We see today two beautiful examples of the love and compassion manifested by God as the Lord of Life, the Physician of our souls and bodies. We learn today that healing is always a grace, a mercy of God interjected into an otherwise dying world. Christ God says to us, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Life in Christ, having put on Christ, is a transfigured life. We no longer live to die, but we die to live and inherit eternal life. In Christ, this earthly life that is passing away before our eyes, becomes a journey with God that never ends, but which is transfigured from “glory to glory,” (II Cor. 3:18) IF, we are willing to journey with Christ, to submit ourselves to the healing of our souls that He graciously desires for us. It is miraculous that God would bring the dead back to life and heal a paralytic; it’s a manifestation of His power, of His Kingdom—a testimony that He truly is the Lord and Giver of Life. But of even greater significance, is the new life in Christ and the ongoing healing of our souls that enables us to become fellow victors with Christ over sin and death and inheritors of His eternal Kingdom. For this reason, we sing today in the words of the Kontakion: “as You raised up the Paralytic of old, so raise up my soul, paralyzed by sins and thoughtless acts; so that being saved I may sing to You: “Glory to Your power, O compassionate Christ!” May Christ God work His spiritual healing in each of us to His glory!
In the love and mercy of the risen Christ,
Fr. Robert+
This week at Holy Archangels:
- v Saturday, June 1, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Cape St. Claire STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL OUTREACH. Please come support our church in this important outreach opportunity. Help is needed with set-up and take-down, watching children, making paper flowers, AND speaking with those who come by of the Orthodox Faith in Christ and our Mission.
- v Saturday, June 1, 6 p.m. Great Vespers with Matins Gospel. Confession following.
- v Sunday, June 2, 9:30 a.m. Hours, 10 am Divine Liturgy, Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
Looking Ahead: Save the Dates!
- v Thursday, June 13, The Holy Ascension of our Lord, Special Hours followed by Divine Liturgy begin at 9:30 a.m.
- v Sunday, June 16, Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council and Fathers’ Day. We will remember our fathers (godfathers, fathers, and grandfathers), departed and living. Please send names by email to Fr. Robert by 3 p.m. Saturday, specifying living and departed.
- v Sunday, June 23, Picnic at the Rectory: Pentecost Sunday (bring a large blanket and your Trapeza contribution to share for a picnic at the Rectory, 1353 Tydings Rd., Annapolis). Rainy day reschedule date is Sunday, June 30.
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 Archpriest George, Priest John, Benedict, Marina, Colette, Mary, Carol, Katherine, Katherine, Carey, Hannah, Luke, Caroline, Elizabeth, Carrie, James, Charlene, Daniel, Adele, Michael Anthony, Alethia, Rdr. Andrew, the Church in Georgia.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 3
Let the heavens rejoice! // Let the earth be glad!
For the Lord has shown strength with His arm.
He has trampled down death by death.
He has become the first born of the dead.
He has delivered us from the depths of hell,
and has granted to 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 Pentecostarion) Tone 3
By Your divine intercession, O Lord,
as You raised up the Paralytic of old,
so raise up my soul, paralyzed by sins and thoughtless acts;
so that being saved I may sing to You://
“Glory to Your power, O compassionate Christ!”
Kontakion (Pascha) Tone 8
You descended into the tomb, O Immortal, // You destroyed the power of death.
In victory You arose, O Christ God, // proclaiming: “Rejoice!” to the Myrrhbearing Women,
granting peace to Your Apostles, and bestowing Resurrection on the fallen.
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.
