This Saturday we celebrate the Great Feast of the Nativity of the Most-Holy Theotokos. We call to mind her miraculous conception by barren parents past child-bearing age. The Church acclaims the birth of the Theotokos in beautifully poetic terms so that we may more fully and reverently delve into the Great Mystery of God’s dispensation, preparing the way for the Word of Life to come forth from the blessed Virgin. For this reason, in the hymnody of the Feast, we refer to the Blessed Mother as “the book” of the Word of Life, the “Life-bearing branch” of the Rod of Jesse, “the handmaid of God, who was chosen from all generations.” Mary was not God’s ‘accidental’ or random choice, but rather, as the prophets foretell and as we see fulfilled in her virginal birth, she truly is, in the words of the Prophet Ezekiel read at Vespers of the Feast, “the only gateway of the only-begotten Son of God, Who passed through this gate yet kept it closed.” May we always beseech her prayers on our behalf, but especially Saturday as we keep the Feast of her miraculous birth. In Christ’s love, Fr. Robert+
Important: 2018 Pledges/Commitments: We have reached our minimum need of $3,500 per month. Glory to God for His provision! To grow the Mission further, we need everyone to honor their monthly pledges and to give generously and faithfully so we can continue to provide for our church and ready ourselves for the next step. “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:7).
THIS WEEK at HOLY ARCHANGELS
- TODAY, 9:30 Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy,
- Wed, Sept 5, 6:30, Daily Vespers, confession offered.
- Sat, Sept. 8, 9:30 Hours 10am Divine Liturgy, Great Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, trapeza
- Sat, Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m., Great Vespers confession following
- Sun, Sept. 9, 9:30 a.m., Hours, 10 a.m., Divine Liturgy, trapeza During Trapeza, Special Video from Mt. Athos—Fr. Alexis, Holy Monastery of St. Demetrios
Looking Ahead…Mark your Calendars!
- , Sept. 13, Great Feast, Elevation of the Cross served at Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church beginning with Matins at 5 p.m., followed by Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Confession and Reception: In keeping with OCA Guidelines, it is the discipline at Holy Archangels to practice at least monthly confession. If a month has passed and you have not made confession for good reason, or, are visiting, please talk with Fr. Robert prior to the service and before approaching the Chalice.
TRAPEZA: The lunch and fellowship served after Divine Liturgy is an important part of our Mission’s family life together. We cannot draw closer to God if we’re not also drawing closer to each other. To grow “in spirit and in numbers,” such fellowship is so important. Please sign up to help provide for this important ministry!
Miclean Baby Registry: For those who’ve asked: From the Holy Archangels website, click the Amazon link. On the homepage click the “Registry,” tab, then “baby”, then type Kristina Miclean, Annapolis.
Adult (and child) Greek Study Opportunity: Mallory Stripling teaches online Biblical Greek courses for adults and homeschool children. Please contact her at mallorydarling@gmail.com. More information can also be found at www.raphaelschool.org/greek/
Prayer Requests: Our Mission’s Growth “in spirit and in umbers”
- For God’s financial provision for our Mission & college ministry, ACM (Annapolis Pan-Orthodox College Ministry);
- Departed founders of our church: archpriest George, the Confessor, Gabriel, Rafael, Serafim, Basil, Rdr. Michael
- Isaiah of Georgia, Archbishops Yohanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi of Syria, Archpriest George, Sbn. John, Gov. Hogan, Benedict, Benjamin, Daniel, Noah, Alex, Gary, Timothy, Sophia, Vivian, Beatrice, George, Helen, Helen, Geneva, Phoenix, Sydney, Young, Liam, Cynthia Eleni, Valerie, Charlotte, Anastasia, Valentina, Norm, Newly-wedded Nicholas and Angelica, the Church in Georgia, Romania as they address the relativism of the West, speaking the truth in love, our persecuted brethren in the Middle East, peace in Syria.
Troparion (Resurrection) Tone 5
Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, //co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,//born for our salvation from the Virgin;//for He willed to be lifted up on the Cross in the flesh,
to endure death,//and to raise the dead//
by His glorious Resurrection.
Troparion (Martyr Mamas) Tone 4
Thy holy martyr Mamas, O Lord, through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from Thee, our God.
For having Thy strength, he laid low his adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.//
Through his intercessions save our souls!
Troparion (St John the Faster) Tone 4
In truth thou wast revealed to thy flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
thy humility exalted thee; // thy poverty enriched thee.
Hierarch Father John, // entreat Christ our God//
that our souls may be saved!
Troparion (Angels) Tone 4
O 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 5
Thou didst descend into hell, O my Savior,
shattering its gates as Almighty,//resurrecting the dead asCreator,
and destroying the sting of death.//Thou hast delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of man,//
and we cry to Thee: O Lord, save us!
Kontakion (Martyr Mamas) Tone 3
Holy Mamas, lead thy people as a flock to life-giving pastures
with the staff God has given thee; // crush the invisible and fierce enemies beneath the feet of those who honor thee!
For all of those who are in danger//
have received thee as their fervent intercessor.
Kontakion (Angels) 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,//O Supreme Commanders of the Bodiless Hosts.
