This Sunday as we celebrate the conception of the Theotokos by the righteous Joachim and Ana. The conception of Mary, the Theotokos, and then her presentation in the Temple, all point towards the unique and miraculous birth of Christ, the Logos of God made flesh. As we celebrate her conception, we look towards the fulfillment of the all that God through the prophets had foretold of the coming of the Messiah, the Savior of the world. This feast brings us to the doorstep of the Nativity. With only 15 days to go to Christmas, we redouble our efforts to not let the world around us define the feast for us, but rather seek to bring the Church and its teaching to bear on our lives and the world around us. We do so by preparing ourselves, our families through prayer and fasting, alms giving, worship, giving ourselves, our time during this blessed season of His coming. The Theotokos points the way and so we ask her intercessions, her aid, in our battle to live for God, to be in the world but not of the world, to make the most of the opportunity.
May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you this holy season of preparation!
In His love, Fr. Robert+
This week at Holy Archangels:
- Wednesday, Dec. 12, 4:30 p.m.., Potluck supper and Colinde in downtown Annapolis, Meet at St. John’s Boathouse. Bring a fast-friendly food or warm drink to share.
- Saturday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m.,Great Vespers with the Matins Gospel. Confession following.
- Sunday, Dec. 16, 9:30 Hours and Divine Liturgy followed by Trapeza.
Looking Ahead: Save the Dates!
- Monday, Dec. 24, 10:30 a.m. , ROYAL HOURS for the Eve of Nativity
- Monday, Dec. 24, 10:30 p.m., NATIVITY of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, followed by festive Trapeza for the Feast.
- Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, 5 p.m. Vigil for the Eve of THEOPHANY with the GREAT BLESSING OF WATER (strict fast day—bring a jar for holy water)
- Sunday, Jan. 6, 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy for the Feast of THEOPHANY followed by caravan to St. John’s Boathouse for the Blessing of College Creek (our third year!)
- Saturday, January 12, 3 p.m., Baby Shower for Nini!
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for our Mission that we may find a full-time Choir Director.
- Please pray for Azariah (Brian) as he looks for a teaching position.
- Healing for Fr. George Johnson, Viorica, Benedict, Vera, Marina, Colette, Mary, Leah and her baby.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 2
When You descended to death, O Life Immortal,
You destroyed hell with the splendor of Your Godhead.
And when from the depths You raised the dead,
all the powers of heaven cried out://
“O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You!”
Troparion (Conception of the Theotokos) Tone 4
Today the bonds of barrenness are broken,
God has heard the prayers of Joachim and Anna.
He has promised them beyond all their hopes to bear the Maiden of God,
By whom the uncircumscribed One was born as a mortal Man;
He commanded an Angel to cry to her:
“Rejoice, of full of grace,
the Lord is with you!
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 (Resurrection) Tone 2
Hell became afraid, O almighty Savior,
seeing the miracle of Your Resurrection from the tomb!
The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with You,//
and the world, my Savior, praises You forever.
Kontakion (Conception of the Theotokos) Tone 4
Today the universe rejoices,
for Anna has conceived the Theotokos through God’s dispensation,
for she has brought forth the one who is to bear the ineffable Word.
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.
