Welcome!
We are a Western Rite Orthodox church located in Silver Spring, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC. As a congregation of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, we are part of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East (“…the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” Acts 11:26). While we share the faith of all Orthodox Christians around the world, as a Western Rite congregation we are blessed by our bishops to use the ancient forms of Western worship. Most of us are converts from many different backgrounds who have come to Orthodoxy in search of authentic Christianity and a place where we may grow in knowledge and love of God. In the Orthodox Church we have found the “pearl of great price” and we rejoice to share what we have discovered. We hope that you will explore our web site and join us in worship.
Sermons by Fr. Nicholas Alford
Septuagesima Sunday
Frequently, throughout the year, the introit, the first chant sung by the Choir at the beginning of Mass, sets the tone for the day. The introit for today clearly reminds us that something has changed. The choir sang these words of Psalm 18, “The sorrows of death compassed me, the pains of hell came about me: and in my tribulation I … More...
The Lives of the Saints
St. Flavian
(Feast Day ~ Feb. 18) In the Orthodox Church, we emphasize that decision-making by councils is the historic method begun by the Apostles themselves in Jerusalem and we honor the seven Ecumenical Councils for the decisions regarding the theological truths of our faith which were made in those meetings. Even though we are amused by the stories of … More...
Latest News
February Newsletter
The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord (Candlemas and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary), February 2, falls on Sunday this year. At this service, candles are blessed to be used throughout the year, as we hear the story of Christ’s Presentation in the Temple recounted in St. Luke’s Gospel in which St. … More...
The Good News of Orthodoxy
From a Sermon by St. Peter Chrysologus
Today, brethren, you have heard how all the greatness of the kingdom of heaven has been compared to a grain of mustard seed. This analogue is something so small, so tiny; indeed, it is the tiniest of tiny things. How can it contain such great power? The Lord says that it does: “What is the kingdom of God like, and to what shall I liken it?” When … More...