“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”
House Blessings
The few weeks of house blessings has begun. We invite Christ into our homes to set them aside another year, to bless them, to protect them and us, and pray God to make them places manifesting Christ’s light, peace, truth, and love. Please contact Fr. Robert by Sunday, Jan. 25 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 and Thursdays Fr. Robert is generally not available).
THIS WEEK AT HOLY ARCHANGELS:
- Wednesday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m., Applied Orthodox Discussion, “Why was Christ baptized and what is the purpose of holy water?” Dorm blessings at St. John’s will follow the discussion.
- Sat, Jan. 17, 6:00 p.m. Great Vespers Confession offered following the service.
- Sun, Jan. 18, 9:30 a.m., Hours 10am Divine Liturgy
December Financial Report: Holy Archangels received a total of $3,681 in offerings in December. $2500 was pledged. $29193 was received in offerings from Jan. – Dec. 2014. The annual budgeted amount based on pledges was $30,000. The new year of pledging has started: Please stay current with your pledges/offerings. Thank God for His provision and your faithful support, which insures that our Mission can continue and grow! 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 and ACM (Annapolis College Ministry);
- Departed servant, Rdr. Michael (one year) and departed handmaiden, Charlene (one year).
- Metropolitan Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Priest John, Dcn. Basil, Rdr. John, Benedict, James, Daniel, Seraphim, Ed, Bede, Wanda, Robert and family, Daniel, the Church in Georgia and Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted Orthodox brethren in Iraq and Syria, a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine., for those suffering from the Ebola epidemic and a speedy end to the disease.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 6
The Angelic Powers were at Thy tomb; the guards became as dead men.
Mary stood by Thy grave, seeking Thy most pure body.
Thou didst capture hell not being tempted by it. Thou didst come to the Virgin, granting life.//
O Lord, Who didst rise from the dead, glory to Thee.
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 (Venerable Theodosius)Tone 8
By a flood of tears thou didst make the desert fertile,
and thy longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles thou didst illumine the whole universe.
O our Father Theodosius, pray to Christ God to save our souls!
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 6
When Christ God the Giver of Life,
raised all of the dead from the valleys of misery with His mighty hand,
He bestowed resurrection on the human race.//
He is the Savior of all, the Resurrection, the Life, and the God of all.
Kontakion (Ven Theodosius)Tone 8
Planted in the courts of thy Lord, thou didst blossom beautifully with virtue,
and didst increase thy children in the desert, showering them with streams of thy tears,
O chief shepherd of the divine flock of God.
Therefore, we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Father Theodosius!
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 (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.
