The idea of denying oneself anything in our “me first” culture seems almost ‘abnormal,’ but the message of the cross stands in such stark contrast: Christ says to us today, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mk. 8:34). The Lord knows that if we put self, that is, ego, first, we’ll be swallowed up by our passions and the world around us in our desires to please ourselves. By contrast, the Christian comes outside himself to love and to serve God. In living for Him and in the light of His truth, he witnesses to the world around him—even at personal cost to himself. For this reason, Christ also says to us today, “whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it” (Mk. 8:35). This is the paradox presented to us today: in dying to the worst of fallen human nature, we learn to live to Christ and acquire a deified human nature, capable of life with God. With God ALL things are possible—healing from sin-sickness, redemption and new life, are the salvific work of heaven. With the cross before us, we learn to deny ourselves and follow Christ, that we too may become fellow victors with Him over sin and death through His invincible trophy, the weapon of peace! Yours 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:All Services held at our new church home at 73 Franklin St. (CLT Building), historic Annapolis
- TODAY 9:30Hours, 10, Divine Liturgy, Sunday after the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross, Trapeza
- Wed., Sept 18, 6 p.m.,Daily Vespers, 6:45 Patristics Study
- Thurs., Sept. 12, 1-1:20 p.m., Sixth Hour Prayers, St. Nicholas Orthodox Chapel, USNA
- Sat., Sept. 21, 6 p.m., Great Vespers (Confession offered)
- Sun., Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10, Divine Liturgy, Trapeza
Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars!
- Tues., Sept. 24, 5:45-7:15 p.m.,Sept. Catechumen Class (7thEcumenical Council, Church etiquette, Q & A, History of Orthodox Church in North America, OCA)
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: Archpriest George the Confessor, Gabriel, Rafael, Serafim, Basil, Rdr. Michael, Archbishop Nikon, Archpriest John (Moses), Archpriest John (Matusiak)
- Met. Isaiah of Georgia, Archbishops Yohanna Ibrahim, Boulos Yazigi of Syria, Sbn. John, Benedict, Benjamin, Daniel, Noah, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Vivian, Beatrice, George, Helen, Helen, Geneva, Sydney, Young, Valerie, Anastasia, Valentina, Linda, Susan, Michael, Elizabeth, Noah, Tommy, Thomas, Mat. Alexandra, Judith, Maggie, Frank, Karley, Christina, the Church in Georgia, Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren around the world, those suffering from Hurricane Dorian, peace in Syria.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 4
When the women disciples of the Lord // learned from the angel the joyous message of thy Resurrection, // they cast away the ancestral curse // and elatedly told the apostles: // “Deathis overthrown! //Christ God is risen,//
granting the world great mercy!”
Troparion Tone 1
O Lord, save Thy people // and bless Thine inheritance! // Grantvictories to the Orthodox Christians // over their adversaries; // and by virtue of Thy Cross,//
preserve Thy habitation!
Troparion (Greatmartyr Nicetas) Tone 3
Thou didst defeaterror and didst triumph in martyrdom,
Nicetas, namesake of victory; // for thou didst conquer the ranks of the enemy // and ended thy↑contest by fire.//
Pray to Christ our God to grantus His greatmercy!
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 4
My Savior and Redeemer// as God rose from the tomb and delivered the earth-born from their chains.// He has shattered the gatesof hell,//and as Master,//He has risen on the thirdday!
Kontakion (Greatmartyr Nicetas) Tone 2
Thou didst stand firmand didst defeat delusion
and hast received thy martyr’s crown, Nicetas, namesake of victory; // thou art rejoicing with the Angels, // together with them thou art praying unceasingly to ChristGodfor us all.
Kontakion Elevation of the Cross Tone 4
As Thou wast voluntarily raised upon the Crossfor our sake,
grant mercy to those who are called by Thy Name, O ChristGod;
make all Orthodox Christians gladby thy pow’r,
granting them victories over their adversaries// by bestowing on them the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace!
Kontakion (Angels) Tone 2
Commanders of God’s armiesand ministers of the divine glory//princes of the bodiless Angelsand guidesof mankind// askfor what is good for us, and for great mercy,//O Supreme Commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.
Glory to God for All Things!
