Today we reflect on Christ’s miraculous healing of the blind man, who repeatedly and undauntedly calls after Christ God for His mercy, using the messianic title, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Undeterred by those who would silence him, the man catches Christ’s attention who rewards him for his faith in the living God, who alone is able to heal our bodies and souls. We ask ourselves this day the question, where is my ‘spiritual blindness’? We discover it thru repentance and Confession and beseech God to heal us as He did the blind man, to call after Christ God with all that we have in our being, even from the depth of our souls. This desire is the beginning of faith through which God can work His salvation in our lives and give us the spiritual sight we need to progress in His Kingdom, conquering vices and gaining in the virtues reflective of those who will inherit eternal life in Christ’s holy a near presence. In Christ’s love, Fr. Robert+
House Blessings:During this season, the faithful invite Christ into their homes to have them blessed and to pray God to make them places manifesting Christ’s light, peace, truth, and love, harbors in the midst of the storm of the world, places of refuge for our souls. House blessings are a testimony to what we believe as Orthodox Christians. Please contact Fr. Robert with two suggested days and times for a house blessing as soon as possible. He will do his best to accommodate you.
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 sustain and grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers,” please give generously and faithfully. “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver”(II Cor. 9:7).
THIS WEEK at HOLY ARCHANGELS
- TODAY Sun., Jan. 20, 9:30 Hours, 10 Divine Liturgy, Trapeza,
- Wed., Jan. 23 6 p.m., Daily Vespers, 6:45, PATRISTICS STUDY This Week: The Letter of St. Clement to the Corinthians.
- Sat., Jan. 26,6:00 p.m., Great VespersConfession following
- Sun., Jan. 27,9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy,trapeza, Sunday School.
Looking Ahead…Mark your Calendars!
- Thur.,Jan. 31, 2:30-4 p.m., Home Schooling Get Together
- Sat., Feb. 2,9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Great Feast, Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, Trapeza
- Sun., March 10, Forgiveness Sunday(Cheesefare). Trapeza, Forgiveness Vespers, Rite of Forgiveness, Liturgical Entry into Lent!
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 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 1
When thestonehad been sealed by the Jews,// while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body,// Thou didst riseon the third day, O Savior, // granting lifeto 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 (Venerable Euthymius) Tone 4
Rejoice, barren wilderness!
Be glad, sterile desert that has never known the travailof birth!
The man of desires, Euthymius, has multiplied thy sons;
he has planted them in faith and piety. // He has watered them with the Holy Spirit; // they grow in self-denial and perfectvirtue.// Through his intercessions, Christ our God, preserve Thy people in peace!
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 1
As God, Thou didst rise from the tomb in glory,
raising the worldwith Thyself.
Human nature praises Thee as God, for death has vanished.
Adam exults, O Master!
Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and criesto Thee://
“Thou art the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”
Kontakion (Venerable Euthymius) Tone 8
The wilderness rejoicedat thy birth, holy Father Euthymius.
In thy memory, it bringsa harvest of joy through thy many miracles. // Pour the wonders onour soulsas well and cleanseus from our sins, // that we may sing: “Alleluia!”
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!~
