One week and counting: that’s how long we have until Holy Lent begins—the Great Fast! We begin now (if we haven’t already) preparing ourselves, body and soul, and our households to make the most of this holy season of fasting and increased prayer that is before us. We do so in order to heal, to grow in Christ, to take a few steps forward in faith and participation in the life in Christ God, so that, arriving at Pascha, we are changed and renewed further into those beloved children of God that He has formed us and called us to be.
In the same manner, Christ places before us today the remembrance of the Last Judgment, when Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead. The timing is not accidental or random. Rather, Christ through His holy Church knows that it is our Orthodox understanding of sin and judgment that can be not only the catalyst to change, to increased cooperation with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, but also the vehicle through which that change comes. We keep in remembrance the Last Judgment, so that daily, judging ourselves in light of the Gospel and revealed life of Christ through His holy Church, we may address the sin in our lives, find healing for our souls and increased participation in the life of the Holy Trinity, and in this way, hear the words of Christ on the Last Day, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you.”
In His love, Fr. Robert+
We rejoice with parents, Reader Zenon (Noel) and Nino, at the baptism and chrismation of their son, Emiliane, this day, who has been born anew by water and the spirit. May God grant Him continued growth in His divine grace and inherit the Kingdom prepared for him.
This week at Holy Archangels:
- v Saturday, March 16, 6 p.m.,Great Vespers with Matins Gospel. Confession following.
- v Sunday, March 17, 9:30 a.m. Hours 10 am Divine Liturgy followed by Trapeza. Sunday of Forgiveness and Cheesefare Last day to eat Milk Products and eggs! Forgiveness Vespers with the Rite of Forgiveness to follow Trapeza. All are encouraged to attend as we begin Lent together in the spirit of mutual forgiveness!
Looking Ahead: Save the Dates!
- v Monday, March 18, Great and Holy Lent Begins!
- v Wednesday, March 20, 6:30, First Presanctified Liturgy Lenten Potluck Dinner following, St. John’s Boathouse
- v Thursday, March 21, 4:00 p.m., Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, St. John’s Boathouse
- v Monday, March 25, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy for the Annunciation, St. Martin’s
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for God’s ongoing financial provision for our Mission.
- Please pray for our Mission that we may find a Choir Director and that we may continue to grow in spirit and in numbers as a living witness of God’s love, healing, power, and glory.
- Healing for Fr. George Johnson, Benedict, Marina, Colette, Mary, Carol, Katherine.
- For the newly illumined servant of God, Emiliane.
- Thanks be to God for answered prayers for Viorica, Carol, Leah and her baby!
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 7
By Your Cross You destroyed death.
To the thief You opened Paradise.
For the Myrrhbearers You changed weeping into joy.
And You commanded Your disciples, O Christ God,
to proclaim that You are risen,//
granting the world great mercy.
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 (from the Lenten Triodion) Tone 1
When You, O God, shall come to earth with glory,
all things shall tremble,
and the river of fire shall flow before Your judgment seat;
the books shall be opened, and the hidden things disclosed;
then deliver me from the unquenchable fire,//
and make me worthy to stand at Your right hand, O Righteous Judge!
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.
