Four Evangelists Orthodox Church, Bel Air, Maryland

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Divine Liturgy

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: Catechumens’ Class, Blessing of Backpacks, and the 11th Sunday after Pentecost

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

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

Also on 24 August 2025, we will proceed to hold our chili potluck during coffee hour. Feel free to bring chili or a side to share (Not required! More importantly, stay and enjoy food and fellowship!)

See below regarding Metropolitan Antony’s scheduled visit.

 

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

 

Catechumens’ Classes
Catechumen/Inquirer class will continue this week on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, at 7pm. All are welcome!

Bible study will continue to alternate every other week with the catechumen class. (Next Bible study class 27 August 2025 at 7pm).

 

Metropolitan Antony’s Visit
As announced last Sunday during the announcements, Metropolitan Antony’s visit to our parish scheduled for Sunday, 24 August 2025, has been postponed. A new date will be officially announced once confirmed.

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

 

11th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, 24 August 2025, is the 11th Sunday after Pentecost. The readings for this Sunday are:

1 Corinthians 9.2-12 (Epistle):
[2] If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. [3] This is my defense to those who would examine me. [4] Do we not have the right to our food and drink? [5] Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? [6] Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? [7] Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? [8] Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? [10] Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. [11] If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? [12] If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. (Revised Standard Version)

Matthew 18.23-35 (Gospel):
[23] “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.[24] When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; [25] and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. [26] So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, `Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ [27] And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. [28] But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, `Pay what you owe.’ [29] So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ [30] He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. [31] When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. [32] Then his lord summoned him and said to him, `You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; [33] and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ [34] And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. [35] So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Revised Standard Version)

 

Did You Know?
Did you know that the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, as well as a few other feasts, are followed by an Afterfeast? An Afterfeast is a period of celebration attached to one of the Great Feasts. The last day of an Afterfeast is called the Apodosis (ancient Greek for “leave-taking”, lit. “giving-back”) of the Feast. On the Apodosis, most of the hymns that were chanted on the first day of the Feast are repeated. The Afterfeast is somewhat analogous to the octave on the Roman-Latin ecclesiastical calendar.

For example, the Feast of the Dormition, which we just celebrated, has an eight day Afterfeast. The Apodosis of the feast is on 23 August.

 

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

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

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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:

 

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

Weekly Update: 3rd Sunday after Pentecost and the Feast of the Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

Baptism and Chrismation of Daniel B.
Join us in officially welcoming Daniel to the Orthodox Church and to our parish. Many years!

Baptism of Daniel B. — 22 June 2025 (Feast of All Saints of North America)

Prayers
In your prayers please continue to remember our catechumens (Tyra, Jimmy, Rob & Stacy, Michael, Nicholas, and Michael), new mothers, 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, 24 June 2025 at 6:30pm, will be at the Mukai home and not at the church. Please contact Peggy for details.

Chrismation
Join us on Sunday, 29 June 2025 at 8:30am, for the chrismation of Tyra D. and Jimmy S. Please continue to pray for Tyra and Jimmy and all catechumens as they prepare to enter the Orthodox Church.

3rd Sunday after Pentecost and the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul
Sunday, 29 June 2025, is the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost and the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. On this day we remember the martyrdom of the apostles in Rome.

The readings for this Sunday are:

O foremost of the Apostles and teachers of the inhabited earth, / intercede with the Master of all / to grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.
— Troparion for the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul

Sts. Peter and Paul

This Week and Looking Ahead