The holy martyr Callistratus was raised a Christian and became a soldier. Reported by one of his cohort as a believer, he was imprisoned and ordered to offer sacrifice to idols. He refused. He was repeatedly tortured and still remained faithful, so much so that forty-nine of his fellow soldiers came to believe in Christ. They were all killed by the sword in the year 304.
Our venerable father Nilus was the founder and hegumen of the Grottaferrata Monastery. He was of Greek origin and sought the holy life of conversation. He pursued abstinence, humility, and wandering. He was remarkable for his prophecy and his teaching of wisdom. He established the celebrated monastery of Grottaferrata according to the customs of the eastern Fathers. In his ninetieth year of life, he surrendered his spirit to God while praying in the year 1002.
Your martyrs, O Lord our God, in their struggles received incorruptible crowns from You. With Your strength, they brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
You suffered deep wounds and received crowns from God. Pray to Christ for those who keep your dear memory alive, O great Callistratus, and you blessed martyrs who suffered with him. Pray also that Christ might give peace to His people and His flock, for He is the strength of the faithful.
2 Corinthians 9: 6-11
Brothers and sisters: Let me say this much: He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Everyone must give according to what he has inwardly decided; not sadly, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver. God can multiply his favors among you so that you may always have enough of everything and even a surplus for good works, as it is written: “He scattered abroad and gave to the poor, his justice endures forever.” He who supplies seed for the sower and bread for the eater will provide in abundance; he will multiply the seed you sow and increase your generous yield. In every way your liberality is enriched; through us it results in thanks offered to God.
Luke 5: 1-11
At that time as Jesus stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd pressed in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats moored by the side of the lake; the fisherman had disembarked and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the other belonging to Simon, and asked him to pull out a short distance from the shore; then, remaining seated, he continued to teach the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your net for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have been hard at work all night long and have caught nothing; but if you say so, I will lower the nets.” Upon doing this they caught such a great number of fish that their nets were at the breaking point. They signaled to their mates in the other boat to come and help them. These came, and together they filled the two boats until they nearly sank.
At the sight of this, Simon Peter fell at the knees of Jesus saying, “Leave me, Lord. I am a sinful man.” For indeed, amazement at the catch they had made seized him and all his shipmates, as well as James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “So not be afraid. From now on you will be catching men.” With that they brought their boats to land, left everything, and became his followers.
Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com
Saturday, September 26 –
