Dormition of The Virgin Mary
Publish Date: 2025-03-30
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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 Grave Tone

Thou didst abolish death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst transform the myrrh-bearers' lamentation, and didst bid Thine Apostles to preach that Thou art risen, O Christ God, granting great mercy to the world.
Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον, ἠνέῳξας τῷ Λῃστῇ τὸν Παράδεισον, τῶν Μυροφόρων τὸν θρῆνον μετέβαλες, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας, ὅτι ἀνέστης Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. John Climacus in the Plagal Fourth Tone

With the streams of thy tears, thou didst cultivate the barrenness of the desert; and by thy sighings from the depths,thou didst bear fruit a hundredfold in labours; and thou becamest a luminary, shining with miracles upon the world, O John our righteous Father. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Ταίς τών δακρύων σου ροαίς, τής ερήμου τό άγονον εγεώργησας, καί τοίς εκ βάθους στεναγμοίς, εις εκατόν τούς πόνους εκαρποφόρησας, καί γέγονας φωστήρ, τή οικουμένη λάμπων τοίς θαύμασι, Ιωάννη Πατήρ ημών, Όσιε, Πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

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 St. John Climacus
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20

BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Sunday of St. John Climacus
Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 6:13-20

Ἀδελφοί, τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἐπαγγειλάμενος ὁ θεός, ἐπεὶ κατʼ οὐδενὸς εἶχεν μείζονος ὀμόσαι, ὤμοσεν καθʼ ἑαυτοῦ, λέγων, Ἦ μὴν εὐλογῶν εὐλογήσω σε, καὶ πληθύνων πληθυνῶ σε. Καὶ οὕτως μακροθυμήσας ἐπέτυχεν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας. Ἄνθρωποι μὲν γὰρ κατὰ τοῦ μείζονος ὀμνύουσιν, καὶ πάσης αὐτοῖς ἀντιλογίας πέρας εἰς βεβαίωσιν ὁ ὅρκος. Ἐν ᾧ περισσότερον βουλόμενος ὁ θεὸς ἐπιδεῖξαι τοῖς κληρονόμοις τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τὸ ἀμετάθετον τῆς βουλῆς αὐτοῦ, ἐμεσίτευσεν ὅρκῳ, ἵνα διὰ δύο πραγμάτων ἀμεταθέτων, ἐν οἷς ἀδύνατον ψεύσασθαι θεόν, ἰσχυρὰν παράκλησιν ἔχωμεν οἱ καταφυγόντες κρατῆσαι τῆς προκειμένης ἐλπίδος· ἣν ὡς ἄγκυραν ἔχομεν τῆς ψυχῆς ἀσφαλῆ τε καὶ βεβαίαν, καὶ εἰσερχομένην εἰς τὸ ἐσώτερον τοῦ καταπετάσματος· ὅπου πρόδρομος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν εἰσῆλθεν Ἰησοῦς, κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδὲκ ἀρχιερεὺς γενόμενος εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. John Climacus
The Reading is from Mark 9:17-31

At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."

Sunday of St. John Climacus
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 9:17-31

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἄνθρωπός τις προσῆλθε τῷ Ἰησοῦ λέγων, διδάσκαλε, ἤνεγκα τὸν υἱόν μου πρός σε, ἔχοντα πνεῦμα ἄλαλον. καὶ ὅπου ἂν αὐτὸν καταλάβῃ, ῥήσσει αὐτόν, καὶ ἀφρίζει καὶ τρίζει τοὺς ὀδόντας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ξηραίνεται· καὶ εἶπον τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου ἵνα αὐτὸ ἐκβάλωσι, καὶ οὐκ ἴσχυσαν. ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ λέγει· ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος, ἕως πότε πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔσομαι; ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν; φέρετε αὐτὸν πρός με. καὶ ἤνεγκαν αὐτὸν πρὸς αὐτόν. καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὸν εὐθέως τὸ πνεῦμα ἐσπάραξεν αὐτόν, καὶ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἐκυλίετο ἀφρίζων. καὶ ἐπηρώτησε τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ· πόσος χρόνος ἐστὶν ὡς τοῦτο γέγονεν αὐτῷ; ὁ δὲ εἶπε· παιδιόθεν. καὶ πολλάκις αὐτὸν καὶ εἰς πῦρ ἔβαλε καὶ εἰς ὕδατα, ἵνα ἀπολέσῃ αὐτόν· ἀλλ᾿ εἴ τι δύνασαι, βοήθησον ἡμῖν σπλαγχνισθεὶς ἐφ᾿ ἡμᾶς. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ τὸ εἰ δύνασαι πιστεῦσαι, πάντα δυνατὰ τῷ πιστεύοντι. καὶ εὐθέως κράξας ὁ πατὴρ τοῦ παιδίου μετὰ δακρύων ἔλεγε· πιστεύω, κύριε· βοήθει μου τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ὅτι ἐπισυντρέχει ὄχλος, ἐπετίμησε τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ λέγων αὐτῷ· τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἄλαλον καὶ κωφόν, ἐγώ σοι ἐπιτάσσω, ἔξελθε ἐξ αὐτοῦ καὶ μηκέτι εἰσέλθῃς εἰς αὐτόν. καὶ κράξαν καὶ πολλὰ σπαράξαν αὐτὸν ἐξῆλθε, καὶ ἐγένετο ὡσεὶ νεκρός, ὥστε πολλοὺς λέγειν ὅτι ἀπέθανεν. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς κρατήσας αὐτὸν τῆς χειρὸς ἤγειρεν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀνέστη. Καὶ εἰσελθόντα αὐτὸν εἰς οἶκον οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν κατ᾿ ἰδίαν, ὅτι ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τοῦτο τὸ γένος ἐν οὐδενὶ δύναται ἐξελθεῖν εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ. Καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ἐξελθόντες παρεπορεύοντο διὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν ἵνα τις γνῷ· ἐδίδασκε γὰρ τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς ὅτι ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων, καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀποκτανθεὶς τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστήσεται.


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Saints and Feasts

March 30

Sunday of St. John Climacus

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast.


March 30

John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent

This Saint gave himself over to the ascetical life from his early youth. Experienced both in the solitary life of the hermit and in the communal life of cenobitic monasticism, he was appointed Abbot of the Monastery at Mount Sinai and wrote a book containing thirty homilies on virtue. Each homily deals with one virtue, and progressing from those that deal with holy and righteous activity (praxis) unto those that deal with divine vision (theoria), they raise a man up as though by means of steps unto the height of Heaven. For this cause his work is called "The Ladder of Divine Ascent." The day he was made Abbot of Sinai, the Prophet Moses was seen giving commands to those who served at table. Saint John reposed in 603, at eighty years of age. See also the Fourth Sunday of the Fast.


March 30

Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Caesar, & Epaphroditos, the Apostles of the 70


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Seest thou how He now proceeds to lay beforehand in them the foundation of His doctrine about fasting? ... See, at any rate, how many blessings spring from them both. For he that is praying as he ought, and fasting, hath not many wants, and he that hath not many wants, cannot be covetous; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

... he that is not covetous, will be also more disposed for almsgiving. He that fasts is light, and winged, and prays with wakefulness, and quenches his wicked lusts, and propitiates God, and humbles his soul when lifted up. Therefore even the apostles were almost always fasting.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

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Sunday of St. John Climacus

Christ was transfigured on Mount Tabor, revealing His divine nature to His disciples. Immediately after the manifestation of His glory, He began to speak of the coming suffering and death He was to experience, followed by His Resurrection. In this way, He prepared His disciples for the most significant trial to come and taught them about faith and hope.

After the Transfiguration, as Jesus and the disciples come down from the mountain and continue their travels around the region of Galilee, a desperate father seeks out the Lord to help his son. The boy is possessed by an evil spirit, which causes seizures and prevents him from speaking. Besides the tremendous suffering the boy and his family are enduring, his life is also in danger.

At the time of his greatest need, the boy’s father has some measure of hope, which is why he brings his son to Christ’s disciples. The father is desperate for help because he loves his son and has heard that Jesus is known for healing those who come to Him. However, the disciples were not able to help, and when Jesus returns, He rebukes them.

“O faithless generation,” the Lord says, “how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” They bring the boy to Him, and when the evil spirit is in the presence of the Lord, it immediately causes convulsions in the boy. The father tells the Lord that this has been happening since the boy’s childhood. He pleads for pity and help, hoping Jesus could do something for them.

The Lord teaches us that all things are possible for those who have faith in Him. Faith is the key to our spiritual life. Faith needs to be nurtured so that it develops and grows. On the other hand, the absence of faith can be a stumbling block in our lives. Faith connects us to God and becomes the channel through which our lives can be transformed.

Through faith, we draw near to the Lord and open ourselves to His will. By faith, we “entrust ourselves and one another, and our whole lives to Christ our God,” as we petition in the Divine Liturgy. Through faith, God’s grace enters our lives and fills our whole being,enabling us to turn away from sin and towards God, even when we face challenging trials and powerful temptations. As Saint Paul writes, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

The disciples could not help the boy because they did not yet completely trust the Lord, so their faith faltered. When the boy’s father brought his son to the Lord, he also was unsure that Jesus could help. The Lord answers him and tells him not to doubt because all things are possible for those who believe. Immediately, the father cries out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” The Lord satisfies the father’s request because of His great love and mercy.

This simple yet honest and powerful prayer — I believe; help my unbelief! — can become our own prayer as our confidence and faith in Christ continue to grow every day, with His help and guidance. The Lord says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). The father in the Gospel lesson seeks to increase his faith so that his son may be healed, and the Lord responds with love and compassion. He answers the prayer, and it becomes a kind of resurrection for the boy. The son who could not speak and appeared lifeless is healed by the Son of God, who would Himself rise from the dead, forever changing the course of humankind. Faith in Christ requires trust in Him, and through faith, He who rose from the dead also restores our lives to renewal.

Sickness in Scripture is often connected to demonic possession because the physical world is intertwined with the unseen world. As human beings, we are comprised of soul and body. The spiritual and physical worlds are united within us in ways that transcend our understanding. Ultimately, we aim to draw near to God as integrated human beings — in soul and body with faith and love. In this way, we can be healed of our spiritual infirmities and transfigured by God’s grace. This begins with repentance and humility. Metaphorical-ly, it is a journey to scale the mountain of faith and climb the ladder of spiritual ascent.

The father in the Gospel reading shows humility by kneeling, but he still lacks faith. The disciples also lack faith, but Christ rebukes the man for reproaching the disciples since the boy’s healing was prevented by his own lack of faith. In effect, Jesus publicly defends His disciples, only to rebuke them privately later. We are similarly encouraged to graciously correct others first in private and avoid publicly embarrassing them. In this regard, Saint Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia generally instructs us to “exercise ourselves in patience and endurance” and to approach all situations “with love, kindness, meekness, patience and humility.”

When the disciples ask the Lord why they could not cast out the spirit from the boy, Jesus says that spiritual bondage can only be broken by prayer and fasting. Banishing

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spiritual enemies requires an inclusive approach based on faith, prayer, and fasting. In this light, we come to understand the spiritual purpose of fasting. As Saint Nektarios of Aegina explains, “Fasting is recommended as a means of preparing the mind and the heart for divine worship, for long prayer, for rising from the earthly, and for spiritualization.”

During this time of Great Lent, we have been given the opportunity to increase our efforts in the spiritual disciplines — fasting, praying, and almsgiving — and grow in faith. If we trust in the Lord when we ask for His help, He will answer us according to our spiritual needs. He will come to our rescue because the Lord is always with us. He loves us and longs for our salvation.

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Church Services

Upcoming Services

 March 2025 Services

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 Ray and Christina Vazquez 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

We want to thank everyone that volunteered at this year’s Easter Bake Sale and Take-Out. It was a great success, and we could not have done it without your help!

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

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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