Great Vespers for Sunday Divine Liturgy.  Archbishop Michael in attendance.  "O Lord, I love the beauty of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells."    Psalm  25:8

Sunday Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with Archbishop Michael. 

Great Vespers for the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Others. The Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts, Archangel Michael and the Other Heavenly Bodiless Powers: Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel was established at the beginning of the fourth century at the Council of Laodicea. The Angelic Ranks are divided into three Hierarchies: highest, middle, and lowest. The Highest Hierarchy includes: the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The Middle Angelic Hierarchy consists of three Ranks: Dominions, Powers, and Authorities. The Lowest Hierarchy includes the three Ranks: Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. All the Ranks of the Heavenly Powers are called angels, although each has its own name and position by virtue of their service. The Lord reveals His will to the highest ranks of the angels, and they in turn inform the others. Over all the Nine Ranks, the Lord appointed the Holy Archangel Michael (his name in Hebrew means “who is like unto God”), the faithful servitor of God, as Chief Commander.

Divine Liturgy - Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Others - The Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts, Archangel Michael and the Other Heavenly Bodiless Powers: Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel was established at the beginning of the fourth century at the Council of Laodicea. The Angelic Ranks are divided into three Hierarchies: highest, middle, and lowest. The Highest Hierarchy includes: the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The Middle Angelic Hierarchy consists of three Ranks: Dominions, Powers, and Authorities. The Lowest Hierarchy includes the three Ranks: Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. All the Ranks of the Heavenly Powers are called angels, although each has its own name and position by virtue of their service. The Lord reveals His will to the highest ranks of the angels, and they in turn inform the others. Over all the Nine Ranks, the Lord appointed the Holy Archangel Michael (his name in Hebrew means “who is like unto God”), the faithful servitor of God, as Chief Commander.

Great Vespers for Sunday Divine Liturgy - "Be still and know that I am God;  I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth,.  The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our protector."   Psalm 45:11-12)

General Confession following Great Vespers. 

Sunday Divine Liturgy - Tone 7:  By Thy Cross, Thou didst destroy death!  To the thief, Thou didst open Paradise!  For the myrrhbearers, Thou didst change weeping into joy!  And Thou didst command Thy disciples, O Christ God, to proclaim that Thou art risen, granting the world great mercy!  (Troparion - Tone 7)

Please give Barbara all articles for the December Enlightener by this date.  Thank you.

Advent Begins: We believe in a God Who intervened in history: A God Who came to call not the righteous but sinners; a God Who came to seek and save the lost; a God Who came not to be served but to serve; a God Who came to give us abundant life; a God Who came as light that whoever believes in Him may not remain in darkness; a God Who came not to judge the world but to save the world.

Great Vespers for Sunday Divine Liturgy -   "For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth.  Every one who is of the truth hears my voice."  (John 18:37)  

Sunday Divine Liturgy - "...I did not come to judge the world but to save the world."  (John 12:47)

Entrance of the Virgin Mary to the Temple – “Today is the prelude of God’s good-will and the heralding of the salvation of mankind. The Virgin is presented openly and She proclaimeth Christ unto all. Then, with a great voice let us cry aloud: Rejoice, O Thou fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation.” (Troparion of the Feast)

Divine Liturgy - The feast of the Entrance of the Virgin Mary Into the Temple -  "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!  For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed."  (Prokeimenon)

Thanksgiving Day - Thanksgiving prayer for everyday:  Almighty and merciful God, I most humbly and heartily thank Thy divine majesty for Thy loving kindness and tender mercies.  Grant me, I beseech Thee, Thy helping grace, that I may obediently walk in Thy holy commandments, and lead a sober, righteous and godly life, ever remembering Thy mercies and the blessings Thou hast undeservedly bestowed upon me, that I may continually offer to Thee the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Great Vespers for Sunday Divine Liturgy - "For I have come down from heaven,  not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me..."  (John 6:38)

Sunday Divine Liturgy - "I am the Way,"  said Jesus.  Without that way there is no real goal or destination.  "I am the Truth,"  said Jesus.  Without that truth there is no real knowing.  "I am the Life,"  said Jesus.  Unless we have that life there is no real living.