“Today the waters of the Jordan are transformed into healing by the coming of the Lord. Today the transgressions of men are washed away by the waters of the Jordan… Today we have been delivered from darkness and illuminated with the light of the knowledge of God. Today the blinding mist of the world is dispersed by the Epiphany of our God. Today the whole creation shines with light from on high. Today error is laid love and the coming of the Master has made for us a way of salvation. Today things above keep feast with things below, and things below commune with things above.”—From “the Great Blessing of the Waters”
House Blessings: Saturday began the season of house blessings: The faithful invite Christ into their homes to set them aside, have them blessed, and 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. Please contact Fr. Robert with two suggested days, times for a house blessing as soon as possible. He will do his best to accommodate (n.b., Mondays he is generally not available).
Important: 2018 Pledges and Commitments: If you have not yet offered your commitment for 2018, PLEASE place it in the offering box today. As of now we have $2000 total in monthly commitments. We need $3,500. To all for whom this Mission is dear, please give generously so we can continue to pay rent and other necessary expenses to provide for our church and her growth. “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). Thank you & thanks be to God! The Mission Council
THIS WEEK at HOLY ARCHANGELS
- TODAY, 9:30 Hours, 10, Divine Liturgy, Trapeza, Sunday School
- Friday, Jan. 5, 6:30 p.m., Vesperal Divine Liturgy, Great Feast of the Holy Theophany, Great Blessing of the Waters. Trapeza following (fasting meal).
- Sat, Jan. 7, 6 p.m., Great Vespers (confession offered after service)
- Sun, Jan. 8, 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Trapeza. Annual Great Blessing of the Waters at City Dock.
Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars
- Wed, Jan. 17, 6:45 p.m., NEW STUDY: On the Incarnation, St. Athanasius (4th century). Please join us and invite a friend!
- Friday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m., Annual March for Life with His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon. The defense of life is one of the most fundamental Orthodox beliefs. Meet at church at 10 a.m. to depart for New Carrolton metro and the National Mall to join hundreds of other Orthodox Christians as we pray for a culture of life.
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.
Monthly Giving—Expanding the Mission: Our Mission has taken a big step of faith to move into our new church home, to expand our bookstore and outreach efforts, and make more room for new families and individuals. We need your help to afford our new space. Monthly pledges and giving are key to our sustainability and our growth.
TRAPEZA: The lunch and fellowship we serve after Divine Liturgy is an important part of our Mission’s life together. We cannot draw closer to God if we are not also drawing closer to each other. If we wish to grow “in spirit and in numbers,” such fellowship needs to be part of our life together in Christ. Please sign up to help provide for this important ministry.
Prayer Requests: That our Mission grows “in spirit and in numbers”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission & college ministry, ACM (Annapolis Pan-Orthodox College Ministry);
- Forgiveness, memory eternal: His Majesty Regele (king) Mihai I of Romania (last Orthodox king who reigned), Linda (aunt of Fr. Robert), Phillis (friend of the Miclean family)
- Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Priest John, Rdr. John, Gov. Hogan, Frederica, Benedict, Daniel, Eric, Daniel, Noah, Norm, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Sophia, Vivian, Marlena and baby, Beatrice, George, Helen, Helen, Geneva, Phoenix, Sydney, Young, Jason, Cynthia, Valerie, the Church in Georgia & Romania as they address the relativism of the West and speak the truth in love, our persecuted brethren in the Middle East, peace in Syria.
From the Fathers…
Jesus sanctified Baptism by being Himself baptized. If the Son of God was baptized, what godly man is he that despiseth Baptism? But He was baptized not that He might receive remission of sins, for He was sinless; but being sinless, He was baptized, that He might give to them that are baptized a divine and excellent grace. For since the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise partook of the same, that having been made partakers of His presence in the flesh we might be made partakers also of His Divine grace: thus Jesus was baptized, that thereby we again by our participation might receive both salvation and honor. St. Cyril Of Jerusalem – Catechetical Lectures, 3. On Baptism
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 6
The Angelic Powers were at Thy tomb;//
the guards became as dead men. // Mary stood by Thy grave,
seeking Thy most pure body.
Thou didst capture hell not being tempted by it.
Thou didst come to the Virgin, granting life.//
O Lord, Who didst rise from the dead, glory to Thee.
Troparion of the Feast Tone 1
When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan,
the worship of the Trinity was made manifest.
For the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee,
and called Thee His beloved Son;//and the Spirit in the form of a dove
confirmed the truthfulness of His word.
O Christ our God, Who hast revealed Thyself//
and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee.
Troparion (John the Baptist) Tone 2
The memory of the righteous is celebrated with songs of praise,
but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner.
Thou wast shown indeed to be the most honorable of the Prophets,
for in the waters thou didst baptize Him Whom thou didst preach.
After suffering with joy on behalf of the truth,
thou didst proclaim even to those in hell the God Who appeared in the flesh, Who takes away the sin of the world//and grants us great mercy!
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 (St John the Baptist) Tone 6
The river Jordan trembled, and was driven back,
filled with fear at Thy coming in the flesh,/while John drew back in awe
as he fulfilled the ministry of the Spirit.
The ranks of Angels stood amazed
when they beheld Thee baptized in the stream.
And we who were in darkness are filled with light.//
We praise Thee, O God made manifest, as Thou dost enlighten all.
Kontakion of the Feast Tone 4
Today Thou hast shone forth to the world, O Lord,
and the light of Thy countenance has been marked on us.
Knowing Thee, we sing Thy praises:
“Thou hast come and revealed Thyself,//O unapproachable Light.”
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.
