TWO MASTERS. Christ God warns us in today’s Gospel that we cannot serve two masters… we cannot serve God and mammon. The world tells us to put our trust in our material possessions with which we hope to gain a sense of ‘security,’ to trust in and improve ourselves. 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 in 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 you.” This is not some kind of arbitrary ‘reward’ that 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 that He’s created us to be in Him; we learn to love, we learn to witness, we learn to glorify God in all things. But first and foremost, we learn to put our trust in God and see that all we have is ultimately a gift from God, who does not expect us to just entrust part of ourselves, our time, our gifts and our provision to Him, but ALL that we are and all that we possess. Such trust requires faith to entrust ourselves to God rather than mammon. But we have a choice before us, for we cannot serve God and mammon both. Help us, Lord, that we may put our trust and hope in Thee, knowing that, as St. Paul reminds us in today’s Epistle, such hope does not disappoint. 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 everyone to honor their monthly pledges and to 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,
- Sat, June 23, 6 p.m., Great Vespers (Confession offered following the service)
- Sun, June 24, 9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy (at church), trapeza, Sunday School.
Looking Ahead…Mark your Calendars!
- Fri, June 29, 9:45 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Trapeza (fish, wine, oil)
- Sunday, July 8, Divine Liturgy with Baptisms and Chrismations. Trapeza served following.
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.
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 Mary, 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 2
When Thou didst descend to death, O Life immortal,
Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead.
And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead,
all the powers of heaven cried out://
“O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to Thee!”
Troparion (from the Menaion, for the Martyrs) Tone 4
Thy holy martyrs Manuel, Sabel, and Ismael, O Lord,
through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from Thee, our God.
For having Thy strength, they laid low their adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.//
Through their intercessions, save our souls!
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 2
Hell became afraid, O almighty Savior,
seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb!
The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee,// and the world, my Savior, praises Thee forever.
Kontakion Tone 2
Because of your perfect faith in Christ, all-blessed martyrs,
Ye drank the cup of His sufferings with generous hearts.
Ye renounced the idols of Persia,
and, yourselves three in number, proclaimed your belief in the Holy Trinity.//We ever beseech you to pray for us all.
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.
