Weekly Update and Bulletin From Fr. Robert Miclean – July 21, 2019

Today’sGospelreminds us of the reality of spiritual warfare and the devastating effects of a soul given over to the evil one and his demons, but also 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 left unchecked, can devastate our souls and bodies.  With Christ there is power to heal and cast out the demons and their influence on our lives, as we see 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, the Eucharist, and by guarding ourselves with the sign of the cross.  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+

2019 Pledges/Commitments.  We give back a “first fruits” pledge to Christ from what He’s so mercifully given and entrusted to us.  Everything we have is a gracious gift from God.  Let us be as those servants who used their talentswisely and to God’s glory (Matt. 25:23).  If you have not done so yet, please offer your pledge of talents today.  To grow in faith and grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers,” please give generously and faithfully. (II Cor. 9:7). 

THIS WEEK at HOLY ARCHANGELS 

  • TODAY 9:30Hours, 10 Divine Liturgy, Trapeza
  • Wed., July 24, 6:45,Patristics Study:The First Apology, St. Justin the Philosopher and Martyr 
  • Fri, July 26, 7-8:15 p.m.,Plebe Summer Ministry, USNA
  • Sat., July 27,6pm, Great VespersConfession following
  • Sun., July 28,9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., DivineLiturgy, Trapeza 

Looking Ahead: Mark your Calendars!

  • Thurs., Aug. 1, Begin Dormition Fast (no meat or dairy)
  • Tues., Aug. 6, 9:45 a.m., Great Feast of the Holy Transfiguration,trapeza: fish, wine, oil
  • Wed., Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m., Vesperal Divine Liturgy, Great Feast of the Holy Dormition (with the Lamentations)

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 provisionfor our Mission & college ministry, ACM (Annapolis Pan-Orthodox College Ministry);
  • Departed founders of our church: Archpriest George the Confessor, Gabriel, Rafael, Serafim, Basil, Rdr. Michael
  • Met. Isaiah of Georgia, Archbishops Yohanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi of Syria, Sbn. John, Gov. Hogan, Benedict, Benjamin, Daniel, Noah, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Sophia, Vivian, Beatrice, George, Helen, Helen, Geneva, Phoenix, Sydney, Young, Liam, Eleni, Valerie, Charlotte, Anastasia, Valentina, Linda, Susan, Michael, Elizabeth, Noah, Tommy, Thomas, Johann, Mat. Alexandra, Judith, Maggie, Frank, Karley, the Church in Georgia, Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren around the world, 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: // “Deathis overthrown! // Christ God is risen,//

granting the world great mercy!”

Troparion              (for Saints Simeon and John)            Tone 4            

O God of our Fathers, // always act with kindness towards us;

take not Thy mercy from us, // but guide our livesin peace//

through the prayers of Venerable Simeon and John!

Troparion            (Prophet Ezekiel)            Tone 2            

We celebrate the memory // of Thy Prophet Ezekiel, O Lord;

through him, we beseechThee://saveour souls!

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 4                        

My Savior and Redeemer // as God rose from the tomb and delivered the earth-born from their chains.//He has shattered the gatesof hell, // and as Master,//He has risen on the thirdday!

Kontakion            (for Saints Simeon and John)            Tone 2            

Let us praisethe venerable Simeon // as an equal to the angels,

for he walkedin the flesh upon the earth as a bodiless angel 

shining forth to all as an example of the virtues;

and with himlet us honor his companion,

the ever memorable and God-bearing father John,//

for they ceaselessly pray to the Lordfor us with faithand love!

Kontakion            (Prophet Ezekiel)            Tone 4            

Thou hast been revealed as a Prophet of God, wondrous Ezekiel,

proclaiming to all the incarnation of the Lord, the Lamb and Creator,//the Son of God, Who has ever revealedHimself.

Kontakion               (Angels) Tone 2            

Commanders of God’s armiesand ministers of the divine glory,//princes of the bodiless Angelsandguidesof mankind//askfor what is good for us, and for great mercy,//O Supreme Commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.