We can easily become distracted by so many things. In the midst of our rapid pace of life, we can also ‘lose track’ of where we’re headed and the priority we place on our souls and “the one thing needful,” our life with God, Him who is Eternal Life. In the end, what will all our hurrying here and there and the busyness with which we fill our days and weeks matter? For us as Christians we know that death is not the end, but that we will all come before the Judgment Seat of Christ to answer for how we have lived. For this reason, we strive to live with eternity before us, even as we keep ourselves focused on our source of Life, the Life of the world, and our Eternal Life, Jesus Christ. In our Epistle today we’re reminded of this truth: “You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain…” Lent gives us the opportunity to re-focus on our life with God and the working out our salvation with Him. For this reason, during Lent we increase our prayers as we fast, we prioritize the divine services of the Church that are so helpful in teaching us and continuing to grow us in the “faith once received” even as they unite us further in communion with God. We work on growing in humility and love, as we repent of all that’s not in keeping with our life with holy God. St. Paul asks us today, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation”? If we prioritize Christ and His Church this holy season we’ll make gains in our life in Christ, we’ll arrive at Pascha refreshed and energized, having made Christ and His eternal Kingdom the renewed focus of our life—both now and in the age to come. With much love in Christ, 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,Trapeza,
- Mon, 10 a.m.,Divine Liturgy, Great Feast of the Annunciation, Trapeza (fish, wine, oil)
- Wed, 6:30 pm, Presanctified Liturgy, Soup Supper
- Sat., March 30,6:00 p.m., Great Vespers, Confession following
- Sun., March 31,9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 Divine Liturgy, Trapeza, Sunday School
Looking Ahead…Mark your Calendars!
- Tues., April 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Catechumen/Inquirer Class
- Thurs., April 11, 5:30 p.m., Great Canon of St. Andrew with the Life of St. Mary of Egypt
- Holy Week 2019 begins Saturday, April 13with Divine Liturgy for Lazarus Saturday and continues until Pascha Night, April 20. Holy Week Schedule now available in print, online!
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,
- 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, Jessica (sister of Kelly Vernet), Michael, Elizabeth, Noah, Jocelyn, Tommy, Thomas, Johann, the Church in Georgia, Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren throughout 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 (Forefeast) Tone 4
Today is the prelude of joy for the universe.
Let us anticipate the feast and celebrate with exultation:
“Gabriel is on his way to announce the glad tidings to the Virgin;
he is ready to cry out in fear and wonder://
‘Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee!’
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 (Forefeast) Tone 8
Thou art the beginning of salvation for all of us on earth, Virgin Mother of God.
For the great Archangel Gabriel, God’s minister, was sent from heaven to stand before thee to bringthee joy:
Therefore, we all cryto thee: “Rejoice, O unwedded Bride!”
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!~
