We’re reminded in today’s Gospel of the reality of spiritual warfare and the devastating effects of a soul given over to the evil one and his demons, as well as Christ God’s power over the evil one. St. Paul relays this truth to us, saying, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). Because the spiritual realm is unseen, it often escapes our attention and a secular society fails to grasp the reality of the spiritual warfare waging war around us. As Christians, we’re admonished to “guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” to be careful about giving the devil a foothold through sinful habits, addictions, and unedifying inputs, which, if unchecked, can lead to devastating effects on our bodies and our souls. Thank God, with Christ there is power to heal and cast out the demons and their influence on our lives, as we evidence in today’s Gospel. We exercise great discipline and vigilance to fight against them through our “No!” to sin and our “Yes!” to God. This effort is manifested in our daily prayers and repentance, our sacramental confession, our participation in the divine worship, and the Eucharist. By making good use of these tools, we allow Christ God to enter those sinful, vulnerable places most susceptible to the influence of the evil one. Our Orthodox Faith assures us, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (I Jn. 4:4). Christ has overcome the world; let us be diligent in availing ourselves of His power and help in time of need and guard our souls, filling them with His divine light and truth to grow in holiness and overcome the devil’s influence in our own lives. In Christ’s love, Fr. Robert+
Important: 2018 Pledges/Commitments: We have reached our minimum need of $3,500 per month. Glory to God for His provision! To grow the Mission further, we need everyone to honor their monthly pledges and to give generously and faithfully so we can continue to provide for our church and ready ourselves for the next step. “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:7).
THIS WEEK at HOLY ARCHANGELS
- TODAY, 9:15 Hours,10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Trapeza, Sunday School,
- Thurs. July 5, 6:30 pm Daily Vespers moved for 4th of July
- Sat, July 7, 6 p.m., Great Vespers (Confession offered following the service)
- Sun, July 8, 9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy with Baptisms and Chrismations., trapeza.
Looking Ahead…Mark your Calendars!
- Sunday, July 22, Robert and family away for AAC (All American Council of the OCA in St. Louis). Fr. Damian Dantinne will be supplying for Fr. Robert on that Sunday.
Confession and Reception: In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it is the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice at least monthly confession. If 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.
Regular, Monthly Giving—Expanding the Mission: Our Mission has taken a big step of faith to move into our new church home, to expand our bookstore and outreach efforts, and make more room for new families and individuals. We need your help to afford our new space. Monthly pledges and giving are key to our sustainability and our growth.
TRAPEZA: The lunch and fellowship served after Divine Liturgy is an important part of our Mission’s 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 so important. Please sign up to help provide for this important ministry, which is everyone’s responsibility!
Prayer Requests: Our Mission’s Growth “in spirit and in umbers”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission & college ministry, ACM (Annapolis Pan-Orthodox College Ministry);
- Those departed this life: especially Mary, Baker, Roger,
- Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Priest John, Sbn. John, Gov. Hogan, Benedict, Daniel, Eric, Daniel, Noah, Norm, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Sophia, Vivian, Beatrice, George, Helen, Helen, Geneva, Phoenix, Sydney, Young, Liam, Cynthia Eleni, Valerie, Charlotte, Anastasia, 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, peace in Syria.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 4
When the women disciples of the Lord
learned from the angel the joyous message of thy Resurrection,
they cast away the ancestral curse //and elatedly told the apostles:
“Death is overthrown! // Christ God is risen,//
granting the world great mercy!”
Troparion (for Saints Cosmas and Damian) Tone 8
Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers, Cosmas and Damian, heal our infirmities!//Freely ye have received; freely ye give to us.
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 4
My Savior and Redeemer // as God rose from the tomb and delivered the earth-born from their chains. // He has shattered the gates of hell, // and as Master,//
He has risen on the third day!
Kontakion (for Saints Cosmas and Damian) Tone 2
Having received the grace of healing,
ye grant healing to those in need.
Glorious wonderworkers and healers, Cosmas and Damian,
visit us and put down the insolence of our enemies,//
and bring healing to the world through your miracles!
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.
