“It was in the power of none other to turn the corruptible to incorruption, except the Savior Himself, that had at the beginning also made all things out of nought: and that none other could create anew the likeness of God’s image for men, save the Image of the Father…” (St. Athanasius, 4th century, On the Incarnation). The Word became fully human while remaining fully God. He assumed complete human nature: body, soul, will, and emotion, to enter into this human nature of ours and vivify it, to make it alive again as only God can. He invites all humanity to be renewed in His likeness, to become part of the new deified race of Adam through new birth, of water and the spirit (John 3). We look to Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who is become incarnate for our salvation, to make us into the adopted sons and daughters of His Father and our Father, co-heirs of His eternal Kingdom. May we internalize this truth this Nativity as we partake of the Feast of Christ’s holy Incarnation in faith and love, and with great joy! Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars!
- Friday, Dec. 30, 5-8 p.m., Colinde/Carol Sing, Open House at the Micleans (the Rectory, 1353 Tydings Rd., Annapolis). Please bring something festive to share (no fasting allowed!)
- Friday, Jan. 6, 10 a.m., Great Feast of the Holy Theophany followed by annual Great Blessing of the Waters at the City Dock.
Go Fund Me Campaign: Please share this opportunity with family, friends to keep Holy Archangels going and growing. Sharing via email and through social media makes a big difference. We need your help!
Confession and Reception: In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it is the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice monthly confession. If you wish to receive Communion and a month has passed and you have not made confession for good reason, or are visiting, please talk with Fr. Robert prior to the service and before approaching the Chalice to ask for a blessing to receive.
Prayer Requests:
- That God may grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers…”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission & ACM (Annapolis College Ministry);
- Forgiveness of sins, memory eternal for Ryan, Gardner, victims of the St. Mark Cathedral terrorist attack.
- Metropolitan Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Rdr. John, Gov. Hogan, Benedict, Daniel, Mat. Janet, Eric, Daniel, Noah, Norm, Svetlana, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Gabriela and the child she bears, Cecilia and the child she bears, the Church in Georgia & Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren in the Middle East, a peaceful resolution in Syria.
Troparion Tone 4
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God,
has shone to the world the light of wisdom!
For by it, those who worshipped the stars,
were taught by a star to adore Thee,
the Sun of righteousness,
and to know Thee, the Orient from on high.//
O Lord, glory to thee!
Troparion (Angels) Tone 4
O Commanders of the heavenly hosts, // we who are unworthy beseech you:
by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory,
and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you://
Deliver us from all harm, for you are the Commanders of the Powers on high!
Kontakion Tone 3
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One,
and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One.
Angels with shepherds glorify Him;
the Wise Men journey with the star,//
since for our sake the eternal God was born as a little Child!
Kontakion (Angels) Tone 2
Commanders of God’s armies//and ministers of the divine glory,
princes of the bodiless Angels
and guides of mankind;//ask for what is good for us, and for great mercy,//
O Supreme Commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.
