The holy martyr Leontius, a Greek by origin, served as a military chief in the imperial army of the Phoenician city of Tripoli during the reign of Vespasian (70-79). Leontius was distinguished for his bravery and good sense, and the people of Tripoli held him in deep respect because of his virtue. The emperor appointed the Roman senator Adrian as governor of the Phoenician district, with full powers to hunt out Christians, and in case of their refusal to offer sacrifice to the Roman gods, to give them over to torture and death. And on his way to Phoenicia, Adrian received a report that St. Leontius had turned many away from worshiping the pagan gods toward Christ. Learning what had happened, he ordered St. Leontius, Hypatius, and Theodulus to be brought to him. After threatening them with torture and death, he demanded that they renounce Christ and offer sacrifice to the Roman gods. Having suffered patiently harsh tortures in prison, the death of the holy martyrs occurred between the years 70 and 79. 

 

Troparion

O Lord our God, your holy martyr Leontius has deserved the crown of immortality on account of his good works. Armed with your strength, he has vanquished his persecutors and crushed Satan’s dreadful might. Through his supplications, O Christ our God, save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

You shamed the evil treachery of the torturers, and you prevailed against the false worship of the Greeks. You presented the knowledge of God in piety to all people. For all of this we honor you with love, O wise Leontius. 

 

Epistle

Romans 11: 13-24

Brothers and sisters: I say this now to you Gentiles: Inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I glory in my ministry, trying to rouse my fellow Jews to envy and save some of them. For if their rejection has meant reconciliation for the world, what will their acceptance mean? Nothing less than life from the dead! If the first fruits are consecrated, so too is the whole mass of dough, and if the root is consecrated, so too are the branches. If some of the branches were cut off and you, a branch of the wild olive tree, have been grafted in among the others and have come to share in the rich root of the olive, do not boast against the branches. If you do boast, remember that you do not support the root; the root supports you. You will say, “Branches were cut off that I might be grafted in.” Well and good. They were cut off because of unbelief and you are there because of faith. Do not be haughty on that account, but fearful. If God did not spare the natural branches, he will certainly not spare you.

Consider the kindness and the severity of God – severity toward those who fell, kindness toward you, provided you remain in his kindness; if you do not, you too will be cut off. And if the Jews do not remain in their unbelief they will be grafted back on, for God is able to do this. If you were cut off from the natural wild olive and, contrary to nature, were grafted into the cultivated olive, so much the more will they who belong to it by nature be grafted into their own olive tree. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 11: 27-30

The Lord said to his disciples: “Everything has been given over to me by my Father. No one knows the Father but the Son–and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.”

 

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

The holy martyrs Manuel, Sabel, and Ishmael were brothers from an illustrious Persian family in the 7th century. Their father was a pagan, but their mother was a Christian who baptized them and raised them with firm faith in Christ the Savior. The brothers received their crowns of martyrdom after refusing to worship pagan gods during their service in the imperial army. 

 

Troparion

O Lord our God, your holy martyrs have deserved the crown of immortality on account of their good fight. Armed with your strength, they have vanquished their persecutors and crushed Satan’s dreadful might. Through their supplications, O Christ our God, save our souls.

 

Kontakion

O blessed martyrs, because of your perfect faith in Christ, you drank the cup of sufferings with generous hearts. You renounced the idols of Persia and proclaimed your belief in the Holy Trinity. O trinity of martyrs, intercede for us at all times. 

 

Epistle

Romans 11: 2b-12

Brothers and sisters: Do you know what Scripture says about Elijah, how he pleaded with God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have torn down your altars; I alone am left and they are seeking my life.” How does God answer him? “I have left for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Just so, in the present time there is a remnant chosen by the grace of God. But if the choice is by grace, it is not because of their works – otherwise grace would not be grace. What then are we to say? Just this: Israel did not obtain what she was seeking, but those who were chosen did. The rest became blind, as Scripture says: “God gave them a spirit of stupor; blind eyes and deaf ears, and it is so to this day.” David says: “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling stone and a retribution: let their eyes be darkened so that they may not see. Bow down their back forever.”

I further ask, does their stumbling mean that they are forever fallen? Not at all! Rather, by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles to stir Israel to envy. But if their transgression and their diminishing have meant riches for the Gentile world, how much more their full number!

 

Gospel

Matthew 11: 20-26

At that time Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his miracles had been worked, with their failure to reform: “It will go ill with you, Chorazin! And just as ill with you Bethsaida! If the miracles worked in you had taken place is Tyre and Sidon, they would have reformed in sackcloth and ashes long ago. I assure you, it will go easier for Tyre and Sidon than for you on the day of judgment. As for you, Capernaum, ‘Are you to be exalted to the skies? You shall go down to the realm of death!’ If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Sodom, it would be standing today. I assure you,  it will go easier for Sodom than for you on the day of judgment.”

On one occasion Jesus spoke thus: “Father, Lord of heaven and earth, to you I offer praise; for what you have hidden from the learned and clever you have revealed to the merest children. Father, it is true. You have graciously willed it so.”

 

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

Our venerable father Tychon was bishop of Amathis on Cyprus. He labored zealously to eradicate the remnants of paganism on Cyprus; he destroyed a pagan temple and spread the Christian Faith. St. Tychon was generous, his doors were open to all, and he listened to and lovingly fulfilled the request of each person who came to him. Fearing neither threats nor tortures, he firmly and fearlessly confessed his faith before pagans. He died peacefully in the year 425.

 

Troparion

You first crucified yourself to the world by becoming poor among the living. Then like a true shepherd, you put your life at the disposal of your flock. Enriching your sheep with miracles, you became a bright light for the Church of Amathis. By shedding light on it, you saved it from the fog of deceit, O father Tychon. By your prayers enlighten us today as we praise you.

 

Kontakion

You preserved in fasting through your love for God, and heaven sent you the power to expose the lies of idols, to save the people and cast out devils, to heal illness by the power of the Comforter.

 

Epistle

Romans 10:11 – 11:2a

Brothers and sisters: Scripture says: “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” Here there is no difference between Jew and Greek; all have the same Lord, rich in mercy toward all who call upon him. [Scripture says:] “Everyone who calls the name of the Lord will be saved.”

But how shall they call on him in whom that have not believed? And how can they believe unless they have heard of him? And how can they hear unless there is someone to preach? And how can men preach unless they are sent? Scripture says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who announce good news!” But not all have believed the gospel. Isaiah asks, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” Faith, then, comes through hearing, and what is heard is the word of Christ. I ask you, have they not heard? Certainly they have, for the Psalmist says, “their voice has sounded over the whole earth, and their words to the limits of the world.” I put the question again, did Israel really not understand? First of all, Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not even a nation: with a senseless nation I will make you angry.” Then Isaiah says boldly, “I was found by those who were not seeking me; to those who were not looking for me I revealed myself.” But of Israel Isaiah says, “All day long I stretched out my hand to an unbelieving and contentious people.”

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, descended from Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. No, God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.

 

Gospel

Matthew 11: 16-20

The Lord said: “What comparison can I use to describe this breed? They are like children squatting in the town squares, calling to their playmates: ‘We piped you a tune but you did not dance! We sang you a dirge but you did not wail!’

“In other words, John appeared neither eating nor drinking, and people say, ‘He is mad!’ The Son of Man appeared eating and drinking, and they say, ‘This one is a glutton and drunkard, a lover of tax collectors and those outside the law!’ Yet time will prove where wisdom lies.”

 

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

 

The Lord sent the holy prophet Amos to the sons of Israel. He was a herdsman of Tekoa and a dresser of sycamores, and his preaching was to defend the Lord’s righteousness and holiness against the transgressions of the children of Israel. 

The venerable Jerome, priest of Stridon, who, born in Dalmatia, was an exceptional laborer. He pursued the studies of all literature in Rome and was baptized there. Then, seized by the power of contemplative life and having embraced the ascetic life, he proceeded to the East and was ordained a priest. When he returned to Rome, he stayed in a retreat of Pope Damasus, and then left for Bethlehem in Judea. There he founded a monastery. The notable teacher escaped the world by translating and explaining the Holy Scriptures. In a marvelous way he was a worker fulfilling very many of the needs of the Church. Finally, when he had lived to an advanced age, he reposed in peace in the early 5th century. 

 

Troparion – Amos

Celebrating the memory of your prophet Amos, O Lord, we beg You to save our souls through his intercession. 

 

Troparion – Jerome

O guide of the true faith, mirror of piety and commendable behavior, bright star of the universe, and adornment of pontiffs, you enlightened us all by your teachings. O wise Jerome, inspired by God and lyre of the Holy Spirit, intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls. 

 

Kontakion – Amos

Purifying your heart by the Spirit, you accepted the gift of prophecy. You stood up and shouted your message. This is our God, and you shall have none before Him. 

 

Kontakion – Jerome

Delighting in purity, O wise in God, you repressed the urges to the flesh. You glowed with faith and bloomed like an orchard in paradise, O priest and father Jerome. 

 

Epistle

Romans 9: 18 – 33

Brothers and sisters: God has mercy on whom he wishes, and whom he wishes he makes hard-hearted. You will say to me, “Why, then, does he find fault? For who can oppose his will?” Friend, who are you to answer God back? Does something molded say to its molder, “Why did you make me like this?” Does a potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for a lofty purpose and another for a humble one? What if God, wishing to show his wrath and make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels fit for wrath, ready to be destroyed, and did so in order to make known the riches of his glory towards the vessels for mercy – which he prepared for glory – I am speaking about us whom he called, not only from among the Jews, but from among the Gentiles. 

As it says in the Book of Hosea: “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and those who were not loved I will call ‘Beloved’; in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ but they shall be called sons of the living God.” Isaiah cries out, referring to Israel, “Though the number of Israelites should be as the sands of the sea, only the remnants will be saved, for quickly and decisively will the Lord execute sentence upon the earth.” It is just as Isaiah predicted: “Unless the Lord of hosts had left us a remnant, we should have become as Sodom, we should be like Gemorrah.”

How, then, shall we put it? That the Gentiles, who were not seeking justice, attained it – the justice which comes from faith – while Israel, seeking a law from which justice would come, did not arrive at that law? And why did it not? Because justice comes from faith, not from works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, as Scripture says: “Behold, I am placing in Zion a stone to make men stumble and a rock to make them fall; but he who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

 

Gospel

Matthew 11: 2-15

At that time when John, in prison, heard about the works Christ was performing, he sent a message by his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you ‘He who is to come’ or do we look for another?” In reply, Jesus said to them: “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind will recover their sight, cripples walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, dead men are raised to life, and the poor have the good news preached to them. Blest is the man who finds no stumbling block in me.”

As the messengers set off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out to the wasteland to see–a reed swaying in the wind? Tell me, what did you go out to see–someone luxuriously dressed? Remember, those who dress luxuriously are to be found in royal palaces. Why then did you go out–to see a prophet? A prophet indeed, and something more! It is about this man that Scripture says, “I send my messenger ahead of you to prepare your way before you.’

“I solemnly assure you, history has known a man born of woman greater than John the Baptizer. Yet the least born into the kingdom of God is greater than he. From John the Baptizer’s time until now the kingdom of God has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. All the prophets as well as the law spoke prophetically until John. If you are prepared to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who was certain to come. Heed carefully what you hear!”

 

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

 

The holy prophet Elisha was a disciple of the prophet Elijah, and was himself a prophet in Israel from the time of King Joram to the days of Jehoash. Though his oracles do not remain, he nevertheless, by working miracles for foreigners, announced the coming of salvation for all people. 

Our holy father Methodius, patriarch of Constantinople. While he was a monk, he betook himself to Rome to Pope St. Paschal the First in defense of the holy icons. Elevated to the episcopate, he solemnly celebrated the triumph of the orthodox faith with the restoration of the holy icons. 

 

Troparion – Elisha

The glorious Elijah, an angel in the flesh, the greatest of the prophets and second forerunner of Christ’s coming, dispels diseases, purifies lepers, and showers all kinds of healing upon those who honor him, by sending a blessing from heaven upon Elisha. 

 

Troparion – Methodius

Burning with zeal for the holy icons, O most wise saint, you boldly opposed the malice of the king. You were locked in a tomb and suffered torment, and for your labors you were exiled. Do not forget us who sing of your fame, O most blessed pastor Methodius. 

 

Kontakion – Elisha

O blessed Elisha, you lived the life of a prophet of God. You received an abundance of graces, and now together with Elijah, you intercede fervently with Christ our God for all of us. 

 

Kontakion – Methodius

You fought like an angel on earth and inherited heaven for a reward, O Methodius. Having clearly revealed the reverence that was due icons, you were subjected to agonies and terrible hardships. But this did not deter you from your path of truth as you condemned those who cast out the icons of Christ. 

 

Epistle

Romans 5: 1-10

Brothers and sisters: Now that we have been justified by faith, we are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have gained access by faith to the grace in which we now stand, and we boast of our hope for the glory of God. But not only that – we even boast of our afflictions! We know that affliction makes for endurance, and endurance for tested virtues, and tested virtue for hope. And this hope will not leave us disappointed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. At the appointed time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for us godless men. It is rare that anyone should lay down his life for a just man, though it is barely possible that for a good man someone may have the courage to die. It is precisely in this that God proves his love for us: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Now that we have been justified by his blood, it is all the more certain that we shall be saved by him from God’s wrath. For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him by the death of his Son, it is all the more certain that we who have been reconciled will be saved by his life.

 

Gospel

Matthew 6: 22-34

The Lord said: “The eye is the body’s lamp. If your eyes are good, your body will be filled with light; if your eyes are bad, your body will be in darkness. And if your light is darkness, how deep will the darkness be! No man can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be attentive to one and despise the other. You cannot give yourself to God and money. I warn you then: do not worry about your livelihood, what you are to eat and drink or use for clothing. Is not life more than food? Is not the body more valuable than clothes?

“Look at the birds in the sky. They do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Which of you by worrying can add a moment to his life-span? As for clothes, why be concerned? Learn a lesson from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work; they do not spin. Yet I assure you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was arrayed like one of these. If God can clothe in such splendor the grass of the field, which blooms today and is thrown on the fire tomorrow, will he not provide much more for you, O weak in faith! Stop worrying, then, over questions like, ‘What are we to eat, or what are we to drink, or what are we to wear?’ The unbelievers are always running after these things. Your heavenly Father knows all that you need. Seek first his kingship over you, his way of holiness, and all these things will be given you besides. Enough, then, of worrying about tomorrow. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Today has troubles enough of its own.”

 

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

 

The holy martyr Aquilina was twelve years old when she was brutally martyred under the emperor Trajan in the late third century. After converting one of her pagan friends to Christianity, she was arrested and tortured. Believing Aquilina dead after her tortures, her captors left her body outside the city to be eaten by wild beasts. However the saint was still alive, and during the night an angel came to her and healed her. She returned to denounce the pagan governor. She was taken into prison again, denounced as a sorceress, and ordered to be executed by beheading. St. Aquilina was taken by the Lord before her execution, but the executioner, fearing for his own safety, beheaded the body of the saint even though she was dead. Her relics were later taken to Constantinople and placed in a church named for her. 

Our holy father Triphyllus, Bishop of Leucosia in Cyprus, ardently defended the orthodox Nicene faith. He was the most eloquent speaker of his time, and a marvelous commentator in the Song of Songs, as St. Jerome relates. 

 

Troparion – Aquilina

O Jesus, your lamb Aquilina cries out to You with great love: O my Bridegroom, I long for You in great pain. I am crucified with You, and in baptism I am buried with You. I suffer for your sake in order to reign with You. I die for You in order to live with You. Accept me as an immaculate victim since I am immolated for your love. Through her intercession, O merciful One, save our souls. 

 

Troparion – Triphyllus

The sincerity of your deeds has revealed you to your people as a teacher of moderation, a model of faith, and as an example of virtue. Therefore, you attained greatness through humility, and wealth through poverty. O father and archbishop Triphyllus, ask Christ our God to save our souls.

 

Kontakion – Aquilina

Purifying your soul by the balm of virginity, you soared to heaven in a flight of martyrdom. You languished with love of Christ, O precious saint, and now you can stand before Him, O Aquilina. Join the angels in unceasing prayer for us on earth. 

 

Kontakion – Triphyllus

You perfected virginal chastity in a wonderful life, and you proved yourself a bishop of Leucosia. You became a prophet and a guide for those seeking God, O Triphyllus. For this reason we bless you in song, O glory of pastors. 

 

Epistle

Romans 3:28 – 4:3

Brothers and sisters: We hold that a man is justified by faith apart from observance of the law. Does God belong to the Jews alone? Is he not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles too. It is the same God who justifies the circumcised and the uncircumcised on the basis of faith. Are we then abolishing the law by means of faith? Not at all! On the contrary, we are confirming the law.

What, then shall we say if Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? Certainly if Abraham was justified by his deeds he has grounds for boasting, but not in God’s view; for what does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as justice.”

 

Gospel

Matthew 7:24 – 8:4

The Lord said to his disciples: “Anyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock. When the rainy season set in, the torrents came and the winds blew and buffeted his house. It did not collapse; it had been solidly set on rock. Anyone who hears my words but does not put them into practice is like the foolish man who built his house on sandy ground. The rains fell, the torrents came, the winds blew and lashed against his house. It collapsed under all this and was completely ruined.”

Jesus finished this discourse and left the crowds spellbound at his teaching. The reason was that he taught with authority and not like their scribes. 

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. Suddenly, a leper came forward and did him homage, saying to him, “Sir, if you will to do so, you can cure me.” Jesus stretched out his hand and touched the leper and said, “I do will it. Be cured.” Immediately the man’s leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him: “See to it that you tell no one. Go and show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses prescribed. That should be the proof they need.”

 

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

Our venerable father Onuphrius the Great was an anchorite who piously spent his life for sixty years in the desolate wilderness in the late 4th and early 5th centuries.

Our venerable father Peter of Mt. Athos was a soldier by profession. Captured and imprisoned by Arabs, he was miraculously freed. He immediately set out for Rome, where he was tonsured a monk by the pope. He was guided in a vision to Mt. Athos, and spent thirty-five years in ascetic life in the 8th century. 

 

Troparion – Onuphrius

You entered the desert, being led by spiritual yearning; and you fought in it for many years like an angel. You are the equal of Elijah and the Baptist, and you were delighted by the Sacred Mysteries ministered by angel hands. Now that you have gone to them in the Trinity’s light, pray for us who venerate your memory. 

 

Troparion – Peter

The mountain of Athos rejoices, inviting all the monastic choirs to praise you. We join with them in singing to you, O venerable Peter, and we lay our petition before you: Seek peace for the world and mercy for our souls. 

 

Kontakion – Onuphrius

Illumined by the light of the most Holy Spirit, you turned your back on the distractions of this life. Taking up your life in the desert, O venerable father, you greatly pleased God our Creator. For this reason, Christ exalts you, O blessed saint. 

 

Kontakion – Peter

Leaving the company of mortals, you took up residence in caves and caverns, inspired by your love of God and the ardent burning desire of your soul. You received a crown from God for this. Now pray unceasingly for all of us to be saved. 

 

Epistle 

Romans 9: 6-18

Brothers and sisters: It is not that God’s word has failed. For not all Israelites are true Israelites nor are all Abraham’s descendants his children, but as Scripture says, “Through Isaac shall your descendants be called.” That means that it is not the children of the flesh who are not children of God; it is that children of the promise who are to be considered descendants. And this was the promise: “I will return at this time, and Sarah shall have a son.” Not only that; for when Rebekah had conceived twin children by one man, our father Isaac–while they were yet unborn and had done neither good nor evil, in order that God’s decree might stand fast “not by works but by the favor of him who calls” –God said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” It is just as Scripture says, “I have loved Jacob and hated Esau.” What are we to say, then? That God is unjust? Not at all! He says to Moses, “I will show mercy to whomever I choose; I will have pity on whomever I wish.” So it is not a question of man’s willing or doing but of God’s mercy. Scripture says to Pharaoh, “This is why I might be proclaimed throughout all the earth.” In other words, God has mercy on whom he wishes, and whom he wishes he makes hardhearted. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 10: 32-36 & 11:1

The Lord said to his disciples: “Whoever acknowledges me before men I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven. Whoever disowns me before men I will disown before my Father in heaven.

“Do not suppose that my mission on earth is to spread peace. My mission is to spread, not peace, but division. I have come to set a man at odds with his father, a daughter with her mother, a daughter-in-law with her mother-in-law: in short, to make a man’s enemies those of his own household.” When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he left that locality to teach and preach in their towns.

 

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

 

The holy apostle Barnabas was a good man and “full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” He was counted among the first of the faithful at Jerusalem, preached the Gospel at Antioch and introduced Saul of Tarsus, just converted, to a number of the brothers. He accompanied Paul on his first trip to Asia to evangelize. He was present at the Council of Jerusalem. Having returned to the island of Cyprus, his native land, he spread the Gospel there. 

Bartholomew the Apostle, who is believed by many to be the same as Nathanael, was born in Cana of Galilee and was taken to Christ Jesus by Philip at the Jordan. Afterwards, the Lord called him to follow him and he joined the Twelve. After the Ascension of the Lord it is said that he preached the Gospel in India and there was crowned with martyrdom.

 

Troparion

Receiving the Spirit as He came in fiery tongues, you preached the coming of the Word in the flesh. While one of you was beheaded for the Gospel, the other endured stoning for the sake of the faith. You have been sent to adorn the choirs of heaven, O Bartholomew and Barnabas. We honor your memory and ask that you intercede with God to forgive our sins. 

 

Kontakion – Bartholomew

O Bartholomew, apostle of the Lord, you appeared to the world as a shining star. You enlightened with the splendor of your teachings and the wonder of your miracles all those who honor you. 

 

Kontakion – Barnabas

O Barnabas, you became a perfect and faithful servant of the Lord. You were the first of the seventy disciples, worthy to be the companion of Paul in his preaching. You proclaimed to all that Christ is the Savior. Therefore, we celebrate your holy memory with hymns and songs.

 

Readings for the Apostles

Epistle

Acts 11: 19-30

In those days, those in the community who had been dispersed by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Pheonicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, making the message known to none but the Jews. However, some men of Cyprus and Cyrene among them who had come to Antioch began to talk even to the Greeks, announcing the good news of the Lord Jesus to them. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number of them believed and were converted to the Lord. News of this eventually reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, resulting in the sending of Barnabas to Antioch. On his arrival he rejoiced to see the evidence of the Lord, since he himself was a good man filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Thereby large numbers were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas went off to Tarsus to look for Saul; once he had found him, he brought him back to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and instructed great numbers. It was in Antioch that the disciples were called Christians for the first.

At about that time, certain prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus was inspired to stand up and proclaim that there was going to be a severe famine all over the world. (It did in fact occur while Claudius was emperor.) This made the disciples determined to set something aside, each according to his means, and send it to the relief of the brothers who lived in Judea. They did this, dispatching it to the presbyters in the care of Barnabas and Saul. 

 

Gospel

Luke 10: 16-22a

The Lord said to his disciples: “He who hears you, hears me. He who rejects you, rejects me. And he who rejects me, rejects him who sent me.”

The seventy-two disciples returned in jubilation saying, “Master, even the demons are subject to us in your name.” Jesus said in reply: “I watched Satan fall from the sky like lightning. See what I have done; I have given you power to tread on snakes and scorpions and all the forces of the enemy, and nothing shall ever injure you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice so much in the fact that the devils are subject to you as that your names are inscribed in heaven.”

At that moment Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said: “I offer you praise, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because what you have hidden from the learned and the clever you have revealed to the merest children. Yes, Father, you have graciously willed it so.”

 

Readings for the day

 

Epistle

Romans 8: 22-27

Brothers and sisters: We know that all creation groans and is in agony even until now. Not only that, but we ourselves, although we have the Spirit as first fruits, groan inwardly while we await the redemption of our bodies. In hope we were saved. But hope is not hope if its object is seen; how is it possible for one to hope for what he sees? And hoping for what we cannot see means awaiting it with patient endurance.

The Spirit too helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in speech. He who searches hearts knows what the Spirit means, for the Spirit intercedes for the saints as God himself wills.

 

Gospel

Matthew 10: 23-31

The Lord said to his disciples: “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. I solemnly assure you, you will not have covered the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

“No pupil outranks his teacher, no slave his master. The pupil should be glad to become like his teacher, the slave like his master. If they call the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! Do not let them intimidate you. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not become known. What I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. What you hear in private, proclaim from the housetops. 

“Do not fear those who deprive the body of life but cannot destroy the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both body and soul in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for next to nothing? Yet not a single sparrow falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. As for you, every hair of your head has been counted; so do not be afraid of anything. You are worth more than an entire flock of sparrows.”

 

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

The hieromartyr Timothy, Bishop of Prusa (Bithynia), received from the Lord the gift of wonderworking because of his purity and sanctity of life. At Prusa he converted many pagans to the faith of Christ. The emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363), upon hearing about St. Timothy had him locked up in prison, but even there St. Timothy continued to preach the Gospel. Julian forbade him to teach about Jesus Christ, but the saint continued to spread the Christian Faith. Finally, the emperor gave orders to behead the saint. His holy relics were afterwards transferred to Constantinople. 

 

Troparion

The world rejoices in singing your praises. How joyful is this assembly of the faithful for you. We celebrate your memory and sing: Save us from all misfortune, O Timothy, by your prayers. 

 

Kontakion

Washed by the rivers of your own blood, O martyred priest, you offered the fruit of your heart to Christ from the earth. You received in return an unending abundance from God. Beg Him to save from misfortune those who venerate you.

 

Epistle

Romans 8: 2-13

Brothers and sisters: The law of the spirit, the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed you from the law of sin and death. The law was powerless because of its weakening by the flesh. Then God sent his Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, thereby condemning sin in the flesh, so that the just demands of the law might be fulfilled in us who live, not according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. Those who live according to the flesh are intent on the things of the flesh, those who live according to the spirit, on those of the spirit. The tendency of the flesh is toward death but that of the spirit is toward life and peace. The flesh in its tendency is at enmity with God, it is not subject to God’s law. Indeed, it cannot be; those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; you are in the spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, while the spirit lives because of justice. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will bring your mortal bodies to life also, through his Spirit dwelling in you. 

We are debtors, then, my brothers – but not to the flesh, so that we should live according to the flesh. If you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the spirit you put to death evil deeds of the body, you will live. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 10: 16-22

The Lord said to his disciples: “What I am doing is sending you out like sheep among wolves. You must be clever as snakes and innocent as doves. Be on your guard with respect to others. They will haul you into court, they will flog you in their synagogues. You will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to give witness before them and before Gentiles on my account. When they hand you over, do not worry about what you will say or how you will say it. When the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say. You yourselves will not be the speakers; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you. 

“Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will turn against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all on account of me. But whoever holds out till the end will escape death.”

 

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com

Our venerable father Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria, a distinguished champion of Orthodoxy and a great teacher of the Church, came from an illustrious and pious Christian family. He studied the secular sciences, including philosophy, but most of all he strove to acquire knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and the truths of the Christian Faith. In his youth Cyril entered the monastery of Macarius in the Nitreia hills, where he stayed for six years. Theophilus, the patriarch of Alexandria (385-412), ordained him as a deacon, numbered him among the clergy and entrusted him to preach. In singular zeal for the fullness of the orthodox faith, he asserted dogmas at the Council of Ephesus concerning the one person in Christ and at the same time the divine maternity of the Virgin Mary. 

 

Troparion

Your words reveal a treasure of theology for the world, and they crushed the blasphemy of Nestor. You defended the true glory of the Theotokos, o father Cyril. Now pray to Christ to have mercy on us. 

 

Kontakion

From the fountain of dogma you poured knowledge on us. With the same water from the savior you drowned heresy. You also protected your flock from terrible storms, and you are a beacon for everyone, O blessed Cyril. You reveal divine things to us.

 

Epistle

Romans 7:14 thru 8:2

Brothers and sisters: We know that the law is spiritual, whereas I am weak flesh sold into the slavery of sin. I cannot even understand my own actions. I do not do what I want to do but what I hate. When I act against my own will, by that very fact I agree that the law is good. This indicates that it is not I who do it but sin which resides in me. I know that no good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; the desire to do right is there but not the power. What happens is that I do, not the good I will to do, but the evil I do not intend. But if I do what is against my will, it is not I who do it, but sin which dwells in me. This means that even though I want to do what is right, a law that leads to wrongdoings is always ready at hand. My inner self agrees with the law of God, but I see in my body’s members another law at war with the law of my mind; this makes me the prisoner of the law of sin in my members. What a wretched man I am! Who can free me from this body under the power of death? All praise to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord! So with my mind I serve the law of God but with my flesh the law of sin.

There is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus. The law of the spirit, the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, has freed you from the law of sin and death. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 10: 9-15

The Lord said to his disciples: “Provide yourselves neither gold nor silver nor copper in your belts; no traveling bag, no change of shirt, no sandals, no walking staff. The workman, after all, is worth his keep. 

“Look for a worthy person in every town or village you come to and stay with him until you leave. As you enter his home, bless it. If the home is deserving, your blessing will descend on it. If it is not, your blessing will return to you. If anyone does not receive you or listen to what you have to say, leave that house or town, and once outside it shake its dust from your feet. I assure you, it will go easier for the region of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than it will for that town.”

 

Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com