Dormition of The Virgin Mary
Publish Date: 2025-03-09
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Dormition of The Virgin Mary

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 15406671416
  • Fax:
  • Dormition of The Virgin Mary
  • Street Address:

  • 1700 Amherst St

  • Winchester, VA 22601


Contact Information








Services Schedule

Sunday Services

Orthros -              9:00 am 

Divine Liturgy -    10:00 am

 


Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone

Having learned the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and having cast off the ancestral condemnation, the women disciples of the Lord spake to the Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting great mercy to the world.
Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀπορρίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον· Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for 40 Martyrs of Sebastia in the First Tone

Be Thou entreated for the sake of the sufferings of Thy Saints which they endured for Thee, O Lord, and do Thou heal all our pains, we pray, O Friend of man.
Τὰς ἀλγηδόνας τῶν Ἁγίων, ἃς ὑπὲρ σοῦ ἔπαθον, δυσωπήθητι, Κύριε, καὶ πάσας ἡμῶν τὰς ὀδύνας, ἴασαι φιλάνθρωπε, δεόμεθα.

Apolytikion for Sun. of Orthodoxy in the Second Tone

We worship Thine immaculate icon, O Good One, asking the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ our God; for of Thine own will Thou wast well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou camest to save the world.
Τὴν ἄχραντον Εἰκόνα σου προσκυνοῦμεν Ἀγαθέ, αἰτούμενοι συγχώρησιν τῶν πταισμάτων ἡμῶν, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός· βουλήσει γὰρ ηὐδόκησας σαρκὶ ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ, ἵνα ῥύσῃ οὓς ἔπλασας ἐκ τῆς δουλείας τοῦ ἐχθροῦ· ὅθεν εὐχαρίστως βοῶμέν σοι· Χαρᾶς ἐπλήρωσας τὰ πάντα, ὁ Σωτὴρ ἡμῶν, παραγενόμενος εἰς τὸ σῶσαι τὸν Κόσμον.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Tone

Victorious Lady, mighty champion, defending us, we, your servants, now inscribe to you this hymn of thanks, for you rescued us from suff'ring and tribulation. Theotokos, with your power that can never fail, keep us safe from ev'ry danger our whole life long, that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

The Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 12:1-10

BRETHREN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father.

The Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia
Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 12:1-10

Ἀδελφοί, τοσοῦτον ἔχοντες περικείμενον ἡμῖν νέφος μαρτύρων, ὄγκον ἀποθέμενοι πάντα καὶ τὴν εὐπερίστατον ἁμαρτίαν, διʼ ὑπομονῆς τρέχωμεν τὸν προκείμενον ἡμῖν ἀγῶνα, ἀφορῶντες εἰς τὸν τῆς πίστεως ἀρχηγὸν καὶ τελειωτὴν Ἰησοῦν, ὃς, ἀντὶ τῆς προκειμένης αὐτῷ χαρᾶς, ὑπέμεινεν σταυρόν, αἰσχύνης καταφρονήσας, ἐν δεξιᾷ τε τοῦ θρόνου τοῦ θεοῦ κεκάθικεν. Ἀναλογίσασθε γὰρ τὸν τοιαύτην ὑπομεμενηκότα ὑπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτωλῶν εἰς ἀυτὸν ἀντιλογίαν, ἵνα μὴ κάμητε ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν ἐκλυόμενοι. Οὔπω μέχρι αἵματος ἀντικατέστητε πρὸς τὴν ἁμαρτίαν ἀνταγωνιζόμενοι· καὶ ἐκλέλησθε τῆς παρακλήσεως, ἥτις ὑμῖν ὡς υἱοῖς διαλέγεται, Υἱέ μου, μὴ ὀλιγώρει παιδείας κυρίου, μηδὲ ἐκλύου ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ ἐλεγχόμενος· ὃν γὰρ ἀγαπᾷ κύριος παιδεύει· μαστιγοῖ δὲ πάντα υἱὸν ὃν παραδέχεται. Εἰς παιδείαν ὑπομένετε, ὡς υἱοῖς ὑμῖν προσφέρεται ὁ θεός· τίς γὰρ ἐστιν υἱὸς ὃν οὐ παιδεύει πατήρ; Εἰ δὲ χωρίς ἐστε παιδείας, ἧς μέτοχοι γεγόνασιν πάντες, ἄρα νόθοι ἐστε καὶ οὐχ υἱοί. Εἶτα τοὺς μὲν τῆς σαρκὸς ἡμῶν πατέρας εἴχομεν παιδευτὰς, καὶ ἐνετρεπόμεθα· οὐ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ὑποταγησόμεθα τῷ πατρὶ τῶν πνευμάτων, καὶ ζήσομεν; Οἱ μὲν γὰρ πρὸς ὀλίγας ἡμέρας κατὰ τὸ δοκοῦν αὐτοῖς ἐπαίδευον· ὁ δὲ ἐπὶ τὸ συμφέρον, εἰς τὸ μεταλαβεῖν τῆς ἁγιότητος αὐτοῦ.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from John 1:43-51

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

Sunday of Orthodoxy
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 1:44-52

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἠθέλησεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐξελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν· καὶ εὑρίσκει Φίλιππον καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ἀκολούθει μοι. ἦν δὲ ὁ Φίλιππος ἀπὸ Βηθσαϊδά, ἐκ τῆς πόλεως ᾿Ανδρέου καὶ Πέτρου. εὑρίσκει Φίλιππος τὸν Ναθαναὴλ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ὃν ἔγραψε Μωϋσῆς ἐν τῷ νόμῳ καὶ οἱ προφῆται, εὑρήκαμεν, ᾿Ιησοῦν τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ᾿Ιωσὴφ τὸν ἀπὸ Ναζαρέτ. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ Ναθαναήλ· ἐκ Ναζαρὲτ δύναταί τι ἀγαθὸν εἶναι; λέγει αὐτῷ Φίλιππος· ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε. εἶδεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὸν Ναθαναὴλ ἐρχόμενον πρὸς αὐτὸν καὶ λέγει περὶ αὐτοῦ· ἴδε ἀληθῶς ᾿Ισραηλίτης, ἐν ᾧ δόλος οὐκ ἔστι. λέγει αὐτῷ Ναθαναήλ· πόθεν με γινώσκεις; ἀπεκρίθη ᾿Ιησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· πρὸ τοῦ σε Φίλιππον φωνῆσαι, ὄντα ὑπὸ τὴν συκῆν εἶδόν σε. ἀπεκρίθη Ναθαναὴλ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ῥαββί, σὺ εἶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, σὺ εἶ ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ ᾿Ισραήλ. ἀπεκρίθη ᾿Ιησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ὅτι εἶπόν σοι, εἶδόν σε ὑποκάτω τῆς συκῆς, πιστεύεις; μείζω τούτων ὄψει. καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπ᾽ ἄρτι ὄψεσθε τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγότα, καὶ τοὺς ἀγγέλους τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀναβαίνοντας καὶ καταβαίνοντας ἐπὶ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου.


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Saints and Feasts

March 09

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.


March 09

The Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

These holy Martyrs, who came from various lands, were all soldiers under the same general. Taken into custody for their faith in Christ, and at first interrogated by cruel means, they were then stripped of their clothing and cast onto the frozen lake which is at Sebastia of Pontus, at a time when the harsh and freezing weather was at its worst. They endured the whole night naked in such circumstances, encouraging one another to be patient until the end. He that guarded them, named Aglaius, who was commanded to receive any of them that might deny Christ, had a vision in which he saw heavenly powers distributing crowns to all of the Martyrs, except one, who soon after abandoned the contest. Seeing this, Aglaius professed himself a Christian and joined the Martyrs on the lake, and the number of forty remained complete. In the morning, when they were almost dead from the cold, they were cast into fire, after which their remains were thrown into the river. Thus they finished the good course of martyrdom in 320, during the reign of Licinius. These are their names: Acacius, Aetius, Aglaius, Alexander, Angus, Athanasius, Candidus, Chudion, Claudius, Cyril, Cyrion, Dometian, Domnus, Ecdicius, Elias, Eunoicus, Eutyches, Eutychius, Flavius, Gaius, Gorgonius, Helianus, Heraclius, Hesychius, John, Lysimachus, Meliton, Nicholas, Philoctemon, Priscus, Sacerdon, Severian, Sisinius, Smaragdus, Theodulus, Theophilus, Valens, Valerius, Vivianus, and Xanthias.


March 09

Caesarios the Righteous


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For in a contest there is much labor needed--and after the contest victory falls to some, to others disgrace. Is the palm ever given or the crown granted before the course is finished? ... Therefore no one can receive a reward, unless he has striven lawfully; nor is the victory a glorious one, unless the contest also has been toilsome.
St. Ambrose of Milan
Chapter 15, Three Books on the Duties of the Clergy, 4th century

Moses... was himself saved by means of wood and water before the Law was given, when he was exposed to the Nile's currents, hidden away in an Ark (Exod. 2:3-10). And by means of wood and water he saved the people of Israel, revealing the Cross by the wood, Holy Baptism by water (Exod. 14:15-31). Paul, who had looked upon the mysteries, says openly, 'They were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud' (I Cor. 10:2). He also bears witness that, even before the events concerning the sea and his staff, Moses willingly endured Christ's Cross, 'Esteeming', he says, 'the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt' (Heb. 11:26). For the Cross is the reproach of Christ from the standpoint of foolish men. As Paul himself says of Christ, 'He endured the cross, despising the shame' (Heb. 12:2).
St. Gregory Palamas
Homilies Vol. 1, Homily Eleven para. 14; Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press pg. 123, 14th century

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Sunday of Orthodoxy

For this week's sermon, please read online. 

https://www.goarch.org/documents/32058/6612234/Sunday+of+Orthodoxy/5b8eb54d-da4e-6efe-831b-c1d484f553a9. 

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Church Services

Upcoming Services

 March 2025 Services

03/01/25 Soul Saturday Orthos 9 am and Divine Liturgy 10 am

03/05/25 Presanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm

03/07/25 1st Saluatations to the Most Holy Theotokos 6:00 pm

03/09/25 Orthros/Divine Liturgy   9:00am - 11:30am

03/12/25 Presanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm

03/14/25 2nd Saluatations to the Most Holy Theotokos 6:00 pm

03/16/25 Orthros/Divine Liturgy   9:00am - 11:30am

03/19/25 Presanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm

03/21/25 3rd Saluatations to the Most Holy Theotokos 6:00 pm

03/23/25 Orthros/Divine Liturgy   9:00am - 11:30am

03/26/25 Presanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm

03/28/25 4th Saluatations to the Most Holy Theotokos 6:00 pm

03/30/25 Orthros/Divine Liturgy   9:00am - 11:30am

Please check the parish Calendar for additional services as well as any updates.

Parish Calendar | Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church (goarch.org)

 

 

 


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Parish News

Parish News

Announcements 

Coffee Hour

We want to thank Maria Boyer and Angela Tsiatsos for hosting this week's coffee hour. 

If you are able to host a coffee hour, please sign up online below or on the signup sheet in the hall. For questions, please see Juliette Michael or Marie Hughes.

Dormition of the Virgin Mary: Coffee Hour 

Easter Bake Sale and Greek Take-Out

Please save the date for our Easter Bake Sale and Greek Take-Out on March 29th from 11 am-4 pm. We will need assistance with preparations on Friday, March 28th and on the day of. Please sign up to volunteer using the link below. Please see Juliette Michael for questions. 

Dormition of the Virgin Mary: Easter Bake-Sale and Greek Take-Out 

You can also pre-order your favorite items at the link below! Please share with friends and family. 

https://easter-bake-sale-and-greek-take-out.square.site/

Lenten Fish Dinner Fundraiser

Please mark your calendars for our first Lenten Fish Dinner Fundraiser on March 21st from 4pm-7pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please see Juliette Michael.

You can also pre-order your meal at the link below! 

https://dormition-lenten-fish-dinner.square.site/

Hope/Joy Easter Party

Hope/Joy will host their annual Easter Pary and Egg Hunt on April 12, 2025 at 12 pm. We will have our Easter Egg Hunt, crafts, palm making, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Kristina by April 7th so that we have enough supplies. 

Hope/Joy Candy Drive

Hope/Joy is collecting candy, plastic eggs, and prizes for their annual Easter Egg Hunt. Please drop off your donation in the bin in the hall, now until April 6th. Please see Kristina for questions. 

2025 Winchester Greek Festival

We are excited to announce that our Greek Festival will take place on August 16th and 17th. Please mark your calendars! 

This is our parish's largest fundraiser and it cannot happen without everyone's help. If you would like to be part of the planning committee, please see Juliette Michael. Week of sign-up sheets will be forthcoming.  

Parish Council Meetings

The next Parish Council meeting will be on March 19, 2025. 

 


Ladies Philoptochos News

Metropolis Social Service Tray

Philoptochos will be passing a tray for the Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos Social Services on Sunday, March 9th. Thank you for your support.

Scholarship

Qualifying students of Orthodox faith pursuing an Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree or vocational training this Fall semester 2025 are encouraged to apply for the merit-based scholarship award in the amount of $500. Please see the Application Requirements and Application available on the Church handout table or email [email protected] for an electronic copy.  Complete applications due June 15, 2025. Contact for full details. Contact Chris Georgarakis, (540) 664-9466 for more information.

Lenten Bootcamp

This Lenten period lift more than spirits and practice our faith as Orthodox Christians. Join us as we move together towards a common goal of gaining strength, flexibility, and confidence. All levels are welcome! Classes Sunday March 9th - April 6th, (no class on March 16th) 12:30pm-1:15pm (outside weather permitting), $20. Contact Mileva Sturgis (571) 218-8762 or email [email protected] to sign-up.

ETC Consignment Fundraiser - Collection through March 9th
It's time to donate your unwanted spring clothing and shoes for men, women, and children to ETC Consignments on behalf of Philoptochos, account #200. They are currently accepting short-sleeved items, capris, jeans, and shoes, along with spring decor and housewares.  All clothing/shoes must be in good condition- no holes or stains, missing buttons, excessive wear, etc.  You can call to schedule an appt. at the shop. See ETC’s website for further details relating to donations or see Kathy Lutz.

Next Philoptochos General Meeting

All parishioners are invited to attend our next general meeting on Sunday, March 17th after coffee hour. Afterwards, we will be packing Easter Baskets for CCAP. We are accepting donations of Easter basket fillers – toys, candies, and art supplies. Baskets and grass will be provided. Thank you for your generosity!

Food for CCAP Freedge

Philoptochos will be collecting fresh food items for CCAP Freedge located in Winchester every first Sunday of the month. The next donation date is April 5, 2025. CCAP is a nonprofit group to help the community fill the need of those needing food. CCAP fresh food items include fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, granola, cheese, prepackaged sandwiches and yogurt Please contact Chris Georgarakis at (540) 664-9466 or email us at [email protected] if you have questions.

Koliva

Philoptochos can prepare koliva for memorials. A donation of $75 is appreciated, but it is a free service to anyone upon request.  Please contact Maria Boyer ([email protected]; (703)727-1501) to schedule.

Join Philoptochos 

Help Philoptochos serve our community through agape, philanthropy, and fellowship. We invite all parishioners to join our chapter and make a difference. Copies are available in the church hall and at http://dormition.va.goarch.org/ministries/philoptochos. Please see membership chairperson, Maria Boyer (703-727-1501) or email us for more information.

Contact Us 

For more information, please contact us through email at [email protected] or speak with a Philoptochos board member. Contact information provided on the bulletin board in the hall.

 

 

 


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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 9:00 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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