Today’s Gospel lessons challenge us to take stock of how focused we are on “the one thing needful,” our life in Jesus Christ. How easy it is this time of year to be focused on so many other things. Christmas in our culture has increasingly turned into a secular and commercial holiday focused more on Santa than on Christ. But if, in our busyness, we lose our focus on Christ, we lose out on more than the joyous celebration of Christ’s nativity at the end of the Fast, we lose out on the tremendous opportunity to re-double our efforts to cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives to grow in our knowledge and love of God, to truly enter into the joy of the season, which comes only from increased participation in the life of Christ. God in His love for us gives us every opportunity to experience His joy, love, and peace this holy season. We find it all in His Church and through the disciples He gives us through the Church to participate more and more in the life in Him. The services of the Church, the fasting, the prayers, the hymnody, the carols, our increased alms, all contribute to help us stay focused on “the one thing needful,” the real reason for the season we’re preparing for, the holy and life-saving Incarnation of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ.
May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you this holy season of preparation! In His love, Fr. Robert+
This week at Holy Archangels:
- Wednesday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m., Advent Paraklesis, Confession offered; Location: St. John’s Boathouse.
- Saturday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m., Great Vespers with the Matins Gospel. Confession following.
- Sunday, Dec. 2, 9:30 Hours and Divine Liturgy followed by Trapeza.
Looking Ahead: Save the Dates!
- Sunday, Dec. 2, Practice for Colinde (Caroling) after Divine Liturgy and Trapeza
- Wednesday, Dec. 5, 4:30 p.m. St. Sabbas and Eve of St. Nicholas Day, Rectory House Blessing and Colinde, Fr. Robert’s 3rd anniversary to priesthood, 1353 Tydings Rd., Annapolis, MD 21409. Supper at 5:30, Colinde at 6:30.
- Thursday, Dec. 6, 10 am Divine Liturgy for the Feast of St. Nicholas, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Washington D.C.
- Wednesday, Dec. 12, 4:30 p.m.., Potluck supper and Colinde in downtown Annapolis, Meet at St. John’s Boathouse. Bring a fast-friendly food or warm drink to share.
- Monday, Dec. 24, 10:30 a.m. , ROYAL HOURS for the Eve of Nativity
- Monday, Dec. 24, 10:30 p.m., NATIVITY of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, followed by festive Trapeza for the Feast.
- Saturday, January 12, 3 p.m., Baby Shower for Nini!
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for our Mission that we may find a full-time Choir Director.
- Please pray for Azariah (Brian) as he looks for a teaching position.
- Please pray for healing for Fr. George Johnson, Viorica.
- For the repose of the soul of Laura, Metropolitan Jonah’s sister.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 8
You descended from on high, O Merciful One!
You accepted the three day burial to free us from our sufferings!//
O Lord, our Life and Resurrection, glory to You!
Troparion (for the Feast of the Entrance) Tone 4
Today is the prelude of the good will of God,
of the preaching of the salvation of mankind.
The Virgin appears in the Temple of God,
in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all.
Let us rejoice and sing to her://
“Rejoice, O Fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation!”
Troparion * (Hieromartyr Clement) Tone 4
O holy athlete, you gloriously amazed the ends of the earth with the miracles Of God.
On the day of your honored memorial,
beyond nature, you caused the waters of the sea to withdraw
for those who came earnestly to the divinely-built church holding Your precious relics.
After the people left, you wondrously caused the sea to return to the shore.//
All-wondrous Clement, entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved!
Kontakion (Resurrection) Tone 8
By rising from the tomb, You raised the dead and resurrected Adam.
Eve exults in Your Resurrection,
and the world celebrates Your rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!
Kontakion * (Hieromartyr Clement) Tone 8
As a branch bearing much fruit upon the earth,
propagated by the cutting of tortures, O astonishing one,
you put forth ripe bunches of grapes ever distilling the sweet-
new vine of salvation, gladdening the hearts of the faithful.
Therefore, as we gather to keep your holy memorial, we rejoice and magnify Christ.
O greatly-suffering hierarch, intercede with Christ God//
that remission of sins may be granted to those who celebrate the feastof your memorial with love!
Kontakion (for the Feast of the Entrance) Tone 4
The most pure Temple of the Savior; // the precious Chamber and Virgin;
the sacred Treasure of the glory of God, // is presented today to the house of the Lord.
She brings with her the grace of the Spirit, // therefore, the Angels of God praise her:
“Truly this woman is the abode of Heaven!”
