Our venerable mother Theodora of Alexandria who, as a young woman committed adultery on the advice of a fortune-teller. She was accused by her conscience, and left the world, cutting off her hair and dressing as a man in order to enter the monastery of Octodecatos, assuming the name of Theodore. Falsely accused of having sex with a prostitute, she accepted rebuke as a punishment for her former sin. She ended up in the desert for seven years, until the hegumen took her back. Only at her death in the year 490 did the monks realize that she was a woman. 

Troparion

In you, O mother, the divine image was strictly preserved; taking up your cross, you followed Christ. You taught us by example how to spurn the flesh, for it passes away, and how to care for the soul, which is immortal. Therefore, O venerable Theodora, your soul rejoices with the angels.

Kontakion

In order to obtain complete forgiveness of your sins, you spent all of your bodily strength in fast and your nights in vigils and prayers to God. Through the way of repentance you obtained forgiveness. 

Epistle

Ephesians 1: 7-17

Brothers and sisters: It is in Christ and through his blood that we have been redeemed and our sins forgiven, so immeasurably generous is God’s favor to us. God has given us the wisdom to understand fully the mystery, the plan he was pleased to decree on Christ, to be carried out in the fullness of time: namely, to bring all things in the heavens and on earth into one under Christ’s headship.

In him we were chosen; for in the decree of God, who administers everything according to his will and counsel, we were predestined to praise his glory by being the first to hope in Christ. In him you too were chosen; when you heard the glad tidings of salvation, the word of truth, and believed in it, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit who had been promised. He is the pledge of our inheritance, the first payment against the full redemption of a people God has made his own, to praise his glory.

For my part, from the time I first heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the members of the church, I have never stopped thanking God for you and recommending you in my prayers. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, grant you a spirit of wisdom and insight to know him clearly. 

Gospel

Mark 8: 1-10

At that time another large crowd assembled, and they were without anything to eat. He called the disciples over to him and said: “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd. By now they have been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way. Some of them have come a great distance.” His disciples replied, “How can anyone give these people sufficient bread in this deserted spot?” Still he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied.  Then he directed the crowd to take their places on the ground. Taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they handed them out to the crowd. They also had a few small fish; asking a blessing on the fish, he told them to distribute these also. The people in the crowd ate until they had their fill; then they gathered up seven wicker baskets of leftovers. Those who had eaten numbered about four thousand. He dismissed them and got into the boat with his disciples to go to the neighborhood of Dalmanutha.

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

The holy martyrs Menodora, Mitrodora, and Nymphodora were sisters from Bythinia. Brought up as Christians, they withdrew from the city into the desert to live for Christ alone, and gave themselves up to fasting, prayer, and work. They became famous as a source of healing illness, which brought them to the attention of the governor. He, astounded by their beauty, wanted to marry them off to noblemen, but they refused. He then out them to the torture to get them to renounce Christ. They died confessing the name of Jesus in the year 306.

Troparion

You traded violent tortures and bitter death for eternal life. Three virgins professed the Uncreated Trinity before a false judge at the illegal trial. You followed the footsteps of the slaughtered Lamb when they pierced you with a sword. Pray for those who honor your memory.

Kontakion

Fearless as you were in your struggles for the Holy Trinity and because of your sisterly love for each other, you defeated the enemy of your spiritual life. Therefore, in the company of the five virgins you entered victoriously into the heavenly mansions where you are forever joyful with the angels in the presence of the King of all. 

Epistle

Ephesians 1: 1-9

Paul, by the will of God an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the holy ones [at Ephesus], believers in Christ Jesus. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens! God chose us in him before the world began, to be holy and blameless in his sight, to be full of love; he likewise predestined us through Christ Jesus to be his adopted sons — such was his will and pleasure — that all might praise the glorious favor he has bestowed on us in his beloved. 

It is in Christ and through his blood that we have been redeemed and our sins forgiven, so immeasurably generous is God’s favor to us. God has given us the wisdom to understand fully the mystery, the plan he was pleased to decree in. Christ. 

Gospel

Mark 7: 24-30

From that place Jesus went off to the territory of Tyre and Sidon. He retired to a certain house and wanted no one to recognize him; however, he could not escape notice. Soon a woman, whose small daughter had an unclean spirit, heard about him. She approached him and crouched at his feet. The woman who was Greek–a Syro-Phoenician by birth–began to beg him to expel the demon from her daughter. He told her: “Let the sons of the household satisfy themselves at table first. It is not right to take food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” “Please, Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the family’s leavings.” Then he said to her, “For such a reply, be off now! The demon has already left your daughter.” When she got home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone. 

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

The Synaxis of the holy and just grandparents of God, Joachim and Anna, parents of Mary the immaculate Virgin mother of God, the names of whom were preserved by the ancient traditions of Christians from the Jews. The couple lived at Nazareth in Galilee. They were childless into their old age and all their life they grieved over this. They had to endure derision and scorn, since at that time childlessness was considered a disgrace. They never grumbled, but fervently prayed to God, humbly trusting in Him. The prayer of the saintly couple was heard. An angel told them that a daughter would be born to them, Who would be blessed above all other women. He also told them that She would remain a virgin, would be dedicated to the Lord and live in the Temple, and would give birth to the Savior. Obeying the instructions of the heavenly messenger, Joachim and Anna met at the Golden Gate in Jerusalem. Then, as God promised, a daughter was born to them and they named her Mary. Joachim died a few years later at the age of 80, after his daughter went to live in the Temple.  Anna died at the age of 70, two years after her husband.

The holy martyr Severian was a nobleman from Sebaste. He comforted the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (May 9) in their imprisonment. After their death in the year 320, he was also arrested, and hanged from a tree with stones hanging from his neck and from his feet.

Troparion – Grandparents

The just couple who lived in a state of grace, Joachim and Anna, gave birth to this holy child for us. Therefore, the holy Church solemnly honors this feast in glory and celebrates your precious memory today. She glorifies God who has lifted up our horn of salvation in the house of David. 

Troparion – Martyr

Your martyr Severian, O Lord our God, in his struggle received an incorruptible crown from You. With Your strength, he brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.

Kontakion – Grandparents

The chains of sterility are broken and Anna rejoices. She nurses the most pure Lady and invites us to sing with her to the Virgin Mother who is born for all people. 

Kontakion – Martyr

With a soul armed with courage, O God-wise one, you yourself were given over to various sufferings because you were enflamed with love of the Master, O truly wealthy one. Therefore, you accused the unjust torturer, O Severian, and you were given an incorruptible triumphal crown by God. 

Epistle

Galatians 6: 2-10

Brothers and sisters: Help carry one another’s burdens; in that way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he amounts to something, when in fact he is nothing, he is only deceiving himself. Each man should look to his conduct; if he has reason to boast of anything, it will be because the achievement is his and not another’s. Everyone should bear his own responsibility.

The man instructed in the word should share all he has with his instructor. Make no mistake about it, no one makes a fool of God! A man will reap only what he sows. If he sows in the field of the flesh, he will reap a harvest of corruption; but if he seed-ground is the spirit, he will reap everlasting life. Let us not grow weary of doing good; if we do not relax our efforts, in due time we shall reap our harvest. While we have the opportunity, let us do good to all men-but especially those of the household of the faith. 

Gospel

Mark 7: 14-24

At that time Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them: “Hear me, all of you, and try to understand. Nothing that enters a man from outside can make him impure; that which comes out of him, and only that, constitutes impurity. Let everyone heed what he hears!”

When Jesus got home, away from the crowd, his disciples questioned him about the proverb. Jesus asked them, “Are you, too, incapable of understanding? Do you not see that nothing that enters a man from outside can make him impure? It does not penetrate his being, but enters his stomach only and passes into the latrine.” Thus did he render all foods clean. He went on: “What emerges from within a man, that and nothing else is what makes him impure. Wicked designs come from the deep recess of the heart: acts of fornication, theft, murder, adulterous conduct, greed, maliciousness, deceit, sensuality, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, an obtuse spirit. All these evils come from within and render a man impure.”

From that place Jesus went off to the territory of Tyre and Sidon. 

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

The nativity of the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, of the seed of Abraham, born from the tribe of Judah, from the line of King David. The Holy Theotokos was born of the elderly parents, Joachim of the lineage of David, and Anna of the lineage of Aaron. Therefore, Mary was of royal birth by her father, and of priestly birth by her mother, foreshadowing Him who would be born of her as King and High Priest. Because her parents were very old and had no children, they were ashamed before men and humble before God. In their humility they prayed to God to bring them joy in their old age by giving them a child. Mary was born in Nazareth and at the age of three was taken to the Temple in Jerusalem. In her young womanhood she returned to Nazareth and shortly thereafter heard the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel concerning the birth of the Son of God from her most pure virgin body. From her, the Son of God was born in the flesh that he might free people from the ancient slavery of sin. 

Troparion

Your birth, O Virgin Theotokos, heralded joy to the universe; for from you arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God. Removing the curse, He gave the blessing, and by destroying Death, He granted us eternal salvation.

Kontakion

At your holy birth, O Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness and Adam and Eve from the corruption of death. Your people, delivered from the guilt of their faults, celebrate your birth and cry out: The barren woman gives birth to the Theotokos and Sustainer of our Life

Readings for the Feast

Epistle

Philippians 2: 5-11

Brothers and sisters: Your attitude must be that of Christ: Though he was in the form of God, he did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men. He was known to be of human estate and it was thus that he humbled himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross! Because of this, God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name above every other name, so that at Jesus’ name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!

Gospel

Luke 10: 38-42, 11: 27-28

At that time Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him to her home. She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and listened to his words. Martha, who was busy with all the details of hospitality, came to Jesus and said, “Lord, are you not concerned that my sister has left me to do the household tasks all alone? Tell her to help me.”

The Lord in reply said to her: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things; one thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it.”

While he was saying this a woman from the crowd called out, “Blest is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” Jesus replied, “Rather, blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it.”

Readings for the day

Epistle

Galatians 5: 11-21

Brothers and sisters, as for me, if I am still preaching circumcision, why do the attacks on me continue? If I were, the cross would be a stumbling block no more. Would that those who are troubling you might go the whole way, and castrate themselves!

My brethren, remember that you have been called to live in freedom–but not a freedom that gives free reign to the flesh. Out of love, fulfillment in this one saying: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If you go on biting and tearing one another to pieces, take care! You will end up in mutual destruction!

My point is that you should live in accord with the spirit and you will not yield to the cravings of the flesh. The flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh; the two are directly opposed. This is why you do not do what your will intends. If you are guided by the spirit, you are not under the law. It is obvious what proceeds from the flesh: lewd conduct, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, bickering, jealousy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I have warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!

Gospel

Mark 7: 5-16

At that time the Pharisees and the scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of our ancestors, but instead take food without purifying their hands?” He said to them: “How accurately Isaiah prophesied about you hypocrites when he wrote, ‘This people pays me lip service but their heart is far from me. Empty is the reverence they do me because they teach as dogmas mere human precepts.’ You disregard God’s commandment and cling to what is human tradition.”

Jesus went on to say: “You have made a fine art of setting aside God’s commandment in the interest of keeping your traditions! For example, Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and in another place, ‘Whoever curses father or mother shall be put to death.’ Yet you declare, ‘If a person says to his father or mother, Any support you might have had from me is korban (that is, dedicated to God)’, you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. That is the way you nullify God’s word in favor of the traditions you have handed on. And you have many other such practices besides.” Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them: “Hear me, all of you, and try to understand. Nothing that enters a man from outside can make him impure; that which comes out of him, and only that, constitutes impurity. Let everyone heed what he hears!”

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

The holy martyr Sozon was a shepherd of Lycaonia who taught his family and friends the law of God. Sozon destroyed an idol, and was tortured and then burned for his Christian faith in the year 304 in Popeiopolis in Cilicia. 

Troparion – Prefestive

Today is born to us from the root of Jesse and the loins of David, Mary, the godly child. Therefore, all creation rejoices and is renewed. Heaven and earth rejoice together. You families of nations sing her praise. Joachim is elated and Anna cries out in celebration: The barren woman gives birth to the Theotokos and the Sustainer of our life. 

Troparion – Martyr

Your martyr Sozon, O Lord our God, in his struggle, received an incorruptible crown from you. With your strength, he brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through his prayer, O Christ our God, save our souls. 

Kontakion – Theotokos 

Today the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, is born from a barren womb according to the divine plan. She is the inviolate bridal chamber of the heavenly Bridegroom. The chariot of the Word is made ready, for this is why she was preordained to be the gateway of God and truly the Mother of life. 

Kontakion – Martyr

Let us gather together and loudly sing to Sozon, the holy and genuine martyr, expert fighter for the faith, mystical seer of divine grace, generous provider of healing; for he is our intercessor before God. 

Epistle

Galatians 4:28 – 5:10

Brothers and sisters: You are children of the promise, as Isaac was. But just as in those days the son born in nature’s course persecuted the one whose birth was in the realm of the spirit, so do we find it now. What does Scripture say on the point? “Cast out slave girl and son together; for the slave girl’s son shall never be heir on equal terms with the son” of the one born free. 

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, we are not children of a slave girl but of a mother who is free.

It was for liberty that Christ freed us. So stand firm, and so not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time! Pay close attention to me, Paul, when I tell you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no use to you! I point out once more to all who receive circumcision that they are bound to the law in its entirety. Any of you who seek your justification in the law have severed yourselves from Christ and fallen from God’s favor! It is in the spirit that we eagerly await the justification we hope for, and only faith can yield it. In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor the lack of it counts for anything; only faith, which expresses itself through love. 

You were progressing so very well; who diverted you from the path of truth? Such enticement does not come from him who calls you. “A little yeast can affect the entire dough.” I trust that, in the Lord, you will not adopt a different view. May condemnation fall on whoever it is that is unsettling you.

Gospel

Mark 6:54 – 7:8

At that time as Jesus and the disciples were leaving the boat the people immediately recognized him. The crowds scurried about the adjacent area and began to bring in the sick on bedrolls to the place where they heard he was. Wherever he put in an appearance, in villages, in towns, or at crossroads, they laid the sick in the market places and begged him to let them touch just the tassel of his cloak. All who touched him got well.

The Pharisees and some of the experts in the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus. They had observed a few of his disciples eating meals without having purified–that is to say, washed–their hands. The Pharisees, and in fact all Jews, cling to the custom of their ancestors and never eat without scrupulously washing their hands. Moreover, they never eat anything from the market without first sprinkling it. There are many other traditions they observe–for example, the watching of cups and jugs and kettles. So the Pharisees and the scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of our ancestors, but instead take food without purifying their hands?” He said to them: “How accurately Isaiah prophesied about you hypocrites when he wrote, ‘This people pays me lip service but their heart is far from me. Empty is the reverence they do me because they teach as dogmas mere human precepts.’ You disregard God’s commandment and cling to what is human tradition.” 

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

The commemoration of the miracle of the Holy Archangel Michael at Colossae in Chionia: the archangel Michael worked a miracle of conversion and healing in Colossae, as well as a miracle of preservation of the site from flood. It is remembered each year on this date.

The holy martyr Eudoxius and his companions Carterius, Styriacus, Tobias, Agapius and companions at Sebaste in Armenia. Under Licinius the emperor they are said to have been soldiers who persisted in the faith of Christ and who were cast into the flames in the early 4th century. 

Troparion – Archangel

Leaders of the heavenly armies, although we are unworthy, we always beseech you to fortify us through your prayers and to shelter us beneath the wings of your sublime glory. Watch over us who bow to you and cry out fervently: Deliver us from danger, for you are the commanders of the powers on high.

Troparion – Martyr

Your martyr, Eudoxius, O Lord our God, in his struggle, received an incorruptible crown from you. With your strength, he brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls. 

Kontakion – Archangel

Leaders of God’s armies and ministers of divine glory, commanders of angels and guides of mortals, plead on our behalf for what we need and for great mercy; since you are the leaders of heavenly hosts. 

Kontakion – Martyr

You gathered wealth in heaven and showered it upon the earth. You gave bread to the hungry and received a glorious crown. You are resplendent in your confession of Christ. You were brave and died at the hands of the law; thus you have earned the wages of your work. O long-suffering Eudoxius, beg Christ to forgive our sins. 

Epistle

2nd Corinthians 4: 6-15

Brothers and sisters: God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts, that we in turn might make known the glory of God shining on the face of Christ. This treasure we possess in earthen vessels to make it clear that its surpassing power comes from God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way possible, but we are not crushed; full of doubts, we never despair. We are persecuted but never abandoned; we are struck down but never destroyed. Continually, we carry about in our bodies the dying of Jesus, so that in our bodies the life of Jesus may also be revealed. While we live we are constantly being delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh. Death is at work in us, but life in you. We have that spirit of faith which the Scripture says, “Because I believed, I spoke out.” We believe and so we speak, knowing that he who raised up the Lord Jesus will raise us up along with Jesus and place both us and you in his presence. Indeed, everything is ordered to your great benefit, so that the grace bestowed in abundance may bring greater glory to God because they who give thanks are many.

Gospel

Matthew 22: 35-46

At that time, one of the Pharisees, a lawyer, in an attempt to trip Jesus up, asked him, “Teacher, which commandment of the law is greatest?” Jesus told him: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. The second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments the whole law is based, and the prophets as well.”

In turn Jesus put a question to the assembled Pharisees, “What is your opinion about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” “David’s” they answered. He said to them, “Then how is it that David under the Spirit’s influence calls him ‘lord’ as he does when he said: ‘The Lord said to my lord, Sit at my right hand, until I humble your enemies beneath your feet’? If David calls him ‘lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could give him an answer; therefore no one dared, from that day on, to ask him any questions.

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

The holy prophet Zachary and his wife, the holy venerable Elizabeth, were the parents of the Forerunner John the Baptist. When she took her cousin Mary into her home, Elizabeth –full of the holy spirit– hailed the mother of the Lord as blessed among women. Zachary, a priest full of the prophetic spirit, praised God the redeemer and preached the near advent of Christ, the Dayspring from on high. 

Troparion

Arrayed as a priest, O wise Zechariah, you offered a worthy holocaust according to the law of God. You became a shining light and a witness to the mysteries, clearly bearing within you the signs of grace, O most wise one. You were slain by the sword in God’s temple. O prophet of God, together with the Forerunner, intercede with God that He may save our souls. 

Kontakion

Today the prophet Zechariah, the priest of the Most High and the father of the Forerunner, has prepared a banquet for the faithful and mixed the drink of holiness. Therefore we praise him as a mystical witness of God’s grace.

Readings for the feast

Epistle

Hebrews 6: 13-20

Brothers and sisters: When God made his promise to Abraham, he swore by himself, having no one greater to swear by, and said, “I will indeed bless you, and multiply you.” And so, after patient waiting, Abraham obtained what God had promised. Men swear by someone greater than themselves; an oath gives firmness to a promise and puts an end to all argument. God, wishing to give the heirs of his promise even clearer evidence that his purpose would not change, guaranteed it by oath, so that, by two things that are unchangeable, in which he could not lie, we who have taken refuge in him might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope which is placed before us. Like a sure and firm anchor, that hope extends beyond the veil through which Jesus, our forerunner, has entered on our behalf, being made high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Gospel

Luke 1: 5-25, 57-68, 76-80

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly order of Abijah; his wife, Elizabeth, was a descendant of Aaron. Both were just in the eyes of God, blamelessly following all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. They were childless, for Elizabeth was sterile; moreover, both were advanced in years.

Once, when it was the turn of Zechariah’s class and he was fulfilling his functions as a priest before God, it fell to him by lot according to priestly usage to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. While the full assembly of people was praying outside at the incense hour, an angel of the Lord appeared to Him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was deeply disturbed upon seeing him, and overcome with fear. 

The angel said to him: “Do not be frightened, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth shall bear a son who you shall name John. Joy and gladness will be yours, many will rejoice at his birth; for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He will never drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb. Many of the sons of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. God himself will go before him, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers and their children and the rebellious to the wisdom of the just, and to prepare for the Lord a people well-disposed.”

Zechariah said to the angel: “How am I to know this? I am an old man; my wife is too advanced in age.” The angel replied: “I am Gabriel, who stand in attendance before God. I was sent to speak to you and bring this good news. But now you will be mute–unable to speak–until the day these things take place, because you have not trusted my words. They will all come true in due season.” Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, wondering at his delay in the temple. When he finally came out he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision inside. He kept making signs to them, for he remained speechless.

Then, when his time of priestly service was over, he went home. Afterward, his wife Elizabeth conceived. She went into seclusion for five months, saying, “In these days the Lord is acting on my behalf; he has seen fit to remove my reproach among men.”

When Elizabeth’s time for delivery arrived, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives, upon hearing that the Lord has extended his mercy to her, rejoiced with her. When they assembled for the circumcision of the child on the eighth day, they intended to name him after his father Zechariah. At this his mother intervened, saying: “No, he is to be called John.” 

They pointed out to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” Then, using signs, they asked the father what he wished him to be called. He signaled for a writing tablet and wrote the words, “His name is John.” This astonished them all. At that moment his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. 

Fear descended on all in the neighborhood; throughout the hill country of Judea these happenings began to be recounted to the last detail. All who heard stored these things up in their hearts, saying, “What will this child be?” and, “Was not the hand of the Lord upon him?”

Then Zechariah, his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, uttered the prophecy, “Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel because he has visited and ransomed his people. And you, O child, shall be called prophet of the Most High; for you shall go before the Lord and prepare straight paths for him, giving his people a knowledge of salvation in freedom from their sins. All this is the work of the kindness of our God; he, the Dayspring, shall visit us in his mercy to shine on those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

The child grew up and matured in spirit. He lived in the desert until the day when he made his public appearance in Israel. 

Readings for the day

Epistle

1 Corinthians 4:17 – 5:5

Brothers and sisters: I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful son in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways in Christ, just as I teach them in all the churches. Some have grown full of self-importance, thinking that I will not come to you. But I shall come to you soon, the Lord willing, and find out, not what they say, but what they can do. The kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. Which do you prefer, that I come to you with a rod, or with love and a gentle spirit?

It is actually reported that there is lewd conduct among you of a kind not even found among the pagans-a man living with his father’s wife. Still you continue to be self-satisfied, instead of grieving, and getting rid of the offender! As for me, though absent in body I am present in spirit, and have already passed sentence in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ on the man who did this deed. United in spirit with you and empowered by our Lord Jesus, I hand him over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.

Gospel

Matthew 24: 1-13

At that time Jesus left the temple precincts, and his disciples came up and pointed out to him the buildings of the temple area. His comment was: “Do you see all these buildings? I assure you, not one stone will be left on another–it will all be torn down.” While he was seated on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came up to him privately and said: “Tell us, when will all this occur? What will be the sign of your coming and the end of the world?”

In reply Jesus said to them: “Be on guard! Let no one mislead you. Many will come attempting to impersonate me. ‘I am the Messiah!’ they will claim, and they will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Do not be alarmed. Such things are bound to happen, but that is not yet the end. Nation will rise against nation, one kingdom against another. There will be famine and pestilence and earthquakes in many places. These are the early stages of the birth pangs. They will hand you over to torture and kill you. Indeed, you will be hated by nations on my account. Many will falter then, betraying and hating one another. False prophets will rise in great numbers to mislead many. Because of the increase of evil, the love of most will grow cold. The man who holds out to the end, however, is the one who will see salvation.”

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

St. John Chyrostom wrote of the holy priest-martyr Babylas, “this great and wonderful man–if one can call him a man.” He was archbishop of Antioch in the time of the evil emperor Numerian. St. Babylas forbade the emperor entrance into the church because he was an idolator. In response, the emperor threw him into prison, and had students of his tortured in front of him in an attempt to have Babylas apostatize. St. Babylas encouraged them to stand firm and, after they were martyred, he joined them as a victim of the sword in the year 283. 

The holy prophet Moses, was chosen by God to free his people who were oppressed in Egypt and to lead them to the promised land. God revealed himself to Moses on Mount Sinai saying, “I am who I am,” and gave the law which would direct the life of the chosen people. The servant of God died in the fullness of years on Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab near the promised land. 

Troparion – Martyr

You shared in the apostles’ way of life and succeeded to their throne, divinely inspired bishop. You found access to contemplation in the active life. Therefore, you rightly taught the word of truth and struggled for the faith to the shedding of your blood. O Priest-Martyr Babylas, pray to Christ our God to save our souls. 

Troparion – Prophet

O prophet Moses, you reached the summit of virtues. By this you came to see the glory of God. You received the tablets of the grace-giving Law and became the crown of the prophets and a mystery of piety; for you carried grace deep within you. 

Kontakion – Martyr

O glorious Babylas, the Church praises you. Today you are revered as a preacher of holiness and the fortitude of martyrs. Since you have become a favorite of the Lord, beg Christ to keep us in perfect peace; for we praise and glorify you, O martyr. 

Kontakion – Prophet

Because their prophecy is fulfilled among us, Moses, Aaron, and the choir of prophets rejoice. The cross is triumphant today because by it You saved us. By the prayers of these holy men, save us, O Christ our God. 

Epistle

Galatians 4: 8-21

Brothers and sisters: In the past, when you didn’t not acknowledge God, you served as slaves to gods who are not really divine. Now that you have come to know God–or rather, have been known by him–how can you return to those powerless, worthless, natural elements to which you seem willing to enslave yourselves once more? You even go so far as to keep the ceremonial observance of days and months, seasons and years! I fear for you; all my efforts with you may have been wasted.

I beg you, brethren, to become like me as I became like you. (Understand, you have not done me any wrong.) You are aware that it was a bodily ailment that first occasioned my bringing you the gospel. My physical condition was a challenge which you did not despise or brush aside in disgust. On the contrary, you took me to yourselves as an angel of God, even as if I had been Christ Jesus! What has happened to your openhearted spirit? I can testify on your behalf that if it were possible you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. Have I become your enemy just because I tell you the truth?

The people I have referred to are not courting your favor in any generous spirit. What they really want is to exclude you so that you may court their favor. It would be well for you to be courted for the right reasons at all times, and not only when I happen to be with you. You are my children, and you put me back in labor pains until Christ is formed in you. If only I could be with you now and speak to you differently! You have me at a complete loss. You who want to be subject to the law, tell me: do you know what the law has to say?

Gospel

Mark 6: 45-53

At that time Jesus insisted that his disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. When he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. As evening drew on, the boat was far out on the lake while he was alone on the land. Then, seeing them tossed about as they tried to row with the wind against them, he came walking toward them on the water; the time was between three and six in the morning. He meant to pass them by. When they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and they began to cry out. They had all seen him and were terrified. He hastened to reassure them: “Got hold of yourselves! It is I. Do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were taken aback by these happenings, for they had not understood about the loaves. On the contrary, their minds were completely closed to the meaning of the events. After making the crossing they came ashore at Gennesaret, and tied up there. 

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

The holy martyr Anthimus, bishop of Nicomedia in Bithynia, and his companions, martyrs in the persecution of Diocletian the emperor in the year 303. In fact, a whole crowd followed St. Anthimus as he received the glory of martyrdom by beheading for the sake of his confession of Christ. Some of his companions were martyred by beheading, some burned up by fire, and finally, some were put in boats and drowned at sea. 

Our venerable father Theoctistus of Palestine was the companion of our venerable father Euthymius the Great. They were persons of similar virtue and holiness, and they encouraged one another in their struggles. They went out to the desert for the Great Fast and discovered a cave where they planned to live in seclusion for the rest of their lives. The Lord had other plans, and they were discovered by a shepherd who spread the word of the ascetics living in a cave. Many monks from other monasteries came to visit them, and some stayed to be instructed by them. So many monks gathered that they built a lavra, and St. Theoctistus became the igumen there. The wise Theoctistus accepted all who came to him, confessing them and treating the infirmities of their wounded souls with appropriate spiritual remedies. When he had reached an advanced old age, St. Theoctistus became very ill. St. Euthymius (who was 90 years old himself) visited him and took care of him. St Theoctistus went to the Lord in 467.

Troparion – Anthimus

You shared in the apostles’ way of life and succeeded to their throne, divinely inspired bishop. You found access to contemplation in the active life. Therefore, you rightly taught the word of truth and struggled for the faith to the shedding of your blood. O Priest-Martyr Anthimus, pray to Christ our God to save our souls. 

Troparion – Theoctistus

Your abundant tears made the wilderness bloom, and your sufferings made your labors fruitful a hundredfold; you became a shining torch over the world. O Theoctistus, our father, pray to Christ our God that He may save our souls.

Kontakion – Anthimus

You stood out among bishops and traveled the road to martyrdom. You became an opponent of pagan idol worship and the protector of your flock. O God-wise one. Therefore, we now honor you, crying out in spirit: Deliver us from dangers through your intercession. O ever-memorable Anthimus.

Kontakion – Theoctistus

You joined the great Euthymius in the desert, and you became an angel on earth with your good works. O Father, you cleanse the hearts of the faithful by the power of wonderful signs. We venerate you with love for this, O Theoctistus. 

Epistle

Galatians 3:23 – 4:5

Brothers and sisters: Before the faith came we were under the constraint of the law, locked in until the faith that was coming should be revealed. In other words, the law was our monitor until Christ came to bring about our justification through faith. But now that faith is here, we are no longer in the monitor’s charge. Each one of you is a son of God because of your faith in Christ Jesus. All of you who have been baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with him. There does not exist among you Jew or Greek, slave or freeman, male or female. All are one in Christ Jesus. Furthermore, if you belong to Christ you are the descendants of Abraham, which means you inherit all that was promised. 

Brothers and sisters: as long as a designated heir is not of age his condition is no different from that of a slave, even though in name he is master of all his possessions; for he is under the supervision of guardians and administrators until the time set by his father. In the same way, while we were not yet of age we were like slaves subordinated to the elements of the world; but when the designated time had come, God sent forth his Son born of a woman, born under the law, to deliver from the law those who were subjected to it, so that we might receive our status as adopted sons. 

Gospel

Mark 6: 30-45

At that time the apostles returned to Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and what they had taught.  He said to them, “Come by yourselves to an out-of-the-way place and rest a little.” People were coming and going in great numbers, making it impossible for them to so much as eat. So Jesus and the apostles went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving, and many got to know about it. People from all the towns hastened on foot to the place, arriving ahead of them. 

Upon disembarking Jesus saw a vast crowd. He pitied them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them at great length. It was now getting late and his disciples came to him with a suggestion: “This is a deserted place and it is already late. Why do you not dismiss them so that they can go to the crossroads and villages around here and buy themselves something to eat?” “You give them something to eat,” Jesus replied. At that they said, “Are we to go and spend two hundred days’ wages for bread to feed them?” “How many loaves have you?” Jesus asked. “Go and see.” When they learned the number they answered, “Five, and two fish.” He told them to make the people sit down on the green grass in groups or parties. The people took their places in hundreds and fifties, neatly arranged like flower beds. Then, taking the five loaves and two fish, Jesus raised his eyes to heaven, pronounced a blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples to distribute. He divided the two fish among all of them and they ate until they had their fill. They gathered up enough leftovers to fill twelve baskets, besides what remained of the fish. Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men. Immediately afterward Jesus insisted that his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 

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