Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Church — Church Directory

Quick Facts

Pastor — the shepherd God holds accountable Rev. John Cox (Rector)

Founded Norfolk OCA parish

Denomination Eastern Orthodox

Service Times Divine Liturgy Sundays; Liturgy of St. Basil the Great 10x/year

Men's Ministry No

Kids Ministry Yes

Website dormitionnorfolk.org

Pastor Credentials OCA ordained priest

10-Point Theological Scorecard

Christology

Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)

Orthodox Trinitarian; affirms Apostles/Nicene Creed.

Strong

Scripture

Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?

Scripture + Holy Tradition co-authoritative.

Caution

Men's Discipleship

Intentional formation for men?

Standard parish fellowship.

Caution

Soteriology

Faith alone? How is salvation presented?

Eastern Orthodox theosis with synergism — not sola fide.

WARNING!

Gender / Biblical Design

Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?

Male-only priests; Theotokos (Mother of God) veneration especially central given parish name (Dormition=Falling Asleep of the Theotokos).

Male-only priesthood; strong Theotokos veneration given parish patron.

Caution

Leadership Structure

Male elders/pastors? Accountability?

Apostolic succession; OCA Diocese of the South.

Strong

Preaching Style

Expository or topical/therapeutic?

Liturgical homily cycle.

Caution

Mission Clarity

Great Commission central?

Hampton Roads/Norfolk OCA parish.

Caution

Cultural Alignment

DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?

English-language OCA parish.

Caution

Accountability Structure

Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?

OCA Diocese of the South affiliation re-verified on homepage ('a parish of the Orthodox Church in America, Diocese of the South'). Red holds for sola-fide departure; denominational oversight is real.

Strong

Assessment

Dormition of the Theotokos (Norfolk) is an OCA parish serving Hampton Roads under Fr. John Cox. Named for the Dormition (Aug 15) feast — the Eastern Orthodox analog to the Catholic Assumption. Eastern Orthodox theosis soteriology remains the red-flag divergence from sola fide; Marian/Theotokos devotion is especially prominent given the parish patronage.

#eastern-orthodox#theosis#sola-fide-rejected#oca#norfolk#hampton-roads

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MOOP Engagement Tracker

How this church was personally verified by the MOOP directory team:

✓ Researched church website

Last reviewed: 2026-05-16 — Annual review recommended

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