St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2026-08-23
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St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 757-220-0994
  • Street Address:

  • 4900 Mooretown Road

  • Williamsburg, VA 23188


Contact Information








Services Schedule

Sunday Services -- Kuriakh:

Orthros, 9:00 a.m.

Divine Liturgy, 10:00 a.m.

OrqroV, 0900 pm.

Q. Leitourgia, 1000 pm.

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, Wednesdays during Great Lent at 6 p.m.

Salutations to the Theotokos, on the first five Saturdays of Great Lent at 6 p.m.

Weekday Holy Days (as scheduled):

Orthros, 8:45 a.m.

Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.

KaqhmerineV EorteV:

OrqroV, 0845 pm.

Q. Leitourgia, 0930 pm.

 


Past Bulletins


Message from Fr. Gianulis

The Leavetaking (Apodosis) of the Feast of the Dormition

Every major feast day of the Church has its leavetaking, or apodosis. When an event is beautiful, we long to see it again. When a dish is delicious, we want to taste it again. The celebration of an event celebrating something in the life of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos is nourishment for the soul. It sweetens the soul. We should want to celebrate it again, and the Church recognizes this and gives us the occassion. 

We celebrate her passing from life. It is a beautiful occassion and not a day of mourning. She is received into heaven by her Son, our Savior.

The feasts of the Church are a real gift, an opportunity for all to worship the Holy Trinity. The feasts of the Mother of God are an occasion to honor and show our gratitude to our all-holy Lady, who played such a vital role in out salvation. The Church teaches us, instructs us, and shows us the way that in imitation of her humility and faith, we follow her into heaven. The Church urges us to imitate her, who is honored again today, on the apodosis of the Feast Day. As such, the Church urges us to reflect her in our own lives, to take a critical look at ourselves, to let the holiness of the Mother of God enter, and to struggle spiritually to attain her humility and acceptance.

So, let us follow her and follow the way of life she lived. Let us embrace the virtues of the Theotokos. How can measure all those traits of her personality? What comes to mind?

Her character will always be the path towards holiness for us Christians, the shining star that will be leading us to the Savior Christ. This is the most comprehensive way to reassess our life and its meaning.




Upcoming Divine Services and Holy Days

FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS

Evening Divine Liturgy, Monday, September 7th

Divine Liturgy, 6:00 p.m.

To prepare to receive holy communion, eat lenten food this day, and nothing after you mid-day meal.




Announcements

ICONOGRAPHY PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION

The work progresses. We appreciate your patience and understanding as there will be some disruption, like and alternate entry into the sanctuary and restrooms, no candle lighting, etc. The iconographers hope to conclude by August 26th. Sunday services will go on as scheduled!
If you have an interest in donating toward this project, there are still opportunities for a blessing available. Please reach out to Father Milton, Athanasios Jouvanis, or any member of the iconography committee. 

ICONOGRAPHY PROJECT LUNCHEON AND CELEBRATION

Please join us for a Community Luncheon to celebrate the completion of our sanctuary and narthex iconography. Join us following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, August 23, in the Hellenic Center. Sandwiches/subs will be provided by the Parish Council and Iconography committee. Parishioners are invited to bring a side dish to share, if they wish.

Our iconographers, the Christodoulou brothers, will offer a brief presentation of the iconography, followed by an opportunity for questions and answers.

Come enjoy good food, fellowship, and a wonderful opportunity to learn more about and celebrate this beautiful addition to our Church. 


SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTING SOON

Τhe school year begins on September 6th with an Water Blessing Service--Αγιασμός. Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 academic year for children preschool through high school. Register online here or complete the attached form and return to Jamie Agnew or Amalia Boyer. Be sure to register your child/children by August 23.
 
If you have any questions or would like to get involved in the St. Demetrios Church School Program, please contact Jamie (757) 508-3642 or Amalia (631) 599-9009.

ORTHODOXY 101 - ADULT CATECHISM

Adult catechism classes will begin on Thursday evenings beginnin on September 17th.  All those who are seeking to be Chrismated or Baptized in the Orthodox Faith should plan to attend, unless other catechism arrangements have beem made with Father Milton. The classes are also open to repeat attenders and anyone who would like a review of basic Orthodox teachings. Classes meet from 7 - 8 p.m. weekly on Thursdays and will be taught by Deacon Timothy. 


Interested in Learning Greek?

We’re excited to offer Greek classes this Fall! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to strengthen your Greek, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the comfort of your own home through Zoom. If you’d like to join the classes, you can register through ZoomGreekClasses or contact Demetra directly to [email protected]

This is a wonderful opportunity for children and adults to learn a new language, connect with Greek culture, and build lasting skills in a supportive environment—register now to secure your spot!


WELCOME WILLIAM & MARY STUDENTS

We welcome new and incoming students this weekend. Fall 2026 New Student Orientation runs Friday, August 21 - Tuesday, August 25 with Family Orientation slated for Friday, August 21. Our hope is to see families attend St. Demetrios this Sunday.


FATHER SAV MISSION WALK SAVE THE DATE

This year’s annual Father Savas Constantinou Memorial Family Mission Walk will be held on Saturday October 3rd at First Landing State Park Virginia Beach from 9:30 am -2 pm.  Plan to join us for this 5 mile fun walk.  And please donate as we raise funds to help Orthodox seminarians, the IOCC, the OCMC, local and national charities. Complimentary lunch, give aways & fabulous baskets for silent auction. Pet friendly & family oriented!  Food, fellowship & Fun!
Follow us on Facebook (@fathersavmissionwalk). For more info contact Ed Ullom (757-477-7915/[email protected]) or Kathy Stephanitsis (757-536-1597/[email protected])

Visit us on Facebook & YouTube

Updates on Orthodox Church news items can be found on our Facebook page. We thank Presbytera for monitoring and administering the page.

Visit us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@St.DemetriosOrthodoxChurch -- Please subscribe to our channel

Also, check out our St. Demetrios website.


YOUR PRIEST IS AS CLOSE AS YOUR TELEPHONE

Father Gianulis wants to be with you when you are hospitalized, even if you believe it is minor. However, he is not a mind reader. If you are sick and hospitalized, or have any other pastoral or sacramental need, do not hesitate to call him. And of course, he would appreciate a call if you know of someone who has passed. He can always be reached by calling the church phone number, 220-0994, or in emergencies, his mobile (757) 508-5367. 


Remember in Prayer for Health

Physician of Souls and Bodies – Royal Doors

George Canavos

Beverly Daikos

Peter Daikos

Karen Durniak

Demi Emmanouil

Savvas Kaminarides

Sheree Konstantinou

Sonny Halioris

Jim Kokolis 

Nancy Marakos

Chris Marker

Yanni and Marianthe Palantzas

Zena Parker

John and Connie Pavlides

Rita Prassas

Stephanie Wright




Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

12th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 15:1-11

Brethren, I would remind you in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast -- unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

12th Sunday of Matthew
Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 15:1-11

Ἀδελφοί, γνωρίζω δὲ ὑμῖν, ἀδελφοί, τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ὃ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ παρελάβετε, ἐν ᾧ καὶ ἑστήκατε, διʼ οὗ καὶ σῴζεσθε· τίνι λόγῳ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν, εἰ κατέχετε, ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ εἰκῇ ἐπιστεύσατε. Παρέδωκα γὰρ ὑμῖν ἐν πρώτοις, ὃ καὶ παρέλαβον, ὅτι Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν κατὰ τὰς γραφάς. καὶ ὅτι ἐτάφη· καὶ ὅτι ἐγήγερται τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ κατὰ τὰς γραφάς· καὶ ὅτι ὤφθη Κηφᾷ, εἶτα τοῖς δώδεκα· ἔπειτα ὤφθη ἐπάνω πεντακοσίοις ἀδελφοῖς ἐφάπαξ, ἐξ ὧν οἱ πλείους μένουσιν ἕως ἄρτι, τινὲς δὲ καὶ ἐκοιμήθησαν· ἔπειτα ὤφθη Ἰακώβῳ, εἶτα τοῖς ἀποστόλοις πᾶσιν· ἔσχατον δὲ πάντων, ὡσπερεὶ τῷ ἐκτρώματι, ὤφθη κἀμοί. Ἐγὼ γάρ εἰμι ὁ ἐλάχιστος τῶν ἀποστόλων, ὃς οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς καλεῖσθαι ἀπόστολος, διότι ἐδίωξα τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ. Χάριτι δὲ θεοῦ εἰμι ὅ εἰμι, καὶ ἡ χάρις αὐτοῦ ἡ εἰς ἐμὲ οὐ κενὴ ἐγενήθη, ἀλλὰ περισσότερον αὐτῶν πάντων ἐκοπίασα, οὐκ ἐγὼ δέ, ἀλλʼ ἡ χάρις τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ σὺν ἐμοί. Εἴτε οὖν ἐγώ, εἴτε ἐκεῖνοι, οὕτως κηρύσσομεν καὶ οὕτως ἐπιστεύσατε.


Gospel Reading

12th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 19:16-26

At that time, a young man came up to Jesus, kneeling and saying, "Good Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you call me good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." He said to him, "Which?" And Jesus said, "You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "All these I have observed; what do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

12th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 19:16-26

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, νεανίσκος τις προσῆλθε τῷ Ἰησοῦ, γονυπετῶν αὐτόν, καὶ λέγων· Διδάσκαλε ἀγαθέ, τί ἀγαθὸν ποιήσω ἵνα ἔχω ζωὴν αἰώνιον; ‘O δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· τί με λέγεις ἀγαθόν; οὐδεὶς ἀγαθὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός. εἰ δὲ θέλεις εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν ζωήν, τήρησον τὰς ἐντολάς. λέγει αὐτῷ· ποίας; ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπε· τὸ οὐ φονεύσεις, οὐ μοιχεύσεις, οὐ κλέψεις, οὐ ψευδομαρτυρήσεις, τίμα τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα, καὶ ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν. λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ νεανίσκος· πάντα ταῦτα ἐφυλαξάμην ἐκ νεότητός μου· τί ἔτι ὑστερῶ; ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ ῾Ιησοῦς· εἰ θέλεις τέλειος εἶναι, ὕπαγε πώλησόν σου τὰ ὑπάρχοντα καὶ δὸς πτωχοῖς, καὶ ἕξεις θησαυρὸν ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ δεῦρο ἀκολούθει μοι. ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ νεανίσκος τὸν λόγον ἀπῆλθε λυπούμενος· ἦν γὰρ ἔχων κτήματα πολλά. ῾Ο δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι δυσκόλως πλούσιος εἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν. πάλιν δὲ λέγω ὑμῖν, εὐκοπώτερόν ἐστι κάμηλον διὰ τρυπήματος ῥαφίδος διελθεῖν ἢ πλούσιον εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσελθεῖν. ἀκούσαντες δὲ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἐξεπλήσσοντο σφόδρα λέγοντες· τίς ἄρα δύναται σωθῆναι; ἐμβλέψας δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· παρὰ ἀνθρώποις τοῦτο ἀδύνατόν ἐστι, παρὰ δὲ Θεῷ πάντα δυνατά ἐστι.




Saints and Feasts

August 23

Apodosis of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Concerning the Dormition of the Theotokos, this is what the Church has received from ancient times from the tradition of the Fathers. When the time drew nigh that our Savior was well-pleased to take His Mother to Himself, He declared unto her through an Angel that three days hence, He would translate her from this temporal life to eternity and bliss. On hearing this, she went up with haste to the Mount of Olives, where she prayed continuously. Giving thanks to God, she returned to her house and prepared whatever was necessary for her burial. While these things were taking place, clouds caught up the Apostles from the ends of the earth, where each one happened to be preaching, and brought them at once to the house of the Mother of God, who informed them of the cause of their sudden gathering. As a mother, she consoled them in their affliction as was meet, and then raised her hands to Heaven and prayed for the peace of the world. She blessed the Apostles, and, reclining upon her bed with seemliness, gave up her all-holy spirit into the hands of her Son and God.

With reverence and many lights, and chanting burial hymns, the Apostles took up that God-receiving body and brought it to the sepulchre, while the Angels from Heaven chanted with them, and sent forth her who is higher than the Cherubim. But one Jew, moved by malice, audaciously stretched forth his hand upon the bed and immediately received from divine judgment the wages of his audacity. Those daring hands were severed by an invisible blow. But when he repented and asked forgiveness, his hands were restored. When they had reached the place called Gethsemane, they buried there with honor the all-immaculate body of the Theotokos, which was the source of Life. But on the third day after the burial, when they were eating together, and raised up the artos (bread) in Jesus' Name, as was their custom, the Theotokos appeared in the air, saying "Rejoice" to them. From this they learned concerning the bodily translation of the Theotokos into the Heavens.

These things has the Church received from the traditions of the Fathers, who have composed many hymns out of reverence, to the glory of the Mother of our God (see Oct. 3 and 4).


August 23

Our Holy Father Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons

The Holy Hieromartyr Irenaeus was born in Asia Minor about the year 120, and in his youth was a disciple of Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna. Saint Irenaeus was sent to Lyons in Gaul, to be a fellow labourer of Pothinus, Bishop of Lyons (celebrated June 2), who had also been a disciple of Saint Polycarp. After the martyrdom of Saint Pothinus, Saint Irenaeus succeeded him as Bishop of Lyons. Besides the assaults of paganism, Irenaeus found himself compelled to do battle with many Gnostic heresies, against which he wrote his greatest work, A Refutation and Overthrow of Knowledge Falsely So Called . He was also a peace-maker within the Church. When Victor, Bishop of Rome, was prepared to excommunicate the Christians of Asia Minor for following a different tradition celebrating Pascha, Irenaeus persuaded him to moderate his zeal, and mediated peace. He made Lyons an illustrious bastion of Orthodoxy and a school of piety, and sealed his confession with martyrdom about the year 202, during the reign of Septimius Severus. He is not to be confused with Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Sirmium, also celebrated today, who was beheaded and cast into a river in 304 under Diocletian.


August 23

Lupus the Martyr

The Holy Martyr Lupus was a devoted servant of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius, and was present at his martyrdom. Later, when his own labors in confession of the Faith became known to the rulers, Saint Lupus himself was arrested, given over to torture, and finally beheaded for Christ.


August 23

The Righteous Father Nicholas of Sikelion




Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Tone

Let the heavens be glad. Let the earth rejoice exceedingly. For the Lord has shown strength with his arm. He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead. Out of the belly of Hades, He has rescued us, and to the world He has granted the great mercy.
Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Apodosis of the Dormition in the First Tone

You gave birth yet preserved your virginity. You fell asleep in death yet did not desert the world, O Theotokos. You were transported to life, as you are Mother of Life and, by virtue of your intercessions, deliver our souls from death.
Εν τή Γεννήσει τήν παρθενίαν εφύλαξας, έν τή Κοιμήσει τόν κόσμον ού κατέλιπες Θεοτόκε, Μετέστης πρός τήν ζωήν, μήτηρ υπάρχουσα τής ζωής, καί ταίς πρεσβείαις ταίς σαίς λυτρουμένη, εκ θανάτου τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.
Τήν εν πρεσβείαις ακοίμητον Θεοτόκον, καί προστασίαις αμετάθετον ελπίδα, τάφος καί νέκρωσις ουκ εκράτησεν, ως γάρ ζωής Μητέρα, πρός τήν ζωήν μετέστησεν, ο μήτραν οικήσας αειπάρθενον.


Wisdom of the Fathers

Rise from love of the world and love of pleasure. Put care aside, strip your mind, refuse your body. Prayer, after all, is a turning away from the world, visible and invisible. What have I in heaven? Nothing except simply to cling always to You in undistracted prayer. Wealth pleases some, glory others, possessions others, but what I want is to cling to God and to put the hopes of my dispassion in Him (cf. Ps. 72:25, 28).
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 28: On Prayer; Paulist Press pg. 277, 6th century

Spiritual delight is not enjoyment found in things that exists outside the soul.
St. Isaac of Syria
Unknown, 7th century



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