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 and a secular society fails to grasp the reality of the spiritual warfare around us. As Christians, we’re admonished to “guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” and 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. 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 manifested in our daily repentance and our sacramental confession, our participation in the divine worship, and our daily prayers. By making good use of these tools, we allow Christ God to enter those 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 carefully 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+
THIS WEEK AT HOLY ARCHANGELS:
- Friday, July 10, 7-8:30 p.m., Fr. Robert ministering at the USNA
- Saturday, July 11, 6 p.m., Great Vespers (Confession following)
- Sunday, July 12, 9:30am Hours; 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy, followed by Trapeza
Looking Ahead:
- Sunday, July 19, Important Semi-Annual Meeting and update during Trapeza
- July 20-25, Robert participating in the OCA All American Council (AAC) in Atlanta
June Financial Report: We received $2443 in offerings in June. $2333 was pledged. YTD $14,875 has been received and $13,998 was expected. We are running a deficit of $3,082. Your faithful contributions provide for this church and ministries. Thank God for His provision and your faithfulness, which insures that our Mission can continue and grow! Holy Archangels Mission Council
Prayer Requests:
- That God may grow our Mission “in spirit and in numbers…”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission and ACM (Annapolis College Ministry);
- Newly-departed Harvy (father of Frank Greenwell)
- Metropolitan Isaiah of Georgia, Archpriest George, Priest John, Dcn. Basil, Rdr. John, Governor Hogan, Benedict, James, Daniel, Seraphim, Bede, Wanda, Eric, George, Daniel, Ed, John, the Church in Georgia & Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren in Iraq & Syria, a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine., those suffering from Ebola and a speedy end to the disease.
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 (St Sergius )Tone 8
From thy youth thou didst receive Christ into thy soul, O ven’rable one,
and above all didst desire to leave behind the turmoil of the world.
With courage thou didst settle in the wilderness, where thou didst raise children
in obedience, the fruits of humility.
Thus, as an abode of the Trinity, thou didst enlighten all who approached
in faith, granting healing to all.//
O our Father Sergius, pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved!
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 Tone 8
Having risen from the earth today and shining like the sun,
thy precious and incorrupt relics are as fragrant flowers, scented with miracles,
granting healing to all the faithful, and making glad thy flock
which thou didst wisely gather and tend.
Now as thou standest before the throne of the Trinity, entreat God’s
help and grace for them and for all Orthodox Christians,
so that we may sing: Rejoice, O divinely-wise Sergius!
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.
