Sin is one of those oft misunderstood concepts in Christianity. Even in Orthodoxy, many people don’t understand sin, its consequences, and its remedy. St. Paul assures us in today’s Epistle that “sin leads to death” (Rom. 6:23). Why? The Orthodox Faith teaches us that sin is “missing the mark,” being disobedient and departing from the divine calling that God has given each of us. He calls us into fellowship, communion, with Him that we may inherit eternal life with Him. This means that when we disobey His divine will and way, His commandments, which are life-giving and reject His gracious offer to be in His near and holy presence, we are, in this sense, choosing death, apartness and separation from that holy communion with Him who is Life—the only true Life there is. That separation is truly a living death. In recognizing, confessing, and repenting of our sin, there is in the Church the opportunity for healing and growth through that change of heart. What we cannot do as Christians is to pretend that we have no sin or to mitigate our own sin or that of others. To no longer call sin that which God has defined as sin is to stand in the way of our healing and the healing of others. If we do so, St. John assures us that, “we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us…. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” Conversely, we are also assured that“If we confess our sins, He (Christ) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I Jn. 1:8-10). This forgiveness is conveyed to us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Confession, by which the Holy Spirit renews in us our baptism and makes us to walk again in “newness of life.” Yours 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 9:30Hours, 10 Divine Liturgy, Trapeza
- Tues., July 16, 6-8 p.m., July Catechumen/Inquirer Class (4-6 Ecumenical Councils, Essence & Energies of God)
- Wed., July 17, 6:45,Patristics Study:The First Apology, St. Justin the Philosopher and Martyr
- Fri, July 19, 7-8:15 p.m.,Plebe Summer Ministry, USNA
- Sat., July 20,6pm, Great Vespers, Confession following
- Sun., July 21,9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., DivineLiturgy, Trapeza
Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars!
- Thurs., Aug. 1, Begin Dormition Fast (no meat or dairy)
- Tues., Aug. 6, 9:45 a.m., Great Feast of the Holy Transfiguration,trapeza: fish, wine, oil
- Wed., Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m., Vesperal Divine Liturgy, Great Feast of the Holy Dormition (with the Lamentations)
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, and the newly-departed Oscar and Valeria.
- 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, Michael, Elizabeth, Noah, Tommy, Thomas, Johann, Mat. Alexandra, Judith, Maggie, Frank, Karley, the Church in Georgia, Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren around the world, peace in Syria.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 3
Let the heavens rejoice!//Let the earthbe glad!
For the Lord has shown strengthwith His arm.
He has trampled down deathby death.
He has become the firstborn of the dead.
He has delivered us from the depthsof hell,
and has granted to the world//greatmercy.
Troparion (Fathers) Tone 8
Thou art most glorious, O Christour God!
Thou hast established the Holy Fathers as lightson the earth.
Through them Thou hast guidedusto the true Faith.//
O greatly compassionate One,glory to Thee!
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 3
On this day Thou didst rise from the tomb, O Merciful One,
leading us from the gatesof death. // On this day Adam exults as Eve rejoices; // with the Prophets and Patriarchs//
they unceasingly praise the divine majesty of Thy power.
Kontakion (Fathers) Tone 8
The Apostles’ preaching and the Fathers’ doctrines have established one Faithfor the Church. // Adorned with the robeof truth, woven from heavenly theology,//
it defines and glorifies the great mystery of piety.
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!
