Today’s Gospel is another reminder of the importance of giving thanks to God for His work in our lives: healing us, growing us, saving us. Of the ten lepers healed, only ONE came back to prostrate himself before God and offer his humble thanks. We too can take God’s work in our lives for granted. All of us are, in a sense, like these ten lepers: we’ve all received and are receiving healing, grace, love, forgiveness from God. The question is, are we like the other nine who received healing but did not return to God in thanksgiving, or, are we like the one who returned, prostrating himself, and giving thanks to God? Such gratitude is key to our spiritual health. Do we give thanks to God enough? we give thanks to God for this Mission and His work in our lives through His Church? What, if anything, may you be taking for granted? As we work out our salvation and glorify God, we want to be like the one leper who returned to give thanks. May we go and do likewise! Yours in Christ, Fr.Robert+
TIME, TALENT, TREASURE: First Fruits Pledge 2020.
As Christians we know that 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. “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 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:All Services held at our new church home at 73 Franklin St. (CLT Building), historic Annapolis
- TODAY 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Trapeza
- Tues., Dec. 10,4:30 p.m.,St. John’s OCF Patristics Study
- Wed., Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.,Daily Vespers (Confession offered)
- Thurs., Dec. 12, 1300-1320, Sixth Hour Prayers, USNA St. Nicholas Chapel(all are welcome)
- Sat., Dec. 14, 6 pm Great Vespers (Confession offered)
- Sun., Dec. 15, 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10, Divine Liturgy, Sunday of the Forefathers, Trapeza
Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars!
- 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!
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.
AMAZON. We’re now able to give 6.5%of our regular purchases from Amazon.comto Holy Archangels. Purchases are anonymous and will be automatically credited to Holy Archangels. Please Visit our website and click the link beforeyou shop at Amazon and it will be credited to us. Please note: This is not the same promotion as “Amazon Smile.”
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 Kh. Anastasia, Richard (grandfather of Doug Burnett)
- 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 7
By Thy CrossThou didst destroy death.
To the thief Thou didst open Paradise.
For the Myrrhbearers Thou didst change weeping into joy,
and Thou didst command Thy disciples, O ChristGod,
to proclaimthat Thou art risen,//
granting the worldgreat mercy.
Troparion (Prophet Nahum) Tone 2
We celebrate the memory // of Thy Prophet Nahum, O Lord;
through himwe beseechThee: // “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!
Kontakion (Resurrection) Tone 7
The dominion of death can no longer hold men captive,
for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers.
Hell is bound, while the Prophets rejoiceand cry:
“The Savior has come to thosein faith;//
enter, you faithful, into the Resurrection!”
Kontakion (Prophet Nahum) Tone 4
Illumined by the Spirit, thy heart was a vessel of illustrious prophecy, // seeing far-off things as though they were present.
Therefore, we venerate thee, glorious prophet Nahum.
Kontakion (Angels) Tone 2
Commanders of God’s armiesand ministers of the divine glory//princes of the bodiless Angelsand guidesof mankind// askfor what is good for us, and for great mercy,//O Supreme Commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.
Glory to God for All Things!
