Dormition of The Virgin Mary
Publish Date: 2025-03-23
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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 Plagal Second Tone

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.
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy 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.
Σώσον Κύριε τόν λαόν σου καί ευλόγησον τήν κληρονομίαν σου, νίκας τοίς Βασιλεύσι κατά βαρβάρων δωρούμενος καί τό σόν φυλάττων διά τού Σταυρού σου πολίτευμα.

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

Sunday of the Holy Cross
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."

Sunday of the Holy Cross
Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 4:14-16, 5:1-6

Ἀδελφοί, ἔχοντες οὖν ἀρχιερέα μέγαν, διεληλυθότα τοὺς οὐρανούς, Ἰησοῦν τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ θεοῦ, κρατῶμεν τῆς ὁμολογίας. Οὐ γὰρ ἔχομεν ἀρχιερέα μὴ δυνάμενον συμπαθῆσαι ταῖς ἀσθενείαις ἡμῶν, πεπειραμένον δὲ κατὰ πάντα καθʼ ὁμοιότητα, χωρὶς ἁμαρτίας. Προσερχώμεθα οὖν μετὰ παρρησίας τῷ θρόνῳ τῆς χάριτος, ἵνα λάβωμεν ἔλεον, καὶ χάριν εὕρωμεν εἰς εὔκαιρον βοήθειαν. Πᾶς γὰρ ἀρχιερεύς, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων λαμβανόμενος, ὑπὲρ ἀνθρώπων καθίσταται τὰ πρὸς τὸν θεόν, ἵνα προσφέρῃ δῶρά τε καὶ θυσίας ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν· μετριοπαθεῖν δυνάμενος τοῖς ἀγνοοῦσιν καὶ πλανωμένοις, ἐπεὶ καὶ αὐτὸς περίκειται ἀσθένειαν· καὶ διὰ ταύτην ὀφείλει, καθὼς περὶ τοῦ λαοῦ, οὕτως καὶ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ, προσφέρειν ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν. Καὶ οὐχ ἑαυτῷ τις λαμβάνει τὴν τιμήν, ἀλλὰ καλούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ, καθάπερ καὶ Ἀαρών. Οὕτως καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς οὐχ ἑαυτὸν ἐδόξασεν γενηθῆναι ἀρχιερέα, ἀλλʼ ὁ λαλήσας πρὸς αὐτόν, Υἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε. Καθὼς καὶ ἐν ἑτέρῳ λέγει, Σὺ ἱερεὺς εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδέκ.


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."

Sunday of the Holy Cross
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 8:34-38, 9:1

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· Εἴ τις θέλει ὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν, ἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι. ὃς γὰρ ἂν θέλῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ σῶσαι, ἀπολέσει αὐτήν· ὃς δ᾿ ἂν ἀπολέσῃ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχὴν ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ καὶ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, οὗτος σώσει αὐτήν. τί γὰρ ὠφελήσει ἄνθρωπον ἐὰν κερδήσῃ τὸν κόσμον ὅλον, καὶ ζημιωθῇ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ; ἢ τί δώσει ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ; ὃς γὰρ ἐὰν ἐπαισχυνθῇ με καὶ τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους ἐν τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ μοιχαλίδι καὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ, καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐπαισχυνθήσεται αὐτὸν ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν ἁγίων. Καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι εἰσί τινες τῶν ὧδε ἑστηκότων, οἵτινες οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου ἕως ἂν ἴδωσι τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐληλυθυῖαν ἐν δυνάμει.


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Saints and Feasts

March 23

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 23

The Holy Righteous Martyr Nicon and His 199 Disciples

Saint Nicon was from Neapolis (Naples) in Italy. His father was an idolater and his mother a Christian. At first he was a soldier, but later he went to the East, where he was baptized and in time became a bishop. After some years, he returned to the West and came to Sicily, where he and many of his disciples were put to death by beheading because they would not worship the idols.


March 23

Anatolios & Protoleon the Martyrs converted by the martyrdom of St. George


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Wisdom of the Fathers

The key to knowledge is the humility of Christ. The door of the Kingdom of Heaven is open, not to those who only know in their learned minds the mysteries of faith and the commandments of their Creator, but to those who have progressed far enough to live by them.
St. Bede the Venerable
Unknown, 8th century

To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."
St. Innocent of Alaska
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

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Sunday of the Holy Cross

Jesus and His disciples were traveling throughout the towns of Galilee, and He asked them, “Who do men say that I am?” The disciples said, “Some say John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets.” Jesus replied, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” From this moment on, Jesus began to teach His disciples that the Son of Man must suffer many things, be rejected by the religious leaders, be killed, and after three days, rise again. When Peter heard this, he objected. Having recognized that Jesus was the Messiah (meaning “Christ”, in Greek Χριστός), he could only conceive that the Savior of Israel would triumph over all enemies through the exercise of power and not weakness, much less death. He could not yet understand that the Cross is the means through which death would be destroyed and all spiritual enemies would be defeated. Therefore, this became the occasion when the Lord taught His disciples that the door to eternal life will always be open on the other side of the cross. He said: “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This is an invitation for us to draw close to the Lord and become like Him. For if we die with Him, we will also live and reign with Him. The cross was the Roman Empire’s tool for cruel punishment, torture, and execution. However, Christ transforms all things, and He turns even sorrow and pain into paths towards healing and redemption. He destroys death by death. The most significant symbol of death in the ancient world has become a symbol of life and resurrection for us. The Cross of our Lord was the means through which He triumphed over death and became a Sacrifice for our redemption. In this way, the cross is, for us, a symbol of our suffering in imitation of Christ and a promise of His victory. The Holy Cross is the sign and sacrament of the liberation and restoration we have been given because of Christ’s sacrifice. By the Cross, we are united to Him and protected by Him. In the Apolytikion of the Holy Cross, we chant, “Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance; grant victory to the faithful over their adversaries, and protect Your people, by the power of Your Cross.” Trials and tribulations are inevitable in this world, but the Holy Spirit gives us His grace to persevere and, through endurance, to acquire faith, hope, and love. Jesus tells us that whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for His sake and the gospel’s will save it. As Saint John Chrysostom says, “For your soul, if you lose it, you will have no other soul to give: yea, though you had the world . . . you would not be able, by paying down all earthly goods, with the earth itself, to redeem but one soul.” The greatest paradox of Christian living is that when we try to hold on to the things of this world in a selfish way, we lose them. We also lose eternal life because we have made earthly possessions and pleasures our ultimate treasure. On the other hand, paradoxically, when we center our lives on God and do everything to express our love for Christ and our neighbor, we enter into fellowship with God in this life and receive eternal life with Him in heaven as well. We practice self-denial, especially during this time of Great Lent, out of our love for God and obedience to the Gospel. Therefore, taking up our cross is neither a punishment nor an end in and of itself, but rather how we overcome this fallen world for the Kingdom 2of God. Cooperating with the grace of God in the Holy Spirit, we crucify our “flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24), and we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit who lives in us so that we can walk by His power and according to His will. We are called to carry our personal cross — a cross of desires, passions, sins, and challenges in life. When we set aside the things that take us farther from God and choose the path of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit, which is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). The Lord calls us to die to our broken selves so we can be made new in Him. It is important to remember that even if our cross becomes heavy, we know that there is the resurrection behind every cross. The Divine Light of God shines in and through us on the other side of the cross. This is why the Lord revealed that light to His disciples in the Transfiguration, which took place right after He spoke these words. The last sentence of this gospel reading — “there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power” — refers to the Holy Transfiguration. Indeed, Peter, John, and James saw the Kingdom of God as a power and as light at the Holy Transfiguration. We can experience this same power and light of the Kingdom of God during the Divine Liturgy and in our personal prayer, especially the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.”). Bearing the cross of Christ takes work. It requires that we deny our selfish will so that we are ready to receive Christ. It requires that we empty our hearts to be filled with the Holy Spirit. At the same time, we are called to remember to love ourselves as creations of God and to help others who are also creations of God. We learn to live in faith, hope, and love by taking up our cross and following Him. In faith, we know He is with us even in trials. In hope, we know that the Light of the Resurrection awaits us on the other side of the cross. In love, we learn that, as it was with Christ, the way to God’s glory is through humility and perseverance. The only way out is through. The way to glory passes through the cross daily. After having given Himself entirely and without reservation for our redemption, Christ was seated at the right hand of the Father in glory. We, too, will reign with Him if we take up our cross and follow Him.

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Church Services

Upcoming Services

 March 2025 Services

03/25/25 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 

Mrmorial Service

We will be having a 5-year memorial service for Chriss Poulos. May his memory be enteral.

Coffee Hour

We want to thank Philoptochos 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/

Annual Yard Cleanup

Our annual yard cleanup day is April 5th at 9 am. Please come and help us get our church ready for spring. We will be spreading mulch, cleaning flower beds, and leaves. Please see Bill Sardelis for more information. 

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.  

 

 


Ladies Philoptochos News

HCHC Special Tray and Luncheon

Join us for the annual Hellenic College Holy Cross fundraiser luncheon during coffee hour on Sunday, March 23rd accompanied by a special Greek Independence Day program.  It is a National Commitment to support HCHC with a collection tray to be passed at the end of Divine Liturgy. 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 at https://dormition.va.goarch.org/ministries/philoptochos.  Complete applications due June 15, 2025. Contact for full details. Contact Chris Georgarakis, (540) 664-9466; [email protected] 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.

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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