The Season of Epiphany
In nearly all Christian traditions, Epiphany is a day of commemoration when we celebrate the manifestation of Jesus to the Wise Men. The ancient Greek word, epiphaneia, means “to reveal,” or manifestation, which is what happened when the Wise Men visited the Christ Child and Jesus was revealed to the world as Lord and King.
For most of western Christianity, Epiphany is celebrated on January 6, the twelfth day after Christmas, or the time of Christmastide. Some Eastern Orthodox traditions which follow the Julian calendar (instead of the Gregorian calendar) celebrate the Feast of the Theophany on January 19 to commemorate Jesus’ baptism as his manifestation to the world.
But for us, Epiphany is both a principal feast day and a season. It’s one of the principal “sacred times” in the life of the Church along with Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. The duration of Epiphany varies from four to nine Sundays (seven this year) and concludes on the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday. This year, the last Sunday in Epiphany falls on February 19.
Sunday Worship
Join us for worship, including Holy Eucharist, any Sunday. Holy Cross offers three Sunday morning services.
- 8:00 a.m. A quiet, simple, traditional service of Holy Eucharist
- 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist with hymns, organ, children’s choir, and periodic instrumentalists.
- 10:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist with hymns, organ, an adult choir, and periodic instrumentalists including hand chimes.
Wednesday Noon Eucharist
Holy Cross offers a brief service of Holy Eucharist every Wednesday at 12 noon. About twenty minutes in length, this worship service is intended for the midweek lunch break, as a way to stay grounded amidst the busyness of life. As with all services at Holy Cross, this service is public and intended for all residents, workers, and passersby in our surrounding Dunn Loring, Tyson’s Corner, Merrifield, Vienna, and Falls Church community.
Music at Holy Cross
One way that we learn how music is connected with our spiritual journey is through participation in one of our choirs. The children, youth, instrumentalists, soloists and adults practice the notes, harmonies, rhythms and logistics of performing music. But most importantly, we experience fellowship and cooperation as we explore how the text and the nuances of making music together can be a means to the inner faith journey. Consider joining choir this year to lift your heart and mind to God’s glory through the gift of music.
Here is the schedule of choirs:
- Adult Choir: Sings weekly at 10:45 a.m. worship on Sundays. Rehearsals are Thursdays from 7:30-9 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary.
- Children’s Choir (Age 3-Grade 5) Rehearsals are also on Sunday from 10-11 a.m. beginning September 25 downstairs in the Sunday School room. Children’s Choir sings at the 9 a.m. worship service on Oct 9, 23, Nov 20 and Dec 18.
- Guitar Group: Open to instrumentalists of all ages. Plays on the first and third Sundays of the month at the 9 a.m. service. Contact Mike Nicholson at for more information.
- Youth Choir (Grades 6-12): Rehearsals are on Sundays at 10 a.m. on Oct 16, Nov 13 and Dec 11, prior to the week they sing at the 9 a.m. Service. The youth will participate in a “Hymn of the Month” offering on Oct 23, Nov 20 and Dec 18. Instrumentalists are invited to participate at Youth Sunday on Oc 23 and for the Christmas Pageant “Angel’s Aware” on Dec 18.
- Handchime Choir: For middle-school age to adult. Plays occasionally at both worship services. Rehearsals are scheduled throughout the program year.
- Instrumentalists: Musicians of all ages are invited to offer their musical gifts. Please contact Mary Morreale to determine an appropriate time and selection.
Please contact Mary for additional information about the music program at Holy Cross.
Weddings
One of our great joys at Holy Cross is to celebrate and bless a marriage. We take the responsibility very seriously, as our traditions demand.
Please contact the parish office for a copy of The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage at Holy Cross, and to schedule a meeting with the Rector.
Iliff Worship
Holy Cross conducts a Eucharist service and provides companionship for residents of Iliff Nursing Home every Friday at 10:30 a.m. Please meet us there. Contact Ron Parnell with questions.
Baptisms
If you are interested in being baptized or in having your child baptized at a future service, please contact the office. Upcoming baptism dates include Nov. 27 and Jan. 8.