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4EOC Weekly Update: 13th Sunday after Pentecost, the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, and more

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

New Ecclesiastical Year
It’s a new year! The new church year began on Monday, 01 September. This is a perfect time of the year for renewing a prayer rule or Bible reading plan.

 

Catechumens’ Class
Catechumen/Inquirer class will continue on Wednesday, 03 September 2025, at 7pm. All are welcome!

Bible study will continue to alternate every other week with the Bible study. (Next Bible study on 10 September 2025 at 7pm).

 

Prayers
In your prayers please continue to remember our catechumens (Rob & Stacy and children, Michael, Nicholas, Michael, James, and Tom), 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

 

Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive
The last day to donate school supply items for the Harford County Stuff the Bus School Supply is Sunday, 07 September, at which point they will be delivered to Harford schools. Donations can be deposited in the bins located in the restroom hallway. Thank you to Lee Ann F. for making the deliveries!

 

The Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos
The Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, one of the great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, is celebrated annually on 08 September. With the Feast falling on a Monday this year, we will celebrate following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.

From the Orthodox Church in America website:

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary is celebrated by the Church as a day of universal joy. Within the context of the Old and the New Testaments, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary was born on this radiant day, having been chosen before the ages by Divine Providence to bring about the Mystery of the Incarnation of the Word of God. She is revealed as the Mother of the Savior of the World, Our Lord Jesus Christ. … The Nativity of the Theotokos marks the change of the times when the great and comforting promises of God for the salvation of the human race from slavery to the devil are about to be fulfilled. This event has brought to earth the grace of the Kingdom of God, a Kingdom of Truth, piety, virtue and everlasting life. The Theotokos is revealed to all of us by grace as a merciful Intercessor and Mother, to Whom we have recourse with filial devotion.

Your Nativity, O Virgin, / has proclaimed joy to the whole universe! / The Sun of Righteousness,1 Christ our God, / has shone from you, O Theotokos! / By annulling the curse, / He bestowed a blessing. / By destroying death, He has granted us eternal Life.” — Troparion for the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

Nativity of the Theotokos
Nativity of the Theotokos
 

13th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, 07 September 2025, is the 13th Sunday after Pentecost and the Forefeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos. The readings for this Sunday are:

1 Corinthians 16:13-24 (Epistle):
[13] Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. [14] Let all that you do be done in love. [15] Now, brethren, you know that the household of Steph’anas were the first converts in Acha’ia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; [16] I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer. [17] I rejoice at the coming of Steph’anas and Fortuna’tus and Acha’icus, because they have made up for your absence; [18] for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men. [19] The churches of Asia send greetings. Aq’uila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. [20] All the brethren send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. [21] I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. [22] If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! [23] The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. [24] My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. (Revised Standard Version)

Matthew 21:33-42 (Gospel):
[33] “Hear another parable. There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. [34] When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; [35] and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. [36] Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. [37] Afterward he sent his son to them, saying, They will respect my son.’ [38] But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ [39] And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. [40] When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” [41] They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” [42] Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: `The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? (Revised Standard Version)

 

Brotherhood of St. Basil the Great Cookout
The St. Basil the Great Brotherhood will meet on at Saturday, 20 September 2025, at 2pm, at the Davis home. Join us for an afternoon of fellowship!

Email info@4evangelists.com for details.

Brotherhood of St. Basil the Great
 

Archpastoral Visit
As previously announced, Metropolitan Antony’s rescheduled visit to our parish will be on Sunday, 05 October 2025.

Please continue to keep Vladyka Antony in your prayers as he recovers from his recent heart-related procedure.

 

This Week and Looking Ahead

See the parish calendar for more services and events.

Weekly Update: 12th Sunday after Pentecost

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

Bible Study
Our Bible study through the Gospel of St. John will continue tonight, Wednesday, 27 August 2025, at 7pm. All are welcome!

Catechumen/Inquirer class will continue to alternate every other week with the Bible study. (Next Catechumen/Inquirer class on 03 September 2025 at 7pm).

 

Prayers
In your prayers please continue to remember our catechumens (Rob & Stacy and children, Michael, Nicholas, Michael, and James), 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

 

Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptizer John
29 August is the commemoration of the Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptizer John. The Beheading of St. John is also a strict fast day, regardless of its place in the week, in honor of the Saint. In some Orthodox cultures pious people will not eat food from a flat plate, use a knife, or eat food that is round in shape on this day. [from the Orthodox Church in America website]

St. John the Forerunner. John is often depicted in iconography holding his own severed head on a platter in symbolic representation of his martyrdom.
 

12th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, 31 August 2025, is the 12th Sunday after Pentecost. The readings for this Sunday are:

1 Corinthians 15.1–11 (Epistle):
[1] Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, [2] by which you are saved, if you hold it fast — unless you believed in vain. [3] For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. [6] Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. [8] Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. [9] For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. [10] 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. [11] Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. (Revised Standard Version)

Matthew 19.16-26 (Gospel):
[16] And behold, one came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” [17] And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” [18] 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, [19] Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [20] The young man said to him, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?” [21] 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.” [22] When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. [23] 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. [24] 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.” [25] When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” [26] But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Revised Standard Version)

 

Happy New Year!?
Yes! The new church year begins on 01 September. This is a perfect time for renewing a prayer rule or Bible reading plan. There is also a recent, pious practice of Greek origin of placing an icon outside the home’s entrance on the eve of the new year to bless the home.

 

New Date for Metropolitan Antony’s Visit
As announced last Sunday during the announcements, Metropolitan Antony’s visit to our parish will now be on Sunday, 05 October 2025.

Thank you for your understanding and please continue to keep Vladyka Antony in your prayers as he recovers from his recent heart-related procedure.

 

Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive
As a reminder, we will collect school supply items for the Harford County Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive from now until September 7th, at which point they will be delivered to Harford schools. Donations can be deposited in the bins located in the restroom hallway.

 

This Week and Looking Ahead

Weekly Update: Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Bible Study, and the 10th Sunday after Pentecost

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

The Feast of the The Dormition (“Falling Asleep”) of our Most Holy Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
Please join us on Thursday, 14 August 2025, at 6pm as we celebrate Vespers for the Feast of the Dormition.

In giving birth, you preserved your virginity, / and in falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. / You passed into life as the Mother of Life, / and by your prayers, you deliver our souls from death.
— Troparion for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

The Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Theotokos is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on August 15. This feast, which is also sometimes called the Assumption, commemorates the death, resurrection and glorification of Christ’s mother. It proclaims that Mary has been “assumed” by God into the heavenly kingdom of Christ in the fullness of her spiritual and bodily existence. [from the Dormition of the Theotokos article in Volume II – Worship: The Church Year at the Orthodox Church in America website]

Icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God by Theophanes the Greek (14th century)
Icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God by Theophanes the Greek (14th century)
 

Parish Calendars
Did you know that our website has two calendars that you can import into your phone or computer calendar? Both calendars are in iCal format used by popular calendar services such as Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and Outlook.

Our Parish Calendar includes all liturgical services and in-person events held at our church. It can be accessed here: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/4ev.webmaster%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics

Our Daily Calendar of Saints includes a general (and by all means non-exhaustive) list of daily commemorations in the Orthodox church. It can be accessed here: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/0i8htdekb9p5q1jpghgdmn4k7o%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics

Google calendar users can easily add the Parish Calendar by using the Add to Google Calendar tool at the bottom of the calendar here.

 

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

 

Bible Study and Catechumens’ Classes
Mark your calendars! Wednesday, 13 August 2025, at 7pm will begin a new Bible study. This study will go through the Gospel according to St. John. Bring your Bible or use one from the church library.

Catechumen classes will continue to alternate every other week with the Bible study. (Next Catechumen class 20 August 2025 at 7pm).

 

Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive
Every year our parish gathers school supplies for students in need. This year we are accepting donations for the Stuff the Bus campaign, a donation drive to assist students locally here in Harford County. (See supply list below). We will collect items from now until September 7th, at which point they will be delivered to Harford schools. Donations can be deposited in the nins located in the restroom hallway.

 

10th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, 17 August 2025, is the 10th Sunday after Pentecost and Afterfeast of the Dormition, among other commemorations.

The readings for this Sunday are:

 

Choir Practice and Parish Council Meeting
There will be choir practice on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, at 6:30pm, followed by a parish council meeting at 7:30pm.

 

Parish Cleaning
As a reminder, there will be two cleaning sessions in preparation for Metropolitan Antony’s visit on Sunday, 24 August 2025.

The sessions will be (1) following coffee hour on Sunday, 17 August 2025 and (2) Saturday, 23 August 2025, from 4-5pm.

Thank you in advance for any help in this endeavor!

Please note that the above date for the Metropolitan’s visit is a correction to a previously announced date.

 

Blessing of Backpacks
Calling all students and teachers of all ages! Bring your backpack or school bag to church on 24 August 2025 for our annual Blessing of the Backpacks. The blessing with be following the Divine Liturgy and will be a fitting way to begin the new academic year.

 

This Week and Looking Ahead

Weekly Update: Feast of the Transfiguration, Catechumens’ Class, and the 9th Sunday after Pentecost

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

The Feast of the Transfiguration
The Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord is celebrated on 6 August and is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church. Please join us on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, at 6pm as we celebrate Vespers for the Feast of the Transfiguration.

It is also an ancient tradition for the faithful to bring grapes and other fruit to be blessed on the Transfiguration.

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. — Gospel According to St. Mark 9.2–8

The 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

 

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

 

Stuff the Bus and Charitable Pantry
Every year our parish gathers school supplies for students in need. This year we are accepting donations for the Stuff the Bus campaign, a donation drive to assist students locally here in Harford County. (See supply list below). We will collect items from now until September 7th, at which point they will be delivered to Harford schools. 

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!

 

9th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, 10 August 2025, is the 9th Sunday after Pentecost. On this day we commemorate the Holy Martyr and Archdeacon Lawrence of Rome (+258), among others.

St. Ambrose relates that when the Roman authorities demanded that St. Lawrence bring out and hand over the treasures of the church, he returned with the poor of the church. St. Lawrence was martyred for the Faith in 258 A.D. by being burned alive and is said to have remarked to his executioners, “turn me over. I’m done on this side.”

The readings for this Sunday are:

 

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

 

Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God
The Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God is celebrated on 15 August. This Feast is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church and concludes the two-week Dormition Fast.

Please join us on Thursday, 14 August 2025, at 6:00pm as we celebrate Vespers for the Feast of the Dormition.

 

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, 24 August 2025. Thank you in advance for any help in this endeavor!

Please note that the date above is a correction to a previously announced date.

 

Blessing of Backpacks
Calling all students and teachers of all ages! Bring your backpack or school bag to church on 24 August 2025 for our annual Blessing of the Backpacks. The blessing with be following the Divine Liturgy and will be a fitting way to begin the new academic year.

 

This Week and Looking Ahead

Sunday of the Blind Man and the 6th Sunday of Pascha

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Christ is risen!

Prayers
In your prayers, please continue to remember our catechumens, expectant mothers (and fathers), the sick, 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

Sunday of the Blind Man (6th Sunday of Pascha)
This coming Sunday, 25 May 2025, is the Sunday of the Blind Man and the 6th Sunday of Pascha. Also commemorated on this day is the Third Finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptizer John (c. 850), among others.

The readings for this Sunday are:

  • 2 Corinthians 4.6–15 (Epistle, Forerunner)
  • Matthew 11.2–15 (Gospel, Forerunner)
  • Acts 16.16–34 (Epistle)
  • John 9.1–38 (Gospel)

I come to You, O Christ, / blind from birth in my spiritual eyes / and I call to You in repentance: / You are the most radiant light of those in darkness!
— Kontakion for the Sunday of the Blind Man

This Week at Four Evangelists Orthodox Church

Looking Ahead

Sunday of the Samaritan Woman and the 5th Sunday of Pascha

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Christ is risen!

This coming Sunday, 18 May 2025, is the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman and the 5th Sunday of Pascha.

The readings for this Sunday are:

The Samaritan Woman came to the well in faith; / she saw You, the Water of Wisdom, and drank abundantly / she inherited the Kingdom on High and is ever glorified!
— Troparion for the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman

Samaritan woman (St. Photini) at the well

This week at Four Evangelists Orthodox Church:

Looking ahead: Forty days after Pascha we will celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord on 29 May 2025, followed by the Feast of Holy Pentecost ten days later on 08 June 2028.

Stay tuned for more information!