The Parable of the Good Samaritan calls us to come outside ourselves and our own self-focus to live as Christ in the midst of a world torn apart and ravaged by the ‘thieves’ of our souls that rob mankind of its greatest treasure: our life in and with God the Holy Trinity, our identity as a child of God called to glorify Him with our lives. Godlessness pulls our neighbors away from our Life-source, from relationship and communion with God. We have the opportunity to be as the Samaritan, a foreigner in this world, yes, and one who ministers to those robbed of their sacred vocation to know God, those in need of healing through repentance and the laver of regeneration, baptism, and the sacramental life in Christ. As we live out our faith with all sincerity, prioritizing our life in Christ in the Church, we give others hope of the reality of this new life as well, we present an alternative to slavery to this world and its passions—all that’s passing away. In this way, we mend the wounds of our neighbors’ eternal souls by loving them with the Gospel and the Orthodox Faith, by bringing them to Christ. May He give us the eyes to see those in need, who’ve fallen among ‘the thieves’ of our culture, and give us a heart to love and minister to them that they too find Christ and His holy Church. The Lord bless you, Fr. Robert+
2019 Pledges/Commitments. We give back a ”first fruits” pledge to Christ from what He’s so mercifully 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 sustain and grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers,” please give generously and faithfully. “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, 9:30Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy,Trapeza, Sunday School
- Tues, Nov. 13,5:30-7 p.m.,Nov. Catechumen/Inquirer Class
- Wed, Nov. 14,6:15, Daily Vespers, 6:45, PATRISTICS STUDY: Early Apostolic Fathers. This Week: St. Ignatius, Letter to the Trallians. Books available.
- Sat, Nov. 17,6:00 p.m., Great VespersConfession following
- Sun, Nov. 18,9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy,trapeza, Sunday School.
Looking Ahead…Mark your Calendars!
- , Dec. 13,5:30 p.m., Annual Colinde(Romanian Caroling)
- , Dec. 24,10 p.m., Great Feast of the Holy Nativity of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ(‘the Winter Pascha’):Compline, Nocturns, Divine Liturgy.
Confession and Reception:In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it is the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice at least monthlyconfession. 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 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 so 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
- Isaiah of Georgia, Archbishops Yohanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi of Syria, Archpriest George, 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, the Church in Georgia, Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren everywhere, peace in Syria.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 7
By Thy CrossThou didst destroy death.
To the thief Thou didst open Paradise.
For the Myrrhbearers Thou didst change weeping into joy,
and Thou didst command Thy disciples, O ChristGod,
to proclaimthat Thou art risen,//granting the worldgreat mercy.
Troparion (for the Martyrs) Tone 4
Thy holy martyrs Menas, Victor, Vincent, and Stephanida, 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, saveour souls!
Troparion (Venerable Theodore) Tone 8
Champion of Orthodoxy, teacher of purity and of true worship,
enlightener of the universe and adornment of hierarchs:
all-wise Father Theodore, thy teachings have gleamed with lightupon all things.//Intercede before ChristGod to saveour souls!
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 7
The dominion of death can no longer hold men captive,
for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers.
Hell is bound, while the Prophets rejoiceand cry://“The Savior has come to thosein faith//enter you faithful into the Resurrection!”
Kontakion (for the Martyrs) Tone 8
Today the Church honors thosewho fought the good fight and diedfor their faith: the victorious Menas, the noble Victor, and the ascetic Vincent.
The Church glorifies theirdivine struggle and cries outwith love:
“Glory to Thee, O Christ, Lover of mankind!”
Kontakion (Venerable Theodore) Tone 2
Thine ascetic life, equal to an Angel’s, // made thee radiant through thy athlete’s contest; // blessed by God, O Theodore, though didst become a companion of the Angels,
with whom thou dost unceasingly intercedefor us all.
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.
