We see today two beautiful examples of love and compassion manifested by God as the Lord of Life, the Physician of our souls and bodies. We learn today that healing is always a grace, a mercy of God interjected into an otherwise sin-sick world. Christ God says to us, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Life in Christ, having put on Christ, is a transfigured life. We no longer live to die, but we die to live and inherit eternal life. In Christ, this earthly life that is passing away before our eyes, becomes a journey with God that never ends, but which is transfigured from “glory to glory,” (II Cor. 3:18) IF, we are willing to journey with Christ, to submit ourselves to the healing of our souls that He graciously desires for us. It is miraculous that God would bring the dead back to life and heal a paralytic; it’s a manifestation of His power, of His Kingdom—a testimony that He truly is the Lord and Giver of Life. But of even greater significance, is the new life in Christ and the ongoing healing of our souls that enables us to become fellow victors with Christ over sin and death and inheritors of His eternal Kingdom. In the love and mercy of the risen Christ, Fr. Robert+
THIS WEEK AT HOLY ARCHANGELS (all services at our church home—47 Spa Rd):
- Wednesday, May 10, 6:30 p.m., Daily Paschal Vespers
- Sat, May 13, 6 p.m., Great Vespers
- Sun, May 14, 9:40 Hours 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Trapeza following
- May 10-27, Robert leading a pilgrimage in Romania; Rev. Fr. Ignatius Green will be serving in Father’s stead. Please welcome him. For pastoral emergencies only, please call: (724) 316-8878
Looking Ahead:
- Saturday, June 3, Annual Pentecost Cookout and Great Vespers at the Rectory, 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday, June 4, Pentecost Sunday
Confession and Reception: In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it is the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice monthly confession. If you wish to receive Communion and 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 to ask for a blessing to receive.
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 are key to our sustainability. Please place your pledge (or increased pledge) in the offering box.
TRAPEZA: The lunch and fellowship we serve after Divine Liturgy is an important part of our Mission’s life together. We cannot draw closer to God if we are not also drawing closer to each other. If we wish to grow “in spirit and in numbers,” such fellowship needs to be part of our life together in Christ. Please sign up to help provide for this important ministry.
Prayer Requests: That God may grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers…”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission & ACM (Annapolis College Ministry);
- Forgiveness, memory eternal: John, cousin of Paula Eisengrein and John, friend of Marian.
- Metropolitan Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Rdr. John, Gov. Hogan, Benedict, Daniel, Mat. Janet, Eric, Daniel, Noah, Norm, Svetlana, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Sophia, 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, esp. Egypt and Syria, a peaceful resolution in Syria.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 3
Let the heavens rejoice! // Let the earth be glad!
For the Lord has shown strength with His arm. // He has trampled down death by death.
He has become the first born of the dead. // He has delivered us from the depths of hell,
and has granted to the world// great mercy.
Troparion (St Alexis) Tone 4
O righteous Father Alexis, // our heavenly intercessor and teacher,
divine adornment of the Church of Christ, // entreat the Master of All
to strengthen the Orthodox Faith in America, // to grant peace to the world//
and to our souls great mercy!
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 on high
Kontakion (from the Pentecostarion) Tone 3
By Thy divine intercession, O Lord, // as Thou didst raise up the Paralytic of old,
so raise up my soul, paralyzed by sins and thoughtless acts;
so that being saved I may sing to Thee:// “Glory to Thy power, O compassionate Christ!”
Kontakion (Pascha) Tone 8
Thou didst descend into the tomb, O Immortal, // Thou didst destroy the power of death.
In victory Thou didst arise, O Christ God, //proclaiming, “Rejoice!” to the Myrrhbearing Women,
granting peace to Thine Apostles, and bestowing Resurrection on the fallen.
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.
