Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – February 17, 2019

The three weeks before the start of Great Lent (the Triodion) has begun with the Parable of the Publican and Pharisee.  Christ thrusts before us a stark contrast between the prideful, judgmental, self-righteous Pharisee and the humble, self-effacing, repentant Publican.  Like the Pharisee, we too can easily find ourselves following all the ‘rules’ of Lent—fasting, services, alms-giving, without allowing these toolsto penetrate our hearts, to produce in us the kind of humility and love for God the Publican exemplifies.  The righteous acts of the Pharisee are good, but only if they serve to further His love of God and neighbor, only if done for love of God, only if they produce in him the humility needed for repentance and communion with God.  The sins of the Publican don’t condemn him because he confesses them in humility before the Lord who alone loves mankind and restores our souls. While not abandoning those suffering from the ravages of sin-sickness or confronting sin when needed for the sake of their souls, we don’t judge; that is, we don’t condemn our brother. There is one judge—God—and He alone sees into the hearts and souls of us all.   May Christ God continue to form in us a spirit of humility and contrition of heart, that as we approach the ‘spiritual hospital’of Lent, we may make fruitful progress on our journey with Christ in His Heavenly Kingdom.            In Christ’s love, Fr. Robert+

2019 Pledges/Commitments.  We give back a “first fruits” pledge to Christ from what He’s so mercifully given and entrusted to us.  Everything we have is a gracious gift from God.  Let us be as those servants who used their talentswisely and to God’s glory (Matt. 25:23).  If you have not done so yet, please offer your pledge of talents today.  To grow in faith and grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers,” please give generously and faithfully. (II Cor. 9:7).  

THIS WEEK at HOLY ARCHANGELS 

  • TODAY Feb. 17, 9:30 Hours, 10 Divine Liturgy,TrapezaSunday School, Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee.
  • 5:30-7:30, Catechumen & Inquirer Class
  • 6 p.m., Daily Vespers, 6:45, LAST Patristics Study:The conclusion of St. Clement’s “Epistle to the Corinthians.”  
  • Sat., Feb. 23,6:00 p.m., Great VespersConfession following
  • Sun., Feb. 24,9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 Divine Liturgy,Sunday of the Prodigal SonTrapeza,Sunday School. Annual Mtg./ Update

Looking Ahead…Mark your Calendars!

  • Tues., Feb. 26,6 p.m.,Sub-Committee Meeting
  • Fri., March 1-Sat., March 9, Fr. Robert leading National OCF’sRealbreak Romaniamission trip for OCF students nationwide. Fr. Ignatius Green will be serving for Fr. Robert.
  • Sun., March 3,Meatfare TrapezaEveryone bring a meat dish.  
  • *Sun., March 10, Forgiveness Sunday(Cheesefare). Trapeza, Forgiveness Vespers, Rite of Forgiveness, Liturgical Entry into Lent!  
  • Mon., March 11, Clean MondayBegin the Lenten Fast
  • Wed.,March 13,6:30 pm, Presanctified Liturgy,Soup Supper

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.A

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 of our church: Archpriest George the Confessor, Gabriel, Rafael, Serafim, Basil, Rdr. Michael, 
  • Met. Isaiah of Georgia, Archbishops Yohanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi of Syria, Sbn. John, Gov. Hogan, Benedict, Benjamin, Daniel, Noah, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Sophia, Vivian, Beatrice, George, Helen, Helen, Geneva, Phoenix, Sydney, Young, Liam, Eleni, Valerie, Charlotte, Anastasia, Valentina, Linda, Susan, Jessica (sister of Kelly Vernet), Michael, Elizabeth, Noah, Jocelyn, Tommy, Thomas, Johann, newly illumined Daniela Serafima, godmother Naşa Elena, the Church in Georgia, Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren throughout the world, peace in Syria.

Troparion              (Resurrection)        Tone 5            

Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word,

co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, // bornfor our salvation from the Virgin; // for He willedto be lifted up on the Crossin the flesh, // to enduredeath,

and to raisethe dead// by His glorious Resurrection. 

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            (from the Lenten Triodion)        Tone 4             

Let us flee from the pride of the Pharisee! // Let us learn humility from the Publican’s tears! // Let us cry to our Savior:

“Have mercy on us,// O only merciful One!”

Kontakion               (Angels) Tone 2            

Commanders of God’s armiesand ministers of the divine glory,//princes of the bodiless Angelsandguidesof mankind

//askfor what is good for us, and for great mercy,//O Supreme Commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.

~Glory to God for All Things!~