Forgiveness is the path toward freedom—both for ourselves, our families, the Church, and the world. Fr. Alexander Schmemann says: “The triumph of sin, the main sign of its rule over the world, is division, opposition, separation, hatred—and don’t we see it today! Therefore, the first break through this fortress of sin is forgiveness: the return to unity, solidarity, love…” On this Sunday, we’re reminded of Christ’s desire to free us of hypocrisy, grudges, bitterness, and pride. And so, we’re given the command to forgive as God forgives us. Likewise, we’re warned of the consequences of not forgiving one another, as we hear from Christ’s own lips: “And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” God in His love and mercy desires our healing of the passions and freedom from revenge, grudges, bitterness, and the deceit of hypocrisy. He gives us the Sacrament of Reconciliation to confess our sins and be reunited with God. He gives us the power to pray for the strength to forgive others. God by the Holy Spirit can give us the strength to forgive and to love, to interject into this broken world and into our broken relationships the triumph of His Heavenly Kingdom. In Christ’s love, Fr. Robert+
Important: 2018 Pledges/Commitments: We have reached our minimum need of $3,500 per month. Glory to God for His provision! To grow the Mission further, we need everyone to honor their monthly pledges and to give generously and faithfully so we can continue to provide for our church and ready ourselves for the next step. “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, 9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy Trapeza, Sunday School.
- Tues, Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m., Great Vespers, Lamentations, Holy Dormition of our Most-Blessed Lady Theotokos
- Wed, Aug. 15, 9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Dormition, Trapeza served (fish, wine, oil). *Bring flowers!*
- Sat, Aug. 18, 6:00 p.m., Great Vespers confession following
- Sun, Aug. 19, 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, trapeza following with Sunday School
Looking Ahead…Mark your Calendars!
- -Sunday, Aug. 25-26, Holy Archangels Books & Icons open house. This is a church-wide outreach event. Please volunteer for one of the time slots at the Entrance Table and invite your friends and neighbors. St. Tikhon’s coffee, Orthodox music both days.
Confession and Reception: In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it is the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice at least monthly confession. 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.
Prayer Requests: Our Mission’s Growth “in spirit and in umbers”
- For God’s financial provision for 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, Cynthia Eleni, Valerie, Charlotte, Anastasia, Valentina, Norm, Katerina, 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 2
When Thou didst descend to death, O Life immortal,
Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead.
And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead,
all the powers of heaven cried out://
“O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to Thee!”
Troparion (Transfiguration) Tone 7
Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God,
revealing Thy glory to Thy Disciples as far as they could bear it.
Let Thine everlasting Light also shine upon us sinners,
through the prayers of the Theotokos! O Giver of Light, glory to Thee!
Troparion (for the Martyrs) Tone 4
Thy holy martyrs Anicétus and Photius, 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, save our souls!
Troparion (for St Maximus) Tone 8
Champion of Orthodoxy, teacher of purity and of true worship,
enlightener of the universe and the adornment of the hierarchs:
all-wise Father Maximus, thy teachings have gleamed with light upon all things.// Intercede before Christ God to save our souls!
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 of the Powers on high!
Kontakion (Resurrection) Tone 2
Hell became afraid, O almighty Savior,
seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb!
The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee,// and the world, my Savior, praises Thee forever.
Kontakion (St Maximus) Tone 2
Maximus, divinely inspired champion of the Church, // sure and illumined exponent of Orthodoxy, // harp and trumpet of godliness, // divine and holy adornment of monks; never cease to intercede for us all.
Kontakion (Transfiguration) Tone 7
On the mountain Thou wast transfigured, O Christ God,
and Thy Disciples beheld Thy glory as far as they could see it;
so that when they should behold Thee crucified,
they would understand that Thy suffering was voluntary,
and would proclaim to the world//
that Thou art truly the Radiance of the Father.
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.
