Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – March 22, 2015

“To fast is to do violence to nature.  It is to do away with whatever pleases the palate.  Fasting ends lust, roots out bad thoughts, frees one from evil dreams.  Fasting makes for purity of prayer, an enlightened soul, a watchful mind, a deliverance from blindness.  Fasting is the door of compunction, humble sighing, joyful contrition, an end to chatter, an occasion for silence, a custodian of obedience, a lightening of sleep, health of the body, an agent of dispassion, a remission of sins, the gate, indeed, the delight of Paradise.”

“Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honor your patience.”

St. John Climacus (6th-7th century)

THIS WEEK AT HOLY ARCHANGELS:                        

  • Wed, March 25, 6:30 p.m., Vesperal Divine Liturgy for Annunciation, Festive Lenten Supper, Continued teaching on the Lord’s Prayer, St. John’s Boathouse (fish, wine, oil allowed)
  • Sat-Sun., March 28-29, LENTEN RETREAT with His Beatitude, Metropolitan TIKHON, entitled, “The Ascetic Disciplines of the Orthodox Life: Baptizing the Culture in an Age of Disbelief.” Last opportunity to register NOW online! Please be at Church no later than 12 Noon on Saturday, March 28, to greet His Beatitude. This is VERY important!
  • Sat, March 28, 5:30 p.m., Great Vespers (please note time change)
  • Sun, March 29, 9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy with His Beatitude. Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars!

  • HOLY WEEK begins with LAZARUS SATURDAY, April 4. Please refer to the Holy Week Schedule for the complete Holy Week schedule.

February Financial Report: Holy Archangels received a total of $3,209 in offerings in February. $2333 was pledged. Glory to God for this faithful response! We God for His provision and your faithfulness, which insures that our Mission can continue and grow! Holy Archangels Mission Council

Prayer Requests:

  • That God may grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers…”
  • For God’s financial provision for our Mission and ACM (Annapolis College Ministry);
  • Newly-departed Archpriest Thomas, Priest Matthew, Stephen
  • Metropolitan Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Priest John, Dcn. Basil, Rdr. John, Benedict, James, Daniel, Seraphim, Ed, Bede, Wanda, George, Daniel, Maria and family,, the Church in Georgia & Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted Orthodox brethren in Iraq & Syria, a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine., those suffering from Ebola and a speedy end to the disease. 

Troparion             (Resurrection)Tone 8
Thou didst descend from on high, O Merciful One!
Thou didst accept the three day burial
to free us from our sufferings!//
O Lord, our Life and Resurrection, glory to thee!
 
Troparion             (for St John Climacus)Tone 1
O dweller of the wilderness and angel in the body,
thou wast a wonderworker, O our God-bearing Father John.
Thou didst receive heavenly gifts through fasting, vigil, and prayer,
healing the sick and the souls of those drawn to thee by faith.
Glory to Him Who gave thee strength!
Glory to Him Who granted you a ^crown!//
Glory to Him Who grants healing to all!
 
Troparion (Holy Archangels)            Tone 4
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            (for St John Climacus)Tone 4            
The Lord truly set thee on the heights of abstinence,
to be a guiding star, showing the way to the universe,//
O our father and teacher John.
 
Kontakion            (Holy Archangels) 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,// Supreme Commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.