We see today two beautiful examples of love and compassion manifested by God as the Lord of Life, the Physician of our souls and bodies. We learn today that healing is always a grace, a mercy of God interjected into an otherwise sin-sick world. Christ God says to us, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Life in Christ, having put on Christ, is a transfigured life: We no longer live to die, but we die to live and inherit eternal life. In Christ, this earthly life that is passing away, becomes a journey with God transfigured from “glory to glory,” (II Cor. 3:18) IF, we are willing to journey with Christ, to submit ourselves to the healing of our souls that He graciously desires for us. It is miraculous that God would bring the dead back to life and heal a paralytic; it’s a manifestation of His power, of His Kingdom—a testimony that He truly is the Lord and Giver of Life. But of even greater significance, is the new life in Christ and the ongoing healing of our souls that enables us to become fellow victors with Him over sin and death and inheritors of His eternal Kingdom.
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, (Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, Pious Joseph)
- Wednesday, April May 2, 6:30 p.m., Daily Paschal Vespers
- Sat, May 5, 6 p.m., Great Vespers, Confession following.
- Sun, May 6, 9:40 Hours 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, Trapeza and Sunday School
- Sunday, May 6, 3-5 p.m., Sisterhood Tea at the Rectory (1353 Tydings Rd., Annapolis). Tea & fellowship provided; please bring a finger food to share.
Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars
- Tuesday, May 15-Friday, May 31, Robert is leading the Romania Pilgrimage, “Spiritual Treasures of Romania.” Fr. Ignatius will be serving in Father’s stead.
- Thurs, May 17, 10 a.m., Great Feast of the Ascension
- Sat, May 26, 6 p.m., Festal Great Vespers with Litya, Great Feast of Pentecost
- Sun, May 27, 9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Great Feast of Pentecost/Descent of the Holy Spirit
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);
- Memory eternal for the servant of God, Alfie.
- 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, Charlotte, Zachary and Angela, 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 (Resurrection) Tone 3
Let the heavens rejoice! // Let the earth be glad!
For the Lord has shown strength with His arm.
He has trampled down death by death.
He has become the first born of the dead.
He has delivered us from the depths of hell,
and has granted to the world// great mercy.
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 3
By Thy divine intercession, O Lord,
as Thou didst raise up the Paralytic of old,
so raise up my soul, paralyzed by sins and thoughtless acts;
so that being saved I may sing to Thee://
“Glory to Thy power, O compassionate Christ!”
Kontakion (Pascha) Tone 8
Thou didst descend into the tomb, O Immortal,
Thou didst destroy the power of death.
In victory Thou didst arise, O Christ God,
proclaiming, “Rejoice!” to the Myrrhbearing Women,//
granting peace to Thine Apostles, and bestowing
Resurrection on the fallen.
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.
