Publish-header
Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-04-14
Bulletin Contents
Allsaint
Organization Icon
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 Plagal First Tone

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Plagal Fourth Tone

In thee the image was preserved with exactness, O Mother; for taking up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thy deeds thou didst teach us to overlook the flesh, for it passeth away, but to attend to the soul since it is immortal. Wherefore, O righteous Mary, thy spirit rejoiceth with the Angels.

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 Second Tone

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
April 14

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.


BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back, for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Tone. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14.

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."


BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

For with this object He reveals their deficiencies, that after these things thou mightest know what manner of men they became by grace. ... No one shall sit on His right hand nor on His left.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Seest thou how they were all in an imperfect state, when both these were lifting themselves up above the ten, and those envying the two? But, as I said, show me them after these things, and thou wilt see them delivered from all these passions.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Before He humbled Himself, only the angels knew him. After He humbled Himself, all human nature knew Him. You see how His humbling of Himself did not make Him have less but produced countless benefits, countless deeds of virtue, and made His glory shine forth with greater brightness? God wants for nothing and has need of nothing. Yet, when He humbled Himself, He produced such great good, increased His household, and extended His kingdom. Why, then, are you afraid that you will become less if you humble yourself?
St. John Chrysostom
On the Incomprehensible Nature of God. 8.46-47. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Mark. Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 143.

Let us then become lowly, that we may be high. For most utterly doth arrogance abase. ... Abraham saith, "I am dust and ashes," and prevailed over countless barbarians, and having fallen into the midst of Egyptians, returned, bearing a trophy more glorious than the former, and, cleaving to this virtue, grew ever more high.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Hear at least how this same John, he who now came to Him for these things, everywhere gives up the first place to Peter, both in addressing the people, and in working miracles, in the Acts of the Apostles. And he conceals not Peter's good deeds, but relates both the confession, which he openly made when all were silent, and his entering into the tomb, and puts the apostle before himself.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

For that throne is inaccessible to all, I do not say to men only, and saints, and apostles, but even to angels, and archangels, and to all the powers that are on high. ... But for whom is it prepared? For them who could become distinguished by their works.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

BACK TO TOP

Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, Parish Priest

Fmkchapel

 

 

 

Great Lent Began March 11th 

 

Palm Sunday is April 21st 

 

Easter is April 28th

 

 

 

Welcome to the Orthodox Church

 

New Members of the Orthodox Church......

On February 24, Michael Summers was received into the Orthodox Church through the Sacrament of Chrismation.  Michael's sponsor is Linda Wells.

 

On April 7, John Connolly was received into the Orthodox Church through the Sacrament of Chrismation.  John's sponsor is Carol Congdon.

 

We welcome both Michael and John to the Orthodox Church and pray their journey to Salvation is inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit who sealed their reception into the Church.  

 

 

 

 

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.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Screen Shot on 2019-03-11 at 17-52-03.png

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot on 2019-02-18 at 16-16-57.png

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot on 2019-04-09 at 07-17-47.png 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot on 2019-04-11 at 17-45-04.png 

 

Screen Shot on 2019-03-18 at 16-31-54.png 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot on 2019-03-21 at 07-09-55.png

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Screen Shot on 2019-04-10 at 15-15-34.png

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot on 2019-03-23 at 11-14-35.png 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Screen Shot on 2019-04-07 at 19-20-21.png 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot on 2019-03-28 at 14-54-15.png 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Screen Shot on 2019-03-28 at 14-55-51.png 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot on 2019-03-11 at 15-28-48.png

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

  

 

 

 Screen Shot on 2019-03-03 at 17-59-00.png 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Screen Shot on 2019-03-11 at 08-24-40.png

   

 

 

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

BACK TO TOP

Church Services

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

 

 


Saturday, April 20

Saturday of Lazarus
          10:00 am  -  Divine Liturgy

    Fashioning of Palm Crosses Follows

   

      


Sunday, April 21

Palm Sunday
        8:50 am - Matins

      10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

    Fish Luncheon follows services

 

                       

    


BACK TO TOP

Parish News

Spring Bake Sale Saturday

Bake Sale Final Preparations

The Parish Council Spring Bake sale will be held on Saturday, April 13. Packaging and final preparations are wrapping up at the church social hall. Everyone is welcome to come help, especially at the event.  For information call Sophia Sempeles at ‭(540) 662-3649‬. 

 

        Screen Shot on 2019-03-26 at 10-44-42.png

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot on 2019-04-10 at 08-34-19.png 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Myrrh-Bearers Practice

Practice for the Myrrh-Bearers

On Sundays, April 14 and April 21, practice will be taking place for the young ladies who will be serving as the Myrrh-Bearers at the Good Friday Lamentations service.  The practices will take place during the Coffee Fellowship.   

   

 


Palm Sunday Luncheon

Fish Luncheon on Palm Sunday

Following services on Palm Sunday, a fish luncheon is being sponsored by the Parish Council.  Adult platters are $15, with child platters at $10.  This is a fund-raiser for the parish and to that end, Annitsa and John Spanos will be donating the food, as well as preparing it, so that all proceeds assist the parish.  Thank you Annitsa and John.  

 

 


Youth and Children's Choirs Rehearsing

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.  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. 

 


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.  

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.


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.


BACK TO TOP

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.

 


BACK TO TOP

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.

BACK TO TOP