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Four Evangelists Orthodox Church, Bel Air, Maryland

Four Evangelists Orthodox Church, Bel Air, Maryland

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News

Weekly Update: Dormition Fast, 8th Sunday after Pentecost, and the Feast of the Transfiguration

29 July 2025 at 10:58

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Dormition Fast and the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord
From 1 August through 14 August the Orthodox Church keeps a two week fast known as the Dormition Fast. This fast —the final fast of the liturgical year— is in preparation for the Feast of the Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Mother of God on 15 August, one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church.

See the article Why a Fast for Dormition? from the UOC of the USA website.

During this time falls the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord on 6 August (also one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church). Please join us on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, at 6pm as we celebrate the Transfiguration with the service of Vespers. It is also an ancient tradition for the faithful to bring grapes and other fruit to be blessed on the Transfiguration. As Fr. Thomas Hopko explains:

The summer celebration of the feast, however, has lent itself very well to the theme of transfiguration. The blessing of grapes, as well as other fruits and vegetables on this day is the most beautiful and adequate sign of the final transfiguration of all things in Christ. It signifies the ultimate flowering and fruitfulness of all creation in the paradise of God’s unending Kingdom of Life where all will he transformed by the glory of the Lord. (from Feast of the Transfiguration 2015, Saint Tikhon’s Monastery)

At the conclusion of the Fast, we will celebrate Vespers for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on Thursday, 14 August 2025 at 6pm.

Transfiguration of Our Lord
Transfiguration of Our Lord
 

Prayers
In your prayers please continue to remember our catechumens (Rob & Stacy, Michael, Nicholas, and Michael), new mothers and babies, the sick, the poor, travelers, those impacted by war and calamities, and those in need.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,…” — 1st Epistle of St. Timothy 2.1

 

Charitable Pantry
The St. Caritas (from the Latin for love) Pantry in our parking lot is continually used throughout the week. Thanks be to God! If you have canned goods or non-perishable items to donate, you can place them in the supply box in the restroom hallway. Thank you!

 

8th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, 3 August 2025, is the 8th Sunday after Pentecost. On this day we commemorate the Holy Myrrhbearer and cousin of the Virgin Mary Salome (+1st c.) and Venerable Isaac the Ascetic of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople (+383), among others.

The readings for this Sunday are:

  • 1 Corinthians 1.10-18 (Epistle)
  • Matthew 14.14-22 (Gospel)
 

Bible Study and Catechumen’s Classes
Mark your calendars! Wednesday, 6 August 2025, at 7pm will begin a new session of catechumen classes. Catechumen classes will alternate every other week with a new Bible Study class (starting on 13 August 2025 at 7pm).

 

Parish Council Meeting
There will be a parish council meeting on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, at 7:30pm.

 

Metropolitan Antony’s Visit
As a reminder, there will be a signup sheet in the kitchen for cleaning duties in preparation for Metropolitan Antony’s visit on Sunday, 17 August 2025. Thank you in advance for any help in this endeavor!

 

Frequently Asked Questions – Mid-Week Services
If you haven’t taken a look, please check out our growing list of Frequently Asked Questions on our website. We hope these will be of use to neighbors, potential visitors, new visitors, or anyone else who might have questions about our parish. If you have a question or suggestion, please send a note to 4ev.webmaster@gmail.com.

Someone recently asked, do you have mid-week services?

Great question. The short answer is yes. Following the liturgical calendar, a church could (and some do!) have services every day, including the Divine Liturgy. In our local setting, due to the constraints of employment and other factors, we will most often celebrate mid-week feast days with Vespers on the preceding evening. There are times, however, when we are able to meet during the day for mid-week services.

According to a liturgical reckoning of time, the day begins in the evening/sundown following the biblical account of creation and then is patterned on the Daily Offices (i.e., Liturgy of the Hours). Hence, Vespers is the first service of the day, then Compline, then the Midnight Office, etc.

For example, the Feast of the Transfiguration is on 6 August every year, but will be celebrated by us on the evening of 5 August (according to your wall calendar! … but 6 August according to liturgical time!).

 

This Week and Looking Ahead

  • Dormition Fast, 01 August through 14 August.
  • Vespers on Saturday, 2 August 2025, at 6pm.
  • Divine Liturgy on Sunday, 3 August 2025, at 9:00am.
  • Vespers for the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, Tuesday, 05 August 2025, at 6pm.
  • Catechumen class on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, at 7pm.
  • Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, at 7pm.
  • Bible Study on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, at 7pm.
  • Vespers for the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Thursday, 14 August 2025, at 6pm.
  • Archpastoral visit with Metropolitan Antony on Sunday, 17 August 2025.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Divine Liturgy, Dormition, Transfiguration, Vespers

Church Cleaning Help Needed

25 July 2025 at 06:30

Glory to Jesus Christ!

In preparation for Metropolitan Antony’s visit on Sunday, 17 August 2025, we will have a general church cleaning after the Liturgy on 10 August 2025, followed by a second cleaning preceding Vespers on 16 August 2025 at 4:30 pm.

Items include cleaning the kitchen, narthex, nave, rear hallway, and restrooms.

A sign-up sheet will be posted in the church kitchen or you can contact Tracey Hand at tahand58@gmail.com or 443-617-1378 for specific details.

Thank you in advance for your help in making our place of worship clean and welcoming.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: church cleaning

Weekly Update: 7th Sunday after Pentecost and the Commemoration of the Holy Greatmartyr and Healer St. Panteleimon

22 July 2025 at 06:30

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Thank You to Fr. Robert
A heartfelt thank you to Fr. Robert Holet for filling in on 13 July 2025 while Fr. Gregory was on his vacation. Thank you!

 

Prayers
In your prayers please continue to remember our catechumens (Rob & Stacy, Michael, Nicholas, and Michael), new mothers and babies, the sick, the poor, travelers, those impacted by war and calamities, and those in need.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,…” — 1st Epistle of St. Timothy 2.1

 

Choir Practice
Choir practice for Tuesday, 22 July 2025 at 6:30pm, will be at the church.

 

Parish Council Meeting
There will be a parish council meeting at 7:30 on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, at the church.

 

7th Sunday after Pentecost and the Commemoration of the Holy Greatmartyr and Healer St. Panteleimon
Sunday, 27 July 2025, is the 7th Sunday after Pentecost. On this day we commemorate St. Panteleimon, among others. .

The readings for this Sunday are:

  • 2 Timothy 2.1-10 (Epistle, Saint)
  • John 15.17-16.2 (Gospel, Saint)
  • Romans 15.1-7 (Epistle)
  • Matthew 9.27-35 (Gospel)
 

O holy prizewinner and Healer Panteleimon, / intercede with the merciful God, / that He grant unto our souls the forgiveness of our offenses.
— Troparion for St. Panteleimon

St. Panteleimon the Greatmartyr and Healer
 

Brief Budget Meeting and Planning Meeting for Metropolitan’s Visit
On Sunday, 27 July 2025, during coffee hour following the Divine Liturgy, we will have a meeting to vote on budgetary items that were on hold from our annual parish meeting.

At this time we will also discuss plans for Metropolitan Antony’s visit on Sunday, 17 August 2025. Items to discuss include a parish cleaning date and meal coordination, among others.

 

Bible Study and Catechumen’s Classes
Bible study (Gospel of St. John or the Acts of the Apostles) and a new session of catechumen classes will be starting again soon. Classes will be at the church on Wednesdays on an alternating basis. Stay tuned for details!

 

This Week and Looking Ahead

  • Choir practice on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, at 6:30pm.
  • Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, at 7:30pm.
  • Vespers on Saturday, 26 July 2025, at 6pm.
  • Divine Liturgy on Sunday, 27 July 2025, at 9:00am.
  • Budgetary and Metropolitan’s Visit Planning Meeting, Sunday, 27 July 2025, during coffee hour.
  • Dormition Fast, 01 August through 14 August.
  • Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, Wednesday, 06 August 2025.
  • Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Friday, 15 August 2025.
  • Archpastoral visit with Metropolitan Antony on Sunday, 17 August 2025.

Filed Under: News

Weekly Update: 5th Sunday after Pentecost and the Commemoration of the Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils

8 July 2025 at 07:00

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Thank You to Fr. Charles
We are blessed and thankful to have had Fr. Charles Sanderson back with us for the Divine Liturgy this past Sunday while Fr. Gregory is on vacation. As many know, Fr. Charles served at Four Evangelists Orthodox Church as a deacon before being ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Daniel on the Feast of the Nativity 2019.

Thank you!

Fr. Charles Sanderson — 06 July 2025
Fr. Charles Sanderson — 06 July 2025 (photo by Alex Krowzow)
 

Prayers
In your prayers please continue to remember our catechumens (Rob & Stacy, Michael, Nicholas, and Michael), new mothers and babies, the sick, the poor, travelers, those impacted by war and calamities, and those in need.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,…” — 1st Epistle of St. Timothy 2.1

 

Choir Practice
Choir practice for Tuesday, 08 July 2025 at 6:30pm, will be at the Mukai home and not at the church. Please contact Peggy for details.

 

Fr. Gregory on Vacation
As a reminder, Fr Gregory will be on vacation for remainder of the week. Filling in on Sunday, 13 July 2025, will be Fr. Robert Holet.

Any changes to our services will be announced on our website calendar.

 

5th Sunday after Pentecost and the Commemoration of the Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils
Sunday, 13 July 2025, is the 5th Sunday after Pentecost. On this day we commemorate Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils.

The readings for this Sunday are:

  • Hebrews 13.7-16 (Epistle, Commemoration of the Fathers)
  • John 17.1-13 (Gospel, Commemoration of the Fathers)
  • Romans 10.1-10 (Epistle)
  • Matthew 8.28-9.1 (Gospel)
 

You are most glorious, O Christ our God, / You have established the Fathers as lights upon the earth, / and through them, You have guided all of us to the true Faith! / O greatly compassionate one, glory to You.
— Troparion for Fathers of the First Six Councils

 

Planning Meeting for Metropolitan’s Visit
On Sunday, 20 July 2025, during coffee hour following the Divine Liturgy, we will have a meeting to plan for Metropolitan Antony’s visit on Sunday, 17 August 2025. Items to discuss include a parish cleaning date and meal coordination, among others.

 

Bible Study and Catechumen’s Classes
Bible study (Gospel of St. John or the Acts of the Apostles) and a new session of catechumen classes will be starting again soon. Classes will be at the church on Wednesdays on an alternating basis. Stay tuned for details!

 

This Week and Looking Ahead

  • Choir practice at the Mukai home on Tuesday, 08 July 2025.
  • Vespers on Saturday, 11 July 2025, at 6pm.
  • Divine Liturgy on Sunday, 12 July 2025, at 9:00am.
  • Metropolitan’s Visit Planning Meeting, Sunday, 20 July 2025, during coffee hour.
  • Dormition Fast, 01 August through 14 August.
  • Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, Wednesday, 06 August 2025.
  • Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Friday, 15 August 2025.
  • Archpastoral visit with Metropolitan Antony on Sunday, 17 August 2025.

Filed Under: News

Saturday Vespers Cancelled for 5 July 2025

4 July 2025 at 10:05

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Please note that Vespers for Saturday, 05 July 2025, has been cancelled.

Sunday morning, 06 July, will proceed as normal with the Prayer of the Hours at 8:45am and the Divine Liturgy at 9:00am.

Please join us. All are welcome!

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Vespers

Weekly Update: 4th Sunday after Pentecost

30 June 2025 at 11:30

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Chrismation of Tyra D. and Jimmy S.
Join us in officially welcoming Tyra D. and Jimmy S. to the Orthodox Church and to our parish. Many years!

Chrismation of Tyra D. and Jimmy S. — 29 June 2025, Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul
Chrismation of Tyra D. and Jimmy S. — 29 June 2025, Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul
 

Prayers
In your prayers please continue to remember our catechumens (Rob & Stacy, Michael, Nicholas, and Michael), new mothers and babies, the sick, the poor, travelers, and those in need.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,…” — 1st Epistle of St. Timothy 2.1

 

Choir Practice
Choir practice for Tuesday, 01 July 2025 at 6:30pm, will be at the Mukai home and not at the church. Please contact Peggy for details.

 

Fr. Gregory on Vacation
Fr Gregory will be on vacation for the next two weeks. Filling in will be Fr. Charles Sanderson (Sunday, 06 July 2025) and Fr. Robert Holet (Sunday, 13 July 2025).

Any changes to our services will be announced on our website calendar.

 

4th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, 06 July 2025, is the 4th Sunday after Pentecost. On this day we commemorate the Martyr Lucy, and those with her, at Rome, Venerable Sisoes the Great, and others.

The readings for this Sunday are:

  • Romans 6.18-23 (Epistle)
  • Matthew 8.5-13 (Gospel)
 

Bible Study and Catechumen’s Classes
Bible study (Gospel of St. John or the Acts of the Apostles) and a new session of catechumen classes will be starting again soon. Classes will be at the church on Wednesdays on an alternating basis. Stay tuned for details!

 

This Week and Looking Ahead

  • Choir practice at the Mukai home on Tuesday, 01 July 2025.
  • Vespers on Saturday, 05 July 2025, at 6pm.
  • Divine Liturgy on Sunday, 06 July 2025, at 9:00am.
  • Dormition Fast, 01 August through 14 August.
  • Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Friday, 15 August 2025.
  • Archpastoral visit with Metropolitan Antony on Sunday, 17 August 2025.

Filed Under: News

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Four Evangelists Orthodox Church is a mission parish of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, a jurisdiction under the archpastoral care of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
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