We’re reminded in today’s Gospel of the reality of spiritual warfare and the devastating effects of a soul given over to the evil one and his demons. St. Paul relays this truth to us, saying, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). Because the spiritual realm is unseen, it often escapes our attention and a secular society fails to grasp the reality of the spiritual warfare waging war around us. As Christians, we’re admonished to “guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” to be careful about giving the devil a foothold through sinful habits, addictions, and unedifying inputs, which, if unchecked, can lead to devastating effects on our bodies and our souls. Thank God, with Christ there is power to heal and cast out the demons and their influence on our lives, as we evidence in today’s Gospel. While those indwelt by the Holy Spirit may not be indwelt by the demons, their influence can still wreck havoc on our lives IF we let them. We exercise great discipline and vigilance to fight against them through our “No!” to sin and our “Yes!” to God. This effort is manifested in our daily prayers and repentance, our sacramental confession, our participation in the divine worship, and the Eucharist. By making good use of these tools, we allow Christ God to enter those sinful, vulnerable places most susceptible to the influence of the evil one. Our Orthodox Faith assures us, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (I Jn. 4:4). Christ has overcome the world; let us be diligent in availing ourselves of His power and help in time of need and guard our souls, filling them with His divine light and truth to grow in holiness and overcome the devil’s influence in our own lives. The Lord Jesus Christ bless you! Fr. Robert+
THIS WEEK AT HOLY ARCHANGELS (all services at our new church home—47 Spa Rd):
Parking weekdays, Saturdays in the neighborhood off Amos Garrett Blvd. (first right heading East/downtown). On Sundays, free parking is usually offered in the Amos Garrett Parking Garage on the same street.
- Wed, July 27 (weekly), 6:30 p.m., “The Book of ACTS through the Eyes of the Early Christians.” This Week: Chapter 6: The first Deacons, St. Stephen accused, Join us & Invite friends!
- Fri, July 29, 7 p.m./1900, Fr. Robert’s Plebe Summer Bible Study at the U.S. Naval Academy
- Sat, July 30, 6 p.m., Great Vespers., Confession following
- Sun, July 31, 9:30 a.m. Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, We will have some plebes with us from the Naval Academy. Please be generous with hospitality/contribute to Trapeza!
LOOKING AHEAD
- , Aug. 1, Begin Dormition Fast
- , Aug. 6, 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy for the Great Feast of the Transfiguration, Trapeza (fish, wine, and oil).
- , Aug. 15, 12 Noon, Great Feast of the Dormition of our Lady Theotokos, USNA, St. Nicholas Orthodox Chapel. Trapeza (feasting). Park on street outside Gate 3 (end of Maryland Ave.), bring i.d., once through gate, ask guard to point you towards Rotunda of Bancroft Hall.
Holy Archangels Rent: KEEP OUR MISSION GOING! We need to raise an additional $300 per month to be able to continue to afford this new church home. We have taken a unanimous step of faith together. Please open up your hearts to help us meet this challenge so we can grow “in spirit and in numbers.” May God reward you for your faithfulness in providing for this Mission!
Confession and Reception: In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it’s 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 to ask for a blessing to receive.
Prayer Requests:
- That God may grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers…”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission & ACM (Annapolis College Ministry);
- Forgiveness of sins and blessed repose for the servant of God, Protdeacon Basil, Nikolai
- Metropolitan Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Dcn. Basil, Rdr. John, Governor Hogan, Benedict, James, Daniel, Bede, Wanda, Eric, George, Daniel, John, Noah, Norm, Jean Claude, Sophie, Svetlana, Gabriela and the child she bears, Cecilia and the child she bears, the Church in Georgia & Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren in the Middle East, a peaceful resolution in Syria.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 4
When the women disciples of the Lord
learned from the angel the joyous message of thy Resurrection,
they cast away the ancestral curse // and elatedly told the apostles:
“Death is overthrown! // Christ God is risen,// granting the world great mercy!”
Troparion (SS Boris and Gleb) Tone 2
Righteous passion-bearers and true fulfillers of the Gospel of Christ,
chaste Boris and guileless Gleb,
Ye did not resist the attacks of your brother, the enemy, // when he killed your bodies but could not touch your souls. // Therefore, let the evil lover of power mourn
while ye rejoice with the Angels standing before the Holy Trinity.
Pray that those who honor your memory may be pleasing to God,//
and that all Orthodox Christians may be saved!
Kontakion (Resurrection) Tone 4
My Savior and Redeemer
as God rose from the tomb and delivered the earth-born from their chains.
He has shattered the gates of hell, // and as Master,// He has risen on the third day!
Kontakion (SS Boris and Gleb) Tone 3
Today your most glorious memory shines forth, // noble participants in the passion of Christ, holy Boris and Gleb, //for you call us together to sing praises to Christ our God.//Praying to Him before your sacred images,//We receive the gift of healing by your prayers, for ye are indeed divine healers.
