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Vespers

4EOC Weekly Update: Catechumen Class, Men’s Group, Leavetaking of the Feast of the Holy Cross, …

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

Catechumens’ Class
Catechumen/Inquirer class will continue on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, at 7pm. All are welcome!

Bible study will continue to alternate every other week with the Bible study. (Next Bible study on 24 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, our country, 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

 

St. Basil Brotherhood
The Brotherhood of St. Basil the Great men’s group will meet at 2pm on Saturday, 20 September 2025, at the Davis home. Email or text Brian D. for more info!

Brotherhood of St. Basil the Great
 

Planning for Metropolitan Antony’s Visit
There will be a brief meeting during coffee hour on Sunday, 21 September 2025, to formalize details in preparation for Metropolitan Anyony’s visit on 05 October 2025. Items include luncheon details, table setup, parking, and other items.

 

15th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, 07 September 2025, is the 15th Sunday after Pentecost and the Apodosis of the Feast of the Holy Cross. The readings for this Sunday are:

An Afterfeast is a period of celebration attached to one of the Great Feasts and several other feasts. The last day of an Afterfeast is called the Apodosis (lit. “giving-back”) of the Feast.

Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
 

This Week and Looking Ahead

See the parish calendar for more services and events.

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.

Vespers for the Feast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

Please join us tomorrow, Thursday, 14 August 2024, at 6pm, as we celebrate Vespers for the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God (15 August).

All are welcome!

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

Dormition of the All-Holy Mother of God
Dormition of the Mother of God

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