St. Paul describes the faith of the Saints of old and what they endured for the sake of the truth of God, saying, they: “subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong… Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment….” (Heb. 11:33-38). His reference could equally apply to the Saints of North America we commemorate today: at great personal cost, they brought the true faith of Christ to North America, becoming the “fishers of men” we are all called to be by virtue of our baptism into Christ. If we are to be faithful to Christ’s calling on our lives, we too need to be ready to prioritize our life in Christ and in His Church above all else—not only in imitation of the heritage of the Saints who’ve come before us, but in obedience to Christ’s command (“Go, therefore, and make disciples…”) and for love of Christ. Indeed, it’s because of our love for God that we are willing to endure and suffer all for the sake of the Gospel, to faithfully witness to the truth in our age, to give sacrificially to the building up of Christ’s Church, to repent and live a life compatible with God’s Kingdom. Yours in Christ’s love, Fr. Robert+
Important: 2018 Pledges/Commitments: We have reached our minimum need of $3,500 per month. Glory to God for His provision! To grow the Mission further, we need all for whom this Mission is dear to honor their monthly pledges and to please give generously and faithfully so we can continue to provide for our church and ready ourselves for the next step. “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, 9:15 Hours,10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Trapeza, Sunday School,
- Sa, June 16, 3:30 p.m., Annual Picnic at the Rectory (1353 Tydings Rd., Annapolis). BYOFish to grill, a side and drink to share. Great Vespers at 6 p.m. on the deck, fire in the fire pit, edifying fellowship.
- Sun, June 17, 9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy (at church), trapeza, Sunday School.
Looking Ahead…
- , June 29, 9:45 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Trapeza (fish, wine, oil)
Confession and Reception: In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it is the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice at least monthly confession. If 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.
Regular, 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.
AMAZON. We’re now able to give 6.5% of our regular purchases from Amazon.com to Holy Archangels. Purchases are anonymous and will be automatically credited to Holy Archangels. Please Visit our website and click the link before you shop at Amazon and it will be credited to us. Please note: This is not the same promotion as “Amazon Smile.”
TRAPEZA: The lunch and fellowship served after Divine Liturgy is an important part of our Mission’s 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 so important. Please sign up to help provide for this important ministry, which is everyone’s responsibility!
Prayer Requests: Our Mission’s Growth “in spirit and in umbers”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission & college ministry, ACM (Annapolis Pan-Orthodox College Ministry);
- Those departed this life: especially Baker, Roger
- Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Priest John, Sbn. John, Gov. Hogan, Frederica, Benedict, Daniel, Eric, Daniel, Noah, Norm, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Sophia, Vivian, Beatrice, George, Helen, Helen, Geneva, Phoenix, Sydney, Young, Liam, Cynthia Eleni, Valerie, Charlotte, Anastasia, 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, peace in Syria.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 1
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews,
while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body,
Thou didst rise on the third day, O Savior,
granting life to 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 (All Saints of North America) Tone 8
As the bountiful harvest of Thy sowing of salvation,
the lands of North America offer to Thee, O Lord, all the saints who have shone in them.
By their prayers keep the Church and our land in abiding peace
through the Theotokos, O most Merciful One!
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 (Resurrection) Tone 1
As God, Thou didst rise from the tomb in glory,
raising the world with Thyself.
Human nature praises Thee as God, for death has vanished.
Adam exults, O Master!
Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and cries to Thee://
“Thou art the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”
Kontakion (All Saints of North America)Tone 3
Today the choir of Saints who were pleasing to God in the lands of North America//now stands before us in the Church and invisibly prays to God for us//With them the Angels glorify Him //and all the Saints of the Church of Christ keep festival with them//and together they all pray for us to the Pre-eternal God.
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.
