We’ve all heard of someone being called a “doubting Thomas.” Thomas has the audacity to demand to ‘put his finger in Christ’s side,’ insinuating that, unless he can materially see the signs of Christ’s execution, he won’t believe. In reality, it’s not want of material ‘proof’ that Thomas needs, that I need, or that you need, it’s the ‘eyes of faith’. A great many people saw the miracles that Jesus did and still yelled “crucify Him, crucify Him.” Clearly seeing is not always believing. The reality is that without humility, without submitting ourselves to God, without growth in love for Him and all that is Good, we simply cannot have the faith to truly ‘see’; we cannot have the means whereby we can learn to trust what only the ‘eye’ of the soul can reveal to us through our growing relationship and communion with God.
This is what Thomas also comes to realize. Once he encounters Christ, who graciously grants his demand, Thomas prostrates himself before Christ; he humbles himself and in that humility and self-emptying, he’s able to make a profession of faith at least as great as were his doubts, “My Lord and my God!”
THIS WEEK AT HOLY ARCHANGELS:
- TODAY, Ana Miclean’s 4th Birthday party during Trapeza
- Wed, April 22, 5 p.m., Catechumen Meeting:
- Saturday, April 25, 6 p.m., Great Vespers, 1120 Spa Rd. (St. Martin’s)
- Sunday, April 26, 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 am Divine Liturgy, Presentation of RealBreak Romania 2015 during Trapeza
Save the Date!
- Monday, April 27-May 19, Fr. Robert leading OCMC Mission trip to Rep. Moldova followed by some time away to visit family in Romania. Psa. Krissy and Family joining him.
- Thursday, May 21, 10 a.m., Holy Ascension of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
March Financial Report: Holy Archangels received a total of $2283 in offerings in March. $2333 was pledged. YTD $7322 has been received. $6999 was expected. Your faithful contributions provide for this church and her ministries. We thank God for His provision and your faithfulness, which insures that our Mission can continue and grow! Holy Archangels Mission Council
Prayer Requests:
- That God may grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers…”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission and ACM (Annapolis College Ministry);
- Newly-departed Archpriest Thomas, Priest Matthew
- Metropolitan Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Priest John, Dcn. Basil, Rdr. John, Benedict, James, Daniel, Seraphim, Ed, Bede, Wanda, George, Daniel, Maria and family, Margaret, the Church in Georgia & Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren in Iraq & Syria, a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine., those suffering from Ebola and a speedy end to the disease.
Troparion (from the Pentecostarion) Tone 7
From the sealed tomb, Thou didst shine forth, O Life!
Through closed doors Thou didst come to Thy Disciples, O Christ God.
Renew in us through them an upright spirit,//
by the greatness of Thy mercy, O Resurrection of all!
Troparion (Holy Archangels) Tone 4
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 of the Powers on high!”
Kontakion (from the Pentecostarion) Tone 8
Thomas touched Thy life-giving side with an eager hand, O Christ God,
when Thou didst come to Thy Apostles through closed doors.
He cried out with all: “Thou art my Lord and my God!”
Kontakion (Holy Archangels) 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,// Supreme Commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.
