Zosimas, and she related to him her life from the beginning. She requested of him to bring her the immaculate Mysteries that she might partake of them. According to her request, he did this the following year on Holy and Great Thursday. One year after this, Zosimas again went thither and found her dead, laid upon the ground, and letters written in the sand near her which said: "Abba Zosimas, bury here the body of wretched Mary. I died on the very day I partook of the immaculate Mysteries. Pray for me." Her death is reckoned by some to have taken place in 378, by some, in 437, and by others, in 522. She is commemorated also on the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent. Her life was recorded by Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem.

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. Plagal Second Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 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."

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

Nay, the nature of the thing is alone sufficient to attract you." ... For thou oughtest not, O Peter, because thou hast confessed me Son of God, therefore only to expect crowns, and to suppose this enough for thy salvation, and for the future to enjoy security, as having done all. ..."

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, Parish Priest

Great Lent Began March 11^th

Palm Sunday is April 21^st

Easter is April 28^th

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Beeswax Candles

We have begun the process of transitioning to beeswax candles. The use of beeswax is more traditional in the Orthodox Church, and produces a cleaner, non-chemical candle with a consistent, longer-burning, gentle and warm flame. You should have noticed the smaller tapers already available at the candle stand in the Narthex.

Larger tapers are coming, and are being specially-made for us by a convent that does extraordinary ministry work with adults and children with special needs, caring for those severely ill and elderly living alone, and many other works of love.

The small (available now) and large (coming) tapers are 100% beeswax. The thin, medium-size tapers (available now) are 51% beeswax. All produce a slight honey smell. The white candles (non-beeswax) that remain will soon be discontinued.

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Parish Record Form

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

Stewardship Form 2019

Church Services

Friday, March 29

Third Salutations to the Virgin Mary
6:30 pm

Sunday, March 31

Sunday of the Holy Cross
8:50 am - Matins

10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Procession with the Cross

Friday, April 5

Fourth Salutations to the Virgin Mary
6:30 pm

Sunday, April 7

Sunday of St. John of the Ladder
8:50 am - Matins

10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Friday, April 12

The Akathist Hymn to the Virgin Mary
6:30 pm

Sunday, April 14

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

8:50 am - Matins

10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Parish News

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. Ladies - Please NO lipstick.

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.

Aside from spiritual preparation for receiving Holy Communion, it is expected (unless discussed with your Father Confessor) that no food or drink is to be consumed from the time you awake until you receive Holy Communion. This also applies to children. Once they are of school-age, children should not eat or drink after they leave home to come to church, and as they get older, from the time they awake.

However, the blessed bread (antidoron) that is distributed at the conclusion of services may be received by everyone and serves to join together all those who have gathered for worship.

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.

Coloring books, crayons, tablets and other such things should not be used in church to distract a child from learning how to appropriately participate in the services. Participation in services is an evolving process for children as they see, hear, smell, touch (lighting candles, kissing icons) and taste. That learning process should also not become a distraction for others as they attempt to focus on their prayer and participation.

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.

Youth and Children's Choirs Rehearsing Again

Our Youth and Children's Choirs are Rehearsing

Our Youth Choir (3rd to 12th grade students) is rehearsing on a regular basis. Come join them and share your talent and raise your voice in praise. Practice takes place during the Coffee Fellowship. They sang their first solo arrangment in Greek a few weeks ago. Bravo!!! The Youth Choir will be sitting in the front reserved pew during the Divine Liturgy.

Also... a Children's Choir (younger than the Youth Choir!!!) has begun rehearsals. They are rehearsing after the Divine Liturgy in Annitsa's classroom, led by Annitsa.

Spring Bake Sale Preparations

Bake Sale Baking - Wednesdays

The Spring Bake sale will be held on April 13. Baking in preparation for the sale will be taking place on Wednesdays at 10 am, at the church social hall. Everyone is welcome to come help. For information call Sophia Sempeles at ‭(540) 662-3649‬.

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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.

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 office door.

The Mary and Martha Volunteers coordinate 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 bookcases next to our Catechism School area. 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 Third Tone

Apolytikion of Sun. of the Elevation of the Cross in the First Tone

Apolytikion for the Dormition of the Theotokos in the First Tone

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Tone

Saints and Feasts

Sunday of the Holy Cross

Hieromartyr Hypatius

Mary of Egypt

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Wisdom of the Fathers

Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, Parish Priest

Church Services

Friday, March 29

Sunday, March 31

Friday, April 5

Sunday, April 7

Friday, April 12

Sunday, April 14

Parish News

Holy Communion / Church Etiquette

Youth and Children's Choirs Rehearsing Again

Spring Bake Sale Preparations

Catechism (Sunday) School

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