Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – December 18, 2016

“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. This is the “good news” we celebrate this week, beginning today on this Sunday before Nativity, the Sunday of the Ancestors of Christ—righteous men and women who chose to follow the way of God’s revelation and become inheritors of eternal life in Him. May we choose the same path and thereby overcome the world and all that would otherwise separate us from Him who is Eternal Life! May we internalize this truth that we may arrive at and partake of the Feast of Christ’s holy Incarnation in faith and love.            The Lord Jesus Christ bless you, Fr. Robert+

THIS WEEK AT HOLY ARCHANGELS (all services at our new church home—47 Spa Rd):           

  • Today: Pre-school-aged children on up are invited to come to Sunday School during Trapeza
  • Wed, Dec. 21, 6:45 p.m., Colinde/Romanian, English, Russian Carol Sing. All are invited. Bring something festive to eat or drink (fast friendly).
  • Saturday, Dec. 24, 10 p.m., Great Feast of the Holy Nativity (‘the Winter Pascha’) Compline, Nocturns, Divine Liturgy. Please sign-up for what you will bring for the Nativity meal.

Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars!

  • Friday, Dec. 30, 5 p.m., Colinde/Carol Sing and 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 the emails and links through email and social media makes a big difference.

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
  • 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             (Resurrection) Tone 1

When the stone had been sealed by the Jews,//while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body,

Thou didst rise on the third day, O Savior, // granting life to the world.

The powers of heaven therefore cried to Thee, O Giver of Life:

“Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ! // Glory to Thy Kingdom!//

Glory to Thy dispensation, O thou who lovest of mankind!”

Troparion            (Fathers) Tone 2           

Great are the accomplishments of faith,

for the three Holy Youths rejoice in the fountain of flames as though in the waters of rest;

and the Prophet Daniel appeared // a shepherd to the lions as though they were sheep.//

So by their prayers, O Christ God, 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 of the Powers on high!

 

Kontakion             (Fathers) Tone 1

Rejoice, O Bethlehem! Prepare thyself, O Ephratha!

The Lamb is on her way to give birth to the Chief Shepherd she carries in her womb.

The God-bearing Forefathers will rejoice, beholding Him,

and with the shepherds, they will glorify the Virgin nursing Him.

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.

Kontakion            (Prefeast of the Nativity of Christ) ~Byzantine Chant, Tone 3

The Virgin cometh today// to the cave to give birth,// ineffably to bring forth//the Word eternal. Therefore, rejoice, O earth, //at the message; //with the angels and shepherds give glory to Him Who shall appear by His own will// as a young child, //He who is from eternity God.