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 this life to God’s glory. 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 9:30 Hours, 10 Divine Liturgy, The Holy Apostles, Sunday of All Saints of North America, Trapeza
- Wed., July 3, 6:45, Patristics Study:The First Apology, St. Justin the Martyr and Philosopher
- Fri, July 5, 7-8:15 p.m.,Plebe Summer Ministry, USNA
- Sat., July 6,6pm, Great Vespers, Confession following
- Sun., July 7,9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Trapeza
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 1
When thestonehad been sealed by the Jews,
while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure body,
Thou didst riseon the third day, O Savior,
grantinglifeto 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 shonein them.
By their prayerskeep the Churchand our landin abiding peace
through the Theotokos, O most Merciful One!
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 1
As God, Thou didst rise from the tomb in glory,
raising the worldwith Thyself.
Human nature praises Thee as God, for death has vanished.
Adam exults, O Master!
Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and criesto Thee://
“Thou art the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”
Kontakion (All Saints of North America) Tone 3
Today the choirof Saints who were pleasing to God in the lands of North America //now stands before us in the Church and invisibly prays to Godfor us//With them the Angels glorify Him, //and all the Saints of the Church of Christ keep festival with them; //together they all pray for usto the Pre-eternal God.
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!
