Four Evangelists Orthodox Church, Bel Air, Maryland

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Vespers

Vespers for the Feast of the Transfiguration

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

Please join us on Monday, 05 August 2024, at 6pm, as we celebrate Vespers for the Feast of the Transfiguration (06 August).

All are welcome!

You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God, | revealing Your glory to Your disciples as far as they could bear it. | Let Your everlasting Light also shine upon us sinners, | through the prayers of the Theotokos. | O Giver of Light, glory to You!
— Troparion for the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ

The Transfiguration, 14th century. National Museum, Lvov.
The Transfiguration, 14th century. National Museum, Lvov.

Reminder! Feast of the Meeting of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

Hail, Virgin Theotokos, full of grace! * From you shone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, * enlightening those who were in darkness! / Rejoice, O righteous Elder; * you received in your arms the Redeemer of our souls, * Who grants us the Resurrection.

Troparion for the Feast of the Meeting of our Lord in the Temple

This coming Friday, 02 February 2024, is the Feast of the Meeting of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple, one of the twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church (and also one of the most ancient festivals of the Church, being attested to already in the early 300’s).

Please join us at 6.00 pm on Thursday, 01 February 2024, as we celebrate Vespers for the Feast of the Meeting of our Lord. Following Vespers will be the Blessing of Candles, a tradition common to this “festival of light” (cf. Luke 2:32). If you have candles that you would like to be blessed, please bring them with you to church.

All are welcome!

Speaking of light, enjoy this wonderful article by Fr. Stephen Freeman on the connection between Ground Hog’s Day and the Feast of the Meeting of our Lord: Candlewax and Hedgehogs – Groundhog Day.

Feast of the Meeting of Our Lord in the Temple
The Presentation in the Temple by iconographer Philip Davydov

Vespers – 20 January 2024

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, Saturday Vespers normally scheduled for today, 20 January 2024, has been cancelled.

We will resume our worship tomorrow morning with the Divine Liturgy at 9.00 am.

Vespers for the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

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Glory to Jesus Christ!

Please join us on Monday, 20 November, at 6.00PM, as we celebrate the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple with Vespers for the Feast.

Regarding this Great Feast of the Church we read:

The main theme of the feast of Mary’s entrance to the Temple, repeated many times in the liturgical services, is the fact that she enters the Temple to become herself the living temple of God, thus inaugurating the New Testament in which are fulfilled the prophecies of old that “the dwelling of God is with man” and that the human person is the sole proper dwelling place of the Divine Presence (Ezek 37.27; Jn 14.15–23; Acts 7.47; 2 Cor 6.11; Eph 2.18–22; 1 Pet 2.4; Rev 22.1–4).

Entrance of the Theotokos to the Temple, Orthodox Church in America website

Today is the prelude of God’s goodwill * and the prophecy of the salvation of men. * The Virgin appears openly in the temple of God * and foretells Christ to all. * So let us cry to her with loud voices: * Rejoice, thou who art the fulfillment * of the Creator’s providence. — Troparion for the Feast

Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

Vespers Canceled: 16 September 2023

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Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!

Due to the recent painting in the church this morning, Vespers for this evening is canceled. Our normally scheduled worship will continue tomorrow morning with the Prayers of the Hours at 8:45am followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:00am.

Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

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Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!

Please join us on Wednesday, 13 September 2023, at 6:00pm, as we celebrate the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross with the service of Vespers. All are welcome!

Lord, save Thy people * and bless Thine inheritance. * Grant victory over their enemies to Orthodox Christians, * and protect Thy people with Thy Cross.

Troparion for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross
Exaltation of the Holy Cross