“Today the waters of the Jordan are transformed into healing by the coming of the Lord. Today the transgressions of men are washed away by the waters of the Jordan… Today we have been delivered from darkness and illuminated with the light of the knowledge of God. Today the blinding mist of the world is dispersed by the Epiphany of our God. Today the whole creation shines with light from on high. Today error is laid love and the coming of the Master has made for us a way of salvation. Today things above keep feast with things below, and things below commune with things above.”—From “the Great Blessing of the Waters”
In Christ God’s love and blessing, Fr. Robert+
THIS WEEK AT HOLY ARCHANGELS:
- Today, Sun., Jan. 10, 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy, Memorial Service for Fr. Robert’s mother, Charlene (2nd anniversary), followed by short trapeza and the Great Blessing of the Waters at the City Dock (we will caravan to the City Dock following our short trapeza).
- Today: Presentation by the Mission Council on prospective rental space, 47 Spa Rd.
- Sat, Jan. 16, 6:00 p.m. Great Vespers Confession following
- Sun, Jan 17, 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy, Trapeza following
House Blessings: Wednesday begins the season of house blessings. We invite Christ into our homes to set them aside, to bless them, and pray God to make them places manifesting Christ’s light, peace, truth, and love, harbors in the midst of the storm of the world, places of refuge for our souls. Please contact Fr. Robert with two suggested days and times for a house blessing as soon as possible. He will do his best to accommodate you (n.b., Mondays, his day off, he is generally not available).
Confession and Reception: In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it’s the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice monthly confession. If you wish to receive Communion and 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.
December Financial Report: We received $5,238 in offerings in December. In 2015, $37,057 was received. We are running a deficit of $1,615. This represents an almost 1,000 decrease in our deficit from last month due largely to your faithful giving. Glory to God for His provision thru your faithfulness! The 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 & ACM (Annapolis College Ministry);
- Newly-departed Wayne
- Metropolitan Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Dcn. Basil, Rdr. John, Governor Hogan, Benedict, James, Daniel, Seraphim, Bede, Wanda, Eric, George, Daniel, John, Stephanie, Noah, 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, a peaceful resolution in Syria.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 7
By Thy Cross Thou 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 Christ God,
to proclaim that Thou art risen,// granting the world great mercy.
Troparion of the Feast Tone 1
When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, // the worship of the Trinity was made manifest.
For the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, // and called Thee His beloved Son;
and the Spirit in the form of a dove // confirmed the truthfulness of His word.
O Christ our God, Who hast revealed Thyself// and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee.
Troparion (SS Gregory and Dometian) Tone 4 *
O God of our Fathers, // always act with kindness towards us; // take not Thy mercy from us,
but guide our lives in peace// through the prayers of the hierarchs Gregory and Dometian!
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 7
The dominion of death can no longer hold mankind captive,
for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers.
Hell is bound, while the Prophets rejoice and cry:
“The Savior has come to those in faith;// enter, you faithful, into the Resurrection!”
Kontakion (St Gregory) Tone 1
Thou didst keep watch with the eyes of thy soul, O holy bishop,
revealing thyself as a watchful pastor for the world.
With the staff of thy wisdom and thy fervent intercession,
thou drovest away all ^heretics like wolves,//
and didst preserve thy flock free from harm, O most wise Gregory.
Kontakion of the Feast Tone 4
Today Thou hast shone forth to the world, O Lord,
and the light of Thy countenance has been marked on us. // Knowing Thee, we sing Thy praises:
Thou hast come and revealed Thyself,// O unapproachable Light.
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.
