The righteous ancestors of Christ, the genealogy of which we hear read in today’s Gospel, pre-figure and point us to Him, the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior of the world; they ready us for His coming just a few days from now. Throughout the Old Testament, their stories of faith are also stories of redemption, of God working through human sin and failings to preserve and prepare the way for the renewal of the entire human race. God brings about the fulfillment of all His promises to Israel. He gives us a new way of interacting and relating to Him—that of adopted sons and daughters of the living God, sealed by the Holy Spirit. Now we pray, repent, and confess our sins that we too may receive the new-born babe, God with us, as He comes to be born in a lowly cave for our salvation.
“The angels offer Thee a hymn; the heavens, a star; the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder; the earth, its cave; the wilderness, a manger; and we offer Thee a Virgin Mother.” (Stichera, Vespers of Nativity).
The Lord grant you great joy as we celebrate our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ’s holy Nativity. Christ is born! Glorify Him!
TIME, TALENT, TREASURE: First Fruits Pledge 2020.
Everything is ultimately a gift from God. Throughout time, the people of God have given back to God a tenth, that is, a Tithe, of all that they had. In the early Church, some even felt called to give away all that they had to build up the Church and glorify God. While as Christians we recognize that everything belongs to God, the tithe (or some percentage) is an important way to open our hearts to God, to learn to love God more, to take a step forward in faith and trust in God. Please offer your “Time, Talent, Treasure” pledge today, knowing that God will give you much more in return. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (II Cor. 9:6)
THIS WEEK at HOLY ARCHANGELS:
- TODAY 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Trapeza
- Tues., Dec. 24, 10 p.m., Vigil & Divine Liturgy, Nativity of our Lord, God, Savior Jesus Christ(“Winter Pascha”). Please bring a quiche to share!
- Sat., Dec. 28, 6 pm Great Vespers, Sunday after Nativity
- Sun., Dec. 29, 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Sunday after Nativity, Trapeza
Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars!
- Tues., Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m.,Great Vespers, St. Basil the Great/Circumcision of the Lord (no Great Vespers Wed.)
- Sunday, Jan. 5, 6:30 p.m., Vesperal Divine Liturgy, Great Blessing of the Waters,Great Feast of Holy Theophany
Confession & Reception:In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it’s the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice monthlyconfession. If a month has passed and you’ve not made confession for good reason, or, are visiting, please talk with Fr. Robert to ask a blessing to receive prior to the serviceand before approaching the Chalice.
TRAPEZA:The lunch and fellowship served after Divine Liturgy is an important part of our Mission’s family 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 important. Please sign up to help provide for this important ministry!
Prayer Requests: Our Mission’s Growth “in spirit & in numbers”
- For God’s financial provisionfor our Mission & college ministry, ACM (Annapolis Pan-Orthodox College Ministry);
- Departed founders: Archpriest George the Confessor, Gabriel, Rafael, Serafim, Basil, Rdr. Michael, newly departed Archimandrite (Elder) Ephraim
- Met. Isaiah of Georgia, Archbishops Yohanna Ibrahim, Boulos Yazigi of Syria, Sbn. John, Benedict, Benjamin, Daniel, Noah, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Vivian, Beatrice, George, Helen, Helen, Sydney, Young, Valerie, Anastasia, Valentina, Linda, Susan, Michael, Elizabeth, Noah, Tommy, Thomas, Mat. Alexandra, Judith, Maggie, Frank, Karley, Christina, Erin, Joseph, James, Julie, Elaine, Steven, the Church in Georgia, Romania as they battle the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren in the Middle East, peace in Syria.
Troparion (Resurrection)Tone 2
When Thoudidst descend to death, O Life immortal,
Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead.
And whenfrom the depths Thou didst raisethe dead,
all the powers of heaven cried out://
“O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to Thee!”
Troparion (Fathers)Tone 2
Greatare the accomplishments of faith,
for the three Holy Youths rejoice in the fountain of flames as though in the waters of rest;
and the ProphetDaniel appeared
a shepherd to the lions as thoughthey were sheep.//
So by their prayers, O ChristGod, saveour souls!
Troparion(Angels) Tone 4
O Commanders of the heavenly hosts, // we who are unworthy beseechyou: // by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory, // and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cryto you://Deliver us from all harm, for you are the Commanders of the Powers on high!
Troparion (Forefeast)Tone 4
Prepare, O Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened to all!
Adorn thyself, O Ephratha, for the Tree of Life blossoms forth from the Virgin in the cave!
Her womb is a spiritual paradise planted with the DivineFruit;
if we eat of it, we shall live forever and not die like Adam.//
Christ comes to restore the image which He made in the beginning.
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 guidesof mankind// askfor what is good for us, and for great mercy,//O Supreme Commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.
Kontakion (Forefeast)Tone 3
Today the Virgin comesto the cave
to give birth to the Eternal Word.
Hear the glad tidings and rejoice, O universe!
Glorify with the angels and the shepherds
the Eternal God, Who is willing to appearas a little child!
Glory to God for All Things!
