Publish-header
Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-07-23
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Rev Protopresbyter Panagiotis Papanikolaou
July & August Liturgical Calendar
Parish Life
Bulletin Submission Guidelines
Driving Directions to the Church
Twoblindmen
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

Rev Protopresbyter Panagiotis Papanikolaou, Presiding Priest


frpeter.dormition@gmail.com | Office: (540) 667-1416

Services Schedule

Sunday Services

Matins -                 8:45am 

Divine Liturgy -    10:00am

Sunday School -  In summer recess

Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA


Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Phocas in the Fourth Mode

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Phocas. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA


Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

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.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. 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 Romans 15:1-7.

BRETHREN, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of your Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35

At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

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Saints and Feasts

Twoblindmen
July 23

7th Sunday of Matthew

Allsaint
July 23

Phocas the Holy Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

This saint was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope. He contested for the Faith during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, in the year 102, when he was burned to death in a bath-house. A homily in his honour was composed by Saint John Chrysostom. The translation of his holy relics is celebrated on July 23.

Ezekiel
July 23

Ezekiel the Prophet

The Prophet Ezekiel ("God is strong") was the son of Buzi and a priest by rank. He was taken captive and brought to Babylon during the reign of Jechonias. In the fifth year of this captivity, about 594 or 593 B.C., he began to prophesy. Having prophesied for about twenty-eight years, he was murdered, it is said, by the tribe of Gad, because he reproached them for their idolatry. His book of prophecy, divided into forty-eight chapters, is ranked third among the greater Prophets. It is richly filled with mystical imagery and marvelous prophetic visions and allegories, of which the dread Chariot of Cherubim described in the first Chapter is the most famous; in the "gate that was shut," through which the Lord alone entered, he darkly foretold of the Word's Incarnation from the Virgin (44:1-3); through the "dry bones" that came to life again (37:1-14), he prophesied both of the restoration of captive Israel, and the general resurrection of our race.

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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

And then at last He for His part lays His hand upon them, saying, "According to your faith be it unto you." And this He does to confirm their faith, and to show that they are participators in the good work ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 32 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

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Rev Protopresbyter Panagiotis Papanikolaou

Repentance Is Re-Orienting Our Lives

My beloved in the Lord:

     Repentance is a word found numerous times throughout the Divine Liturgy. What does it mean to repent? What is repentance? Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ began His ministry by saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Repentance is thus the beginning of the Gospel, the starting point of our lives as Orthodox Christians and the foundation upon which everything else must be built upon. The Greek word “metanoia” that is in the Gospels and is translated as “repentance,” primarily means “a change of mind.”

     Repentance is to change the way we think about God, ourselves and the world around us, seeing everything in a new and beautiful way. Repentance is not only negative, it is not merely regret over past actions; it is also very positive. It is not merely to wallow in guilt, self-pity and despair because of our sins; but rather it is a transformation of outlook, a change of direction, a re-orientation of our lives, a re-centering of our minds and hearts on the Lord and His commandments.

     The life of an Orthodox Christian, as a disciple of the Lord, is one of continual repentance. Metropolitan Kallistos Ware writes: “In this sense, repentance is not just a single act, an initial step, but a continuing state, an attitude of heart and will that needs to be ceaselessly renewed up to the end of our life.” Repentance is therefore to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5) and so acquire “the mind of Christ” (I Corinthians 2:16). As Saint Isaac of Ninevah writes: “This life has been given to you for repentance. Do not waste it on other things.” Saint Basil the Great put is even more succinctly: “Repentance is salvation.”

     Praying that the abundant grace and rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ dwell in your hearts and minds, directing your steps to every good deed that is well pleasing to God, I humbly remain,

With love and blessings in the Lord,
+Fr. Panagiotis 

 

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July & August Liturgical Calendar

7th Sunday of Matthew

Sunday, July 23
8:45am - Matins & Divine Liturgy


8th Sunday of Matthew

Sunday, July 30
8:45am - Matins & Divine Liturgy


Dormition Fast

Tuesday, August 1
6:00pm - Paraklesis to the Holy Theotokos


Dormition Fast

Wednesday, August 2
6:00pm - Paraklesis to the Holy Theotokos


Dormition Fast

Thursday, August 3
6:00pm - Paraklesis to the Holy Theotokos


Dormition Fast

Friday, August 4
6:00pm - Paraklesis to the Holy Theotokos


Forefeast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Saturday, August 5
6:00pm - Great Vespers in Charlottesville, VA



Transfiguration of the Lord

Sunday, August 6
8:45am - Matins & Divine Liturgy


Dormition Fast

Monday, August 7
6:00pm - Paraklesis to the Holy Theotokos


Dormition Fast

Tuesday, August 8
6:00pm - Paraklesis to the Holy Theotokos


Dormition Fast

Wednesday, August 9
6:00pm - Paraklesis to the Holy Theotokos


Dormition Fast

Thursday, August 10
6:00pm - Paraklesis to the Holy Theotokos


Dormition Fast

Friday, August 11
6:00pm - Paraklesis to the Holy Theotokos


10th Sunday of Matthew

Sunay, August 13
8:45am - Matins & Divine Liturgy


Forefeast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

Monday, August 14
6:00pm - Great Vespers & the Lamentations for the Dormition


Dormition of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

Tuesday, August 15
9:00am - Matins & Divine Liturgy


11th Sunday of Matthew

Sunday, August 20
8:45am - Matins & Divine Liturgy


12th Sunday of Matthew

Sunday, August 27
8:45am - Matins & Divine Liturgy


Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

Tuesday, August 29
9:00am - Matins & Divine Liturgy


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Parish Life

Festival Baking

Wednesday, July 26
We will be baking for our Annual Greek Festival beginning at 10:00am in the Social Hall. Your kind assistance is truly appreciated.


Parish Council

Wednesday, August 9
Parish Council meeting at 7:00pm in the Church Social Hall.


Dormition's Annual Greek Festival

Will be held this year on Saturday, August 19, from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, August 20, from 12;00 noon to 7:00pm. If you would like to help with the festival, please contact George Manuel Sempeles at (540) 539-8198. Your kind assistance is truly appreciated.


Sunday School

Classes will begin on Sunday, September 17, immediately following Holy Communion. We encourage our youth to participate in Sunday School to learn and live the catechism of the Holy Orthodox Faith. For more information, please contact Presvytera Tina at (240) 578-2549.

 


Altar Boys

Young men between the ages of 10 to 18 are invited to serve in the Holy Altar. Altar Boys are requested to be in the Holy Altar at 9:45am. For more information, please contact Father Panagiotis at (540) 667-1416.

 

 


CCAP Ministry

Please help the less fortunate by donating non-perishable foods, pantry items, clothing and baby needs for the CCAP Ministry. Place your donations in the CCAP bin in the Social Hall. 


Coffee Hour

Everyone is welcome to join in fellowship during the Coffee Hour following the Divine Liturgy on Sundays. If you would like to host a coffee hour, please sign up on the bulletin board next to Father's Study. For more information regarding hosting a Coffee Hour, please contact Marie Hughes at (540) 664-1185. 


Cell Phones

We respectfully request that you please turn off or silence your cell phone prior to entering the Narthex during the Church services. If you have a professional reason to carry a cell phone for emergencies, keep it on mute, not vibrate, and sit near to the exits so that leaving for an emergency will not be a distraction to others who are praying. Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation.


Parish Calendar

Is on the Dormition’s website and can be viewed for upcoming liturgical services, meetings and events. To view the Parish Calendar  Click here.

All ministries are kindly requested to coordinate with Father Panagiotis, as early as possible, the date/time of proposed meetings and events to prevent scheduling conflicts. E-mail new postings or updates to frpeter.dormition@gmail.com. Everyone's cooperation is essential.


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Bulletin Submission Guidelines

Bulletin Announcements

Announcements for the Sunday e-bulletin and printed bulletin may be submitted by e-mail to frpeter.dormition@gmail.com or by fax to Father's Study at (540) 667-1990. The deadline for all announcements is Wednesday morning by 9:00 for the upcoming  bulletins. When feastdays or holidays fall on Thursday or Friday, the bulletins will be published earlier in that week.

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. The content of the announcement must be in accordance with Orthodox Christian teachings, believes and values.

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

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

All announcements should be brief and concise including accurate contact information. All submissions are subject to edit by the Presiding Priest.

 


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Driving Directions to the Church

The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church welcomes you to worship with us on Sunday and whenever the Divine Liturgy is celebrated. Orthros begins at 8:45am and the Divine Liturgy at 10:00am.

Click here for Google Map & Specific Driving Directions »

DIRECTIONS TO THE 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 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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