Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – January 26, 2020

Pridedoesn’t just manifest itself in arrogance, but often—maybe even more often—in over-sensitivity and feelings of inferiority.  The common denominator is self-focus rather than Christ-focus.  Where ego and reliance on self is concerned, whether in regard to appearance, identity, or abilities, or one’s purpose in life, pride won’t be far behind.  It will haunt us, belittle us, and try to make us forget who we are in Christ.  This is why pride, of all the vices, is often said to be, not only to be the first of sins, but also the most destructive: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).  While pride often makes one feel invincible, one suffers from the greatest insecurities because of self-reliance, one’s own self-deception.  God wants to free us from such sin-sickness.  Today’s Gospel also gives us an example of how God exalts those who are humble.  Through our fervent prayers for humility and against pride, through our worship and Confession, through our participation in the sacramental life of Christ in His Church, we grow more and more into the likeness of God, confident not in ourselves, but in who we are in Christ Jesus.                              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,Trapeza, Annual Meeting
  • Wed., Jan. 29, 6 p.m.,Daily Vespers
  • 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 am, Hours, 10, Divine Liturgy, Great Feast of the Meeting of Christ in the Temple, Trapeza

Looking Ahead: Important/Mark your Calendars!

  • Sun., 1 March,Sunday of Forgiveness, Cheesefare,Vespers and Rite of Forgiveness
  • Mon., 2 March,Clean Monday, 1stDay of Great Lent
  • Wed., 4 March, FIRST Presanctified Liturgy, trapeza

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
  • 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 7            

By Thy CrossThou 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 ChristGod, // to proclaimthat Thou art risen,//

granting the worldgreat mercy.

Troparion              (New Martyrs of Russia)            Tone 4

Today the Church of Russia forms a chorus in joy, // praising her new martyrs and confessors; // hierarchs and priests, royal passion-bearers,right-believing princes and princesses//venerable men and women, and all Orthodox Christians. // Having laid down their life for faith in Christ during the days of godless persecution, // they preserved the truth by the shedding of blood.// By their protection, O long-suffering Lord, preserve our land in Orthodoxy till the endof the age.

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 7            

The dominion of death can no longer hold men captive,

for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers.

Hell is bound, while the Prophets rejoiceand cry:

“The Savior has come to thosein faith;//

enter, you faithful, into the Resurrection!”

Kontakion             (New Martyrs of Russia) Tone 3

Today the new martyrs of Rus’ stand in white robes before the Lambof God, // and with the angels they sing to God the hymn of victory: // “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and praise, and honor,  // and power, and strengthbe to our God 

unto theages of ages. Amen.”        Glory to God for All Things!