Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers
Categories: uncategorized
Date: 07 November 2005 13:44:26
 Icon from Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America | Commanders of the heavenly hosts, we who are unworthy beseech you: by your prayers encompass us under the wings of your incorporeal glory, and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry out to you: deliver us from all harm, for you are the commanders of the powers on high! Troparion |
Today is my parish's Feast Day: the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers.
Before the Evening Divine Liturgy (we have an Evening Divine Liturgy the day before a Feast if a major Feast falls on a weekday: the Orthodox 'day' begins at sunset also), the choir chanted "The Canon of the Archangels", a beautiful series of hymns reflecting on the parts angels have played in the history of salvation, from Abraham and Lot welcoming angels, to the angel rebuking Balaam, to the angel appearing to Zachariah, to the angel appearing to the Virgin Mary. Interspersed were the deep theological hymns the Orthodox tend to go for, such as:
One in essence with the Father and the Spirit, the Word appeared to us of His own will. Taking our form from the Virgin in a fearful union without confusion, He was shown to be both two in natures and one in Person.
Our Bishop, His Eminence, Metropolitan Paul Saliba, was in attendance, as were five priests and a deacon from other parishes in our archdiocese. It was a true blessing to have Bishop Paul and the other clergy with us: it is a great encouragement and to me it lifted the service higher with their presence. There were also a large number of parishioners and visitors in attendance, which was wonderful.
His Eminence's sermon was a great encouragement and a great challenge to us to ensure we have a mission focus and are reaching out to the community, both to those looking for faith and for those in need. He also asked us to consider our parents and those older than us who built our current parishes and congregations: are we thankful to them? Are we following them in building up new parishes and building up the young people? Our Bishop has a great desire for Orthodoxy to be better know and for us to spread the word: and as the only fully English speaking Antiochian parish in Sydney, we have a particular mission. As I said: both encouraging and challenging.
Following the beautiful liturgy, the recently-ordained priest who looked after our parish while our priest was on leave, was given an epigonation, which gives him the authority to administer the sacrament of confession. It was a blessing and privilege to be there for that.
Following the Liturgy, we had a feast for our Feast Day: and I mean a Feast! Food as far as the eye could see, and all of it made by the wonderful ladies of our parish. Following dinner was dessert: fruit and various Lebanese sweets. Mmmmm. And two ladies got me to practise my Arabic with them, which was good fun -- I learnt a few colloquial Lebanese words which was great as well.
Happy Feast Day!