Today we reflect on Christ’s miraculous healing of the blind man, who repeatedly and undauntedly calls after Christ God for His mercy, using the messianic title, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Undeterred by those who would silence him, the man catches Christ’s attention who rewards him for his faith in the living God, who alone is able to heal our bodies and souls. We ask ourselves this day the question, where is my ‘spiritual blindness’? We discover it thru repentance and Confession and beseech God to heal us as He did the blind man, to call after Christ God with all that we have in our being, even from the depth of our souls. This desire is the beginning of faith through which God can work His salvation in our lives and give us the spiritual sight we need to progress in His Kingdom, conquering vices and gaining in the virtues reflective of those who will inherit eternal life in Christ’s holy a near presence. In Christ’s love, Fr. Robert+
House Blessings: Today begins the season of house blessings: The faithful invite Christ into their homes to have them blessed and to 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. House blessings are a testimony to what we believe as Orthodox Christians. Please contact Fr. Robert as soon as possible with two suggested days and times for a house blessing. He will do his best to accommodate you.
TIME, TALENT, TREASURE: First Fruits Pledge 2020.
Throughout time, the people of God have given back to God a tenth, that is, a Tithe, of all they had. In the early Church, some even felt called to give away everything to build up the Church and glorify God. While as Christians we recognize that everything belongs to God, the tithe (or some percentage) is an important way to open our hearts to God, to learn to love God more, to take a step forward in faith and trust in God. Please offer your “Time, Talent, Treasure” pledge today, knowing that God will give you much more in return. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (II Cor. 9:6)
THIS WEEK at HOLY ARCHANGELS:
- TODAY 9:30 am, Hours, 10 am, Divine Liturgy
- Wed., Jan. 22, 6 p.m.,Daily Vespers
- Fri., Jan. 24, 10 a.m., Annual March for Life with His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon(meet at St. John’s College Gym lot)
- Sat., Jan. 25, 6 pm Great Vespers (confession offered after service)
- Sun., Jan. 26, 9:30 am, Hours, 10, Divine Liturgy, Trapeza, Annual Meeting
Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars!
- Wed., Jan. 29, 7 p.m., New 4-week Bible Study series begins: The Psalms of the Hours
- Sat., Feb. 1, 6 p.m.,Great Vespers, Litya, Great Feast of the Meeting of Christ in the Temple (Confession)
- Sun., Feb. 2, 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10, Divine Liturgy, Great Feast of the Meeting of Christ in the Temple
Confession & Reception:In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it’s the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice monthlyconfession. If a month has passed and you’ve not made confession for good reason, or, are visiting, please talk with Fr. Robert to ask a blessing to receive prior to the serviceand 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 important. Please sign up to help provide for this important ministry!
Prayer Requests: Our Mission’s Growth “in spirit & in numbers”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission & college ministry, ACM (Annapolis Pan-Orthodox College Ministry);
- Departed founders: Archpriest George the Confessor, Gabriel, Rafael, Serafim, Basil, Rdr. Michael, newly departed Archimandrite (Elder) Ephraim
- Met. Isaiah of Georgia, Archbishops Yohanna Ibrahim, Boulos Yazigi of Syria, Sbn. John, Benedict, Benjamin, Daniel, Noah, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Vivian, Beatrice, George, Helen, Helen, Sydney, Young, Valerie, Anastasia, Valentina, Linda, Susan, Michael, Elizabeth, Noah, Tommy, Thomas, Mat. Alexandra, Judith, Maggie, Frank, Karley, Christina, Erin, Joseph, James, Julie, Elaine, Steven, Lia, Jordan, the Church in Georgia, Romania as they battle the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren in the Middle East, peace in Syria.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 5
Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, // co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, // bornfor our salvation from the Virgin; // for He willedto be lifted up on the Crossin the flesh,
to enduredeath, // and to raisethe dead//
by His glorious Resurrection.
Troparion of the Feast Tone 1
WhenThou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan,// the worship
of the Trinity was made manifest.// For the voiceof the Father
borewitness to Thee,// and called Thee His beloved Son;// and
the Spirit in the form of a dove// confirmed the truthfulness of
His word.// O Christour God, Who hast revealedThyself//
and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee.
Troparion(Angels) Tone 4
O Commanders of the heavenly hosts, // we who are unworthy beseechyou: // by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory, // and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cryto you://Deliver us from all harm, for you are the Commanders of the Powers on high!
Kontakion (Resurrection) Tone 5
Thoudidst descend into hell, O my Savior, // shattering its gates as Almighty, //resurrecting the dead as Creator,//and destroying the stingof death. // Thou hast delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of man,//and we cry to Thee: O Lord,saveus!
Kontakion (Martyr Tatiana of Rome) Tone 4
In thy sufferings thou didst shine brightly // in the royal purple of thy blood, // and like a beautiful dove thou didst fly to heaven, // passion-bearer Tatiana.//
Therefore, always pray for those who honor thee!
Kontakion of the Feast Tone 4
Today Thou hast shone forth to the world, O Lord,
and the light of Thy countenance has been markedon us.
Knowing Thee, we sing Thy praises. // Thou hast come and revealedThyself,//O unapproachable Light.
Kontakion(Angels) Tone 2
Commanders of God’s armies and ministers of the divine glory//princes of the bodiless Angels and guidesof mankind// askfor what is good for us, and for great mercy,//O Supreme Commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.
Glory to God for All Things!
