The young man in today’s Gospel wants to have it both ways: He classifies Jesus as “a good teacher,” but asks of Him that which only God can know and reveal. No man who is simply a “good teacher” could ever answer the ultimate question: not, “what must a man do to inherit eternal life,” but, “what must I do to inherit eternal life.” Likewise, many people today take Christ and His Church on their terms, making of Him who is the Logos of God, the Savior of the world, whatever suits their own idea of religion, and more specifically, who Jesus is. As Orthodox Christians, we must also be careful that while professing Christ as God with our mouths that we also live out our faith obediently, putting our words into action, and connecting our heads with our hearts. As Christ reveals to the young man in today’s Gospel, He alone sees in every person’s heart. Only if we live out what we profess with our mouths can we avail ourselves of the salvation that Christ God would give us as He draws us into His eternal Kingdom, convicting us with what each of us is lacking, just as He did with the young man in today’s Gospel. Christ God does so, that knowing Him, the One true God, we may address whatever impedes us from inheriting eternal life and continuing our growth in the knowledge and love of God.
In Christ’s love, Fr. Robert+
THIS WEEK AT HOLY ARCHANGELS:
- Today during Trapeza: Iacob’s 3rd birthday celebration. Please stay for cake!
- Tues, Aug. 25, 13.00-13:30, Sixth Hour Prayers, USNA Orthodox Chapel in Bancroft Rotunda
- Thurs, Aug. 27, 19.00-20.00, Orthodox Midshipmen’s Fellowship, Appointing and Blessing of the new Orthodox Chapel in the Bancroft Hall Rotunda (midshipmen only)
- Saturday, August 29, 6 p.m., Great Vespers (Confession following), DINNER following Vespers for all students and midshipmen provided by the families of Holy Archangels.
- Sunday, August 30, 9:30am Hours; 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy, followed by Trapeza
Looking Ahead
- Tues, Sept 8., 10am Divine Liturgy for Nativity of the Theotokos, USNA Orthodox Chapel. (in Bancroft Hall Rotunda to right of stairs – more details, TBA)
Confession and Reception: In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it has been the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice monthly confession. If you would like to receive Communion and a month has passed and you have not been able to make it to confession for good reason, or you are visiting, please discuss with Fr. Robert prior to the service and before approaching the holy Chalice. Those receiving at any time do so humbly, with prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving.
July Financial Report: We received $3,299 in offerings in July. YTD $18,174 has been received. We are running a deficit of -$3,824. Your faithful contributions provide for this church and ministries. Thank God for His provision and your faithfulness, which means that our Mission can continue and grow! Holy Archangels Mission Council
Mid-Year Special Commitment Opportunity: To sustain our Mission, we need to raise an additional $500 per month in offerings, which we aim to have matched by the greater Church. We ask all faithful to take a Special Offering Card (on Back Table) and place it in the offering box. $100 has been matched so far.
Please Note: At Holy Archangels we do not pass an offering plate. Instead, we encourage the faithful to place an offering in the offering box on the Entrance (back) Table in support of this Mission and its Ministries. Thank you and may Christ God repay you with His spiritual blessings… “for God loves a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:7).
Prayer Requests:
- That God may grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers…”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission and ACM (Annapolis College Ministry);
- Newly-departed servant of God, Archpriest Gordon.
- Metropolitan Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Priest John, Dcn. Basil, Rdr. John, Governor Hogan, Benedict, James, Daniel, Seraphim, Bede, Wanda, Eric, George, Daniel, Ed, John, Eleni, Svetlana, the Church in Georgia & Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren in Iraq & Syria, a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine., a speedy end to Ebola.
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 (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.
Kontakion (Resurrection) Tone 3
On this day Thou didst rise from the tomb, O Merciful One,
leading us from the gates of death. // On this day Adam exults as Eve rejoices;
with the Prophets and Patriarchs// they unceasingly praise the divine majesty of Thy power.
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.
