TWO MASTERS. Christ God warns us in today’s Gospel that we cannot serve two masters… we cannot serve God and mammon (the world, material possessions). The world tells us to put our trust in that mammon with which we hope to gain a sense of ‘security,’ to trust in and live comfortably. In contrast, Christ draws our attention to God’s provision—even for “the birds of the air” and “the grass of the fields.” He reminds us that we, created in His image and likeness and called to glory, are of much greater value. Those things we cling to of the world are passing away, but the Kingdom of God is for eternity. Christ admonishes us to first seek His Kingdom because if we do so, then “all these things” shall be added to us. This is not some kind of arbitrary ‘reward’ Christ bestows on us for following a command; instead, Christ shows us how vital, how life-giving communion with Him is:by seeking Him first, we learn to be all He’s created us to be in Him; we learn to love, we learn to witness, we learn to trust in Him. In short, we learn to glorify God in all things. All we have is ultimately a gift from God, who does not expect us to entrust just part of ourselves, our time, our gifts and our provision to Him, but ALL we are and possess. Help us, Lord, that we may put our trust and hope in Thee, for as St. Paul reminds us in today’s Epistle, such hope does not disappoint. 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, The Holy Apostles, Sunday of All Saints of North America,Trapeza
- Wed., July 10, 6:45,Patristics Study:The First Apology, St. Justin the Philosopher and Martyr
- Fri, July 12, 7-8:15 p.m.,Plebe Summer Ministry, USNA
- Sat., July 13,6pm, Great Vespers, Confession following
- Sun., July 14,9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., DivineLiturgy, Trapeza
Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars!
- Tues., July 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m., July Catechumen/Inquirer Class (4-6 Ecumenical Councils, Essence & Energies of God)
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 servants of God, 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 2
When Thoudidst descend to death, O Life immortal,
Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead.
And whenfrom the depths Thou didst raisethe dead,
all the powers of heaven cried out://
“O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to Thee!”
Troparion (for Saints Thomas and Acacius)Tone 4
O God of our Fathers, // always act with kindness towards us;
take not Thy mercy from us, // but guide our livesin peace//
through the prayers of Saints Thomas and Acacius!
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 2
Hellbecame afraid, O almighty Savior, // seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb! // The deadarose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoicedwith Thee,//
and the world, my Savior, praises Theeforever.
Kontakion (Venerable Acacius)Tone 2
Forsaking the world, thou didst follow Christ from childhood.
emulating His voluntary humility, thou didst cast down the prideful tyrant. // All-wiseand venerable Acacius,
unceasinglyprayfor us all!
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!
