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. 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, but the inputs we take into ourselves does affect our souls. As Feuerbach has said, “We are what we eat.” As Christians, we are admonished to “guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” and to be careful about giving the devil a foothold through sinful habits and addictions, 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. While those indwelt by the Holy Spirit may not be indwelt by the demons, their influence can still wreck havoc on our lives IF we let them. We must exercise great discipline and vigilance to fight against them through our “No!” to sin and our “Yes!” to God, which is manifested in our daily repentance and our sacramental confession. By keeping short accounts with God in His Church, we allow Christ God to step in to heal those places most susceptible to the influence of the prince of this world. 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 carefully guard our souls, filling them with His divine light and truth, that we may grow in holiness and overcome the devil’s influence in our own lives.
In Christ’s love, Fr. Robert+
This week at Holy Archangels:
- v Thursday, August 1, Dormition Fast begins, concludes with the Feast on Aug. 15.
- v Friday, August 2, 7 p.m., Plebe Summer Ministry (incoming class) at the USNA
- v Saturday, August 3, 6 p.m. Great Vespers with Matins Gospel. Confession following.
- v Sunday, August 4, 8:30 a.m., Plebe Summer Ministry at the USNA
- v Sunday, August 4, 9:30 a.m. Hours, 10 am Divine Liturgy,
Looking Ahead
- v Sunday, Aug. 4, Planning Meeting for Romania Pilgrimage 2014, Following Trapeza.
- v Tuesday, Aug. 6, 11:30 a.m., Holy Transfiguration of our Lord, at the USNA, ALL FAITHS CHAPEL. RSVP to Fr. Robert by Aug. 1 by email so we can arrange transport to and from the USNA. You won’t be able to drive onto the Yard. Bring i.d.
- v Thursday, Aug. 15, 11:30 a.m., Holy Dormition of Mary the Most-Holy Theotokos, ST. ANDREW’S CHAPEL (beneath main chapel), USNA. RSVP to Fr. Robert by Aug. 11 by email so we can arrange transport to and from the USNA—OR—Enter by foot via Gate 3 on Maryland Ave. You won’t be able to drive onto the Yard! Bring i.d.
- v Sunday, Aug. 11, Plebe Summer Parent’s Weekend. This weekend we welcome the incoming plebes and their families to our Mission. Please bring something “fasting friendly” but diverse for the Trapeza to follow Divine Liturgy. Rides needed to and fro the Academy. Please contact Fr. Robert by email if you can help.
Prayer Requests:
- That God may grow our Mission in spirit and in numbers as a living witness of God’s love, healing, power, and glory;”
- For God’s ongoing financial provision for our Mission;
- For our Mission that we may find a Choir Director;
- Healing for Archpriest George, Priest John, Rdr. Michael, Rdr. John, Rdr. Andrew, Alethia, Benedict, Marina, Colette, Mary, Carol, Katherine, James, Charlene, Daniel, Michael Anthony, Sarah, the Church in Georgia and Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our suffering Orthodox brethren in Syria and Egypt.
- For the faithfully departed: Archimandrite Iustin, Matushka Tatiana, Kh. Jackie
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 4
When the women Disciples of the Lord
learned from the Angel the joyous message of the 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 (Holy Apostles of the Seventy) Tone 3
Holy Apostles Próchorus, Nícanor, Tímon, and Parménas,
entreat the merciful God,// to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions!
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 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 (Holy Apostles of the Seventy and Deacons) Tone 1
The glorious Nícanor, Próchorus, Parménas, and Tímon,
the honored deacons and eyewitnesses of the Word,
have been revealed as chosen vessels of the Faith.
Therefore, we celebrate your holy memory today,// blessing you with gladness of heart.
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.
