Christ is risen! We’ve all heard of someone being called a “doubting Thomas.” Thomas has the audacity to demand to ‘put his finger in Christ’s side,’ insinuating that, unless he can materially see the signs of Christ’s execution, he won’t believe. In reality, it’s not want of material ‘proof’ that Thomas needs, that we need, it’s the ‘eyes of faith’. A great many people saw the miracles that Jesus did and still yelled “crucify Him, crucify Him.” Clearly seeing is not always believing. The reality is that without humility, without submitting ourselves to Christ and His Church, without growth in love for Him, we simply cannot have the faith to truly ‘see’; we cannot have the means whereby we can learn to trust what only the ‘eye’ of the soul (the nous) can reveal to us through our growing relationship and communion with God. This is what Thomas also comes to realize. Once he encounters Christ, who graciously grants his demand, Thomas prostrates himself before Christ; he humbles himself and makes a profession of faith even greater than were his doubts, confessing, “My Lord and my God!”
In the love of the risen Christ, Fr. Robert+
Important: 2018 Pledges/Commitments: If you have not yet offered your pledge for 2018, PLEASE place it in the offering box today. As of now we have $2900 total in monthly commitments. We need $3,500. To all for whom this Mission is dear, please give generously so we can continue to pay rent and other necessary expenses to provide for our church and her growth. “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:7).
THIS WEEK at HOLY ARCHANGELS
- TODAY, 9:15 Hours,10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Trapeza, Sunday School, (Thomas Sunday)
- Wednesday, April 26, 6:30 p.m.,Daily Paschal Vespers
- Thursday, April 26, 5:30 p.m., April Catechumen Class
- Sat, April 29, 6 p.m., Great Vespers, Confession following.
- Sun, April 30, 9:40 Hours 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, Trapeza and Sunday School
Confession and Reception: In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it is the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice at least 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.
Monthly Giving—Expanding the Mission: Our Mission has taken a big step of faith to move into our new church home, to expand our bookstore and outreach efforts, and make more room for new families and individuals. We need your help to afford our new space. Monthly pledges and giving are key to our sustainability and our growth.
TRAPEZA: The lunch and fellowship we serve after Divine Liturgy is an important part of our Mission’s life together. We cannot draw closer to God if we’re not also drawing closer to each other. To grow “in spirit and in numbers,” such fellowship is so important. Please sign up to help provide for this important ministry. Glory to God!
Prayer Requests: Our Mission’s Growth “in spirit and in umbers”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission & college ministry, ACM (Annapolis Pan-Orthodox College Ministry);
- Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Priest John, Sbn. John, Gov. Hogan, Frederica, Benedict, Daniel, Eric, Daniel, Noah, Norm, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Sophia, Vivian, Beatrice, George, Helen, Helen, Geneva, Phoenix, Sydney, Young, Liam, Cynthia, Valerie, 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, peace in Syria.
Troparion (from the Pentecostarion)Tone 7
From the sealed tomb, Thou didst shine forth, O Life!
Through closed doors Thou didst come to Thy Disciples, O Christ God.
Renew in us through them an upright spirit,//
by the greatness of Thy mercy, O Resurrection of all!
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 (from the Pentecostarion)Tone 8
Thomas touched Thy life-giving side with an eager hand, O Christ God, // when Thou didst come to Thy Apostles through closed doors. // He cried out with all: “Thou art my Lord and my God!”
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.
Glory to God for All Things!
