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 are swallowed up by our passions and by 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 worstof fallen human nature, we learn to live to Christ and acquire a deifiedhuman 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 begin now to prayerfully consider what God would have us give of our Time, Talents, and Treasure for 2019. We give back 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). We offer up our 2019 Pledge Formsduring the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, Oct. 21. To grow in faith and grow the 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,
- Tues, Sept. 18, 5;30-7 p.m., Catechumen Class(all inquirers and catechumens welcome and encouraged to attend).
- Wed, Sept 19,6:30, Daily Vespers, confession offered.
- Thurs, Sept. 20,2:30-4 p.m., FIRST Homeschooling Event—all children, parents welcome—learn, pray, and play!
- Sat, Sept. 22,6:00 p.m., Great VespersConfession following
- Sun, Sept. 23,9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, trapeza, Sunday School,
Looking Ahead…Mark your Calendars!
- Starting , Oct. 3,6:15 Daily Vespers, 6:45, NEW PATRISTICS STUDY: Early Apostolic Fathers. Join us for a lively teaching, discussion on the earliest writings of the Church in the next generation after the Apostles! Books available Wed., Sept. 19.
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 service and 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!
Miclean Baby Registry: For those who’ve asked: From the Holy Archangels website, click the Amazon link. On the homepage click the “Registry,” tab, then “baby”, then type Kristina Miclean, Annapolis.
Adult (and child) Greek Study Opportunity: Mallory Stripling teaches online Biblical Greek courses for adults and homeschool children. Please contact her at mallorydarling@gmail.com. More information can also be found at www.raphaelschool.org/greek/
Prayer Requests: Our Mission’s Growth “in spirit and in umbers”
- 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, 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, Norm, 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, 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 (Elevation of the Cross) 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 (Great Martyr Euphemia) Tone
Thy lamb Euphemia calls out to Thee, O Jesus, in a loudvoice:
“I love Thee, my Bridegroom and in seeking Thee, I endure suffering. // In baptism I was crucified so that I might reignin Thee, // and I died so that I might livewith Thee. // Accept me as a pure sacrifice,//for I have offered myselfin love!”
Through her prayers save our souls, since Thou art merciful!
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 (Great Martyr Euphemia) Tone 4
Thou didst complete thy struggle well, all-praised Euphemia;
even after death, thou pourest out healing on us for our sanctification. // We stand beside thy venerable relics to honor thy holy falling asleep,//that in faith we may be delivered from theweaknesses of our nature and obtain the grace of thy miracles.
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!
