We learn through Christ and His Church, that forgiveness is the path toward freedom—both for ourselves, our families, the Church, and the world. Fr. Alexander Schmemann says: “The triumph of sin, the main sign of its rule over the world, is division, opposition, separation, hatred—and don’t we see it today! Therefore, the first break through this fortress of sin is forgiveness: the return to unity, solidarity, love…” On this Sunday, we’re reminded of Christ’s desire that we be free of hypocrisy, grudges, bitterness, and pride. And so, we’re given the command to forgive as God has forgiven and continues to actively forgive us. Likewise, we’re warned of the consequences of withholding such forgiveness from another, as we hear from Christ’s own lips: “And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” God in His love and mercy for us desires our freedom from revenge, grudges, bitterness, and the deceit of hypocrisy. God by the Holy Spirit can give us the strength to forgive and to love, to interject into this broken world and into our broken relationships the triumph of His Heavenly Kingdom through life with Him. In Christ’s love, Fr. Robert+
THIS WEEK at HOLY ARCHANGELS (all services are at 47 Spa Rd)
- TODAY, 9:30, Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Trapeza followed by Sunday School
- Mon-Fri., Aug. 21-25, Robert will be at an OCA Missions Conference in NY. Please call him for emergencies only!
- Sat, Aug. 26, 6 p.m., Great Vespers (confession offered after the service)
- Sun , Aug. 27, 9:30 Hours 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Trapeza
Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars
- Sat, Sept. 9, 11-4, Holy Archangels Books & Icons GRAND OPENING and Outreach! Please volunteer to help with our outreach as we open the doors to the wider public and our brethren from other churches. Please see the sign-up sheet to find out what you can do to 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.
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. Please place your pledge (or increased pledge) in the offering box today!
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 are not also drawing closer to each other. If we wish to grow “in spirit and in numbers,” such fellowship needs to be part of our life together in Christ. Please sign up to help provide for this important ministry.
Prayer Requests: That God may grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers…”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission & college ministry, ACM (Annapolis Pan-Orthodox College Ministry);
- Forgiveness, memory eternal: Charlie
- Metropolitan Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Priest John, Rdr. John, Gov. Hogan, Benedict, Daniel, Eric, Daniel, Noah, Norm, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Sophia, Marlena and her baby, Beatrice, George, 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, esp. Egypt and Syria, a peaceful resolution in Syria.
From the Fathers…
‘And forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors.’ For we have many sins. For we offend both in word and in thought, and very many things we do worthy of condemnation; and ‘if we say that we have no sin’ ({bible}1 John 1.8{/bible}), we lie, as John says. […] The offenses committed against us are slight and trivial, and easily settled; but those which we have committed against God are great, and need such mercy as is His only. Take heed, therefore, lest for the slight and trivial sins against you, you shut out for yourself forgiveness from God for your very grievous sins. (St Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures, 23.16)
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 2
When Thou didst descend to death, O Life immortal,
Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead.
And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead,
all the powers of heaven cried out://
“O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to Thee!”
Troparion (Dormition) Tone 1
In giving birth thou didst preserve thy virginity.
In falling asleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos.
Thou wast translated to life, O Mother of Life,//
and by thy prayers thou dost deliver our souls from death.
Troparion (Prophet Samuel) Tone 2
We celebrate the memory
of thy prophet Samuel, O Lord;
through him, we beseech Thee:
“Save our souls!”
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 on high
Kontakion (Resurrection) Tone 2
Hell became afraid, O almighty Savior,
seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb!
The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee,//
and the world, my Savior, praises Thee forever.
Kontakion (Prophet Samuel) Tone 8
Thou wast a precious gift given to God before thy conception.
Thou didst serve Him like an angel from your infancy, O blessed one.
Thou wast granted the charism to announce beforehand future things.
Therefore, we cry to thee: “Rejoice, Samuel, Prophet of God and great high priest.”
Kontakion (Dormition) Tone 2
Neither the tomb, nor death, could hold the Theotokos,
who is constant in prayer and our firm hope in her intercessions.
For being the Mother of Life,//
she was translated to life by the One Who dwelt in her virginal womb.
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.
