Our venerable father Cyriacus the anchorite was born in Corinth of a Christian family, he left to go to Jerusalem and entered the monastery. He learned at the feet of saints such as Euthymius and Gerasimos. He was famous for his silence, his asceticism, and his zeal for the Orthodox faith.
You made the wilderness your dwelling, O father Cyriacus, the bearer of God. You became an angel in the flesh and a wonderworker. Through prayers, fast, and vigils, you obtained from God special graces to heal the sick and to sanctify the souls of those who come to you with trust. Glory to the One who gave you strength! Glory to the One who crowned you! Glory to the One who through your intercession grants healing to all!
The holy lavra always honors you as a powerful protector and advocate, and yearly celebrates your memory. But since you have confidence before the Lord, keep us safe from our enemies, so that we may cry out: Rejoice, O thrice-blessed Father.
Philippians 1: 8-14
Brothers and sisters: God himself can testify how much I long for each of you with the affection of Christ Jesus! My prayer is that your love may more and more abound, both in understanding and wealth of experience, so that with a clear conscience and blameless conduct you may learn to value the things that really matter, up to the very day of Christ. It is my wish that you may be found rich in the harvest of justice which Jesus Christ has ripened in you, to the glory and praise of God.
My brothers and sisters, I want you to know that my situation was worked out to the furtherance of the gospel. My imprisonment in Christ’s cause has become well known throughout the praetorium here, and to others as well; most of my brothers in Christ, taking courage from my chains, have been further emboldened to speak the word of God fearlessly.
Luke 5: 12-16
At that time in a certain town, a man full of leprosy came to Jesus. Seeing Jesus, he bowed down to the ground and said to him, “Lord, if you will to do so, you can cure me.” Jesus stretched out his hand to touch him and said, “I do will it. Be cured.” Immediately the leprosy left him. Jesus then instructed the man: “Tell no one, but go and show yourself to the priest. Offer for your healing what Moses prescribed; that should be a proof for them.” His reputation spread more and more, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be cured of their maladies. He often retired to deserted places and prayed.
Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com
Monday, September 28 –
