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Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-06-30
Bulletin Contents
30_12apost
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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 First Tone

When the stone had been sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were guarding Thine immaculate Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life unto the world. Wherefore, the powers of the Heavens cried out to Thee, O Lifegiver: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ. Glory to Thy Kingdom. Glory to Thy dispensation, O only Friend of man.

Apolytikion for Synaxis of the 12 Apostles in the Third Tone

O Holy Apostles, intercede with the merciful God that He grant unto our souls forgiveness of offenses.

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.
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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 Fourth Tone. Psalm 18.4,1.
Their voice has gone out into all the earth.
Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16.

Brethren, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.


Gospel Reading

Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles
The Reading is from Matthew 9:36, 10:1-8

At that time, when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaios, and Thaddaios; Simon the Cananaean. and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay."


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Saints and Feasts

30_12apost
June 30

Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles

The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, the First-called; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who was also the Evangelist and Theologian; Philip, and Bartholomew (see also June 11); Thomas, and Matthew the publican, who was also called Levi and was an Evangelist; James the son of Alphaeus, and Jude (also called Lebbaeus, and surnamed Thaddaeus), the brother of James, the Brother of God; Simon the Cananite ("the Zealot"), and Matthias, who was elected to fill the place of Judas the traitor (see Aug. 9).


Kosmdami
July 01

Cosmas & Damian the Holy Unmercenaries

These Saints, who are different from those that are celebrated on the 1st of November, were from Rome. They were physicians, freely bestowing healing upon beasts and men, asking nothing from the healed other than that they confess and believe in Christ. They ended their life in martyrdom in the year 284, under the Emperors Carinus and Numerian.


Andrewhymn
July 04

Andrew of Crete Author of the Great Canon

Saint Andrew was from Damascus; his parents' names were George and Gregoria. He became a cleric and secretary of Theodore and Patriarch of Jerusalem; from this, he is called "the Jerusalemite." He was present at the Sixth Ecumenical Council in Constantinople, which was convoked in 680 during the reign of Emperor Constantine IV (668-685). He became deacon of the Great church in Constantinople, that is, the Church of the Holy Wisdom of God, then Archbishop of Crete. He reposed in 720 or 723. Beside his other sacred writings, he also composed various hymns, among which is the famous Great Canon, which is chanted during Great Lent (see the Thursday of the Fifth Week of the Fast).


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Wisdom of the Fathers

He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

But of what laborers doth He speak here? Of the twelve disciples...He sent them out alone. ...Because though they were but twelve, He made them many from that time forward, not by adding to their number, but by giving them power. ...He Himself at once ordains them...Whence it is evident that Himself is the husbandman, Himself the Lord of the harvest...Still the Spirit was not yet given...How then did they cast out the spirits? By His command, by His authority. ...Seest thou the greatness of their ministry? Seest thou the dignity of apostles?...See how He provides for their conduct, and that no less than for their miracles, implying that the miracles without this are nothing. Thus He both quells their pride by saying, "Freely ye have received, freely give;" and takes order for their being clear of covetousness.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 32 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

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Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, Parish Priest

Fmkchapel

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Enthronement of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

 

 

 

 

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From our First Scrapbook on the 50th Anniversary

Thank you Karen Hantis for a Great Job!!!

 

 

 

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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.)

 

 

 

 

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Church Services

Sunday, June 30

The Twelve Apostles

         8:50 am - Matins

       10:00 am - Divine Liturgy 

 

                   

 

 

 


Sunday, July 7

Third Sunday of Matthew
        8:50 - Matins

      10:00 - Divine Liturgy

     

 

 

 


Sunday, July 14

Fathers of the Fourth Council
         8:50 am  -  Matins

     10:00 am  -  Divine Liturgy

   

      


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Parish News

Condolences

Deepest Sympathies... 

Deepest sympathies are expressed to the family of Nicholas Sempeles who entered eternal life on June 23rd.   The funeral service will be celebrated at the church on Saturday, June 29, at 10 am, with visitation at Omps Funeral Home on Friday evening from 6 to 8, with the Trisaghion at 6 pm.  

 

May his memory be eternal.

 

 


Dream and Vision Committee

Changes are in the wind...

A new Church Historian was recently appointed by Fr. Michael.  Karen Hantis has assumed this position with her mission being to preserve the past memories of the Dormition Church as well as ensuring that future memories are preserved.

Karen has already in a few short weeks helped reorganize and sort various documents from the past.  She will be working on the scrapbooks that will hold pictures, newspaper accounts and other items, as well as the displays to be mounted on the hall walls to highlight significant events from each decade of the parish's existence.

Also, happening is the renewal of the social hall reorganization project.  A new layout of the tables was unveiled this past Sunday, as well as a new coffee serving table graciously and generously donated by our new, diligent and meticulous cleaning assistant, Robin.  Watch for more changes down the road.

 

In addition, the choir has been relocated to its proper place on the Solea.  New chairs are in place for them as well.  Choir robes will be ordered soon for our Choir members as well as for our Youth Choir.  If interested in being considered to sing as a member of the Choir please contact our Choir Director, Georgia, or Fr. Michael.  

 

Our new Parish Council Narthex Servers Committee has been diligent and has made sure that someone has been in the Narthex the past two Sundays from 9:00 am, the start of Matins.   

 

Our lawn has seen better days.  Our program with Lawn Doctor had been suspended but they have now been reengaged and serviced our lawn a few days ago.  It's a bit late in the season to see much effect.  But next year with their continued servicing things should begin to look better.

 

 

Watch for more things as the Dream and Vision Committee, created in January 2018, begins to take firmer root and evolve.

 


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.   

 


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.


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.


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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.

 


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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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