The holy martyrs Florus and Laurus were brothers by birth not only in flesh but in spirit. They lived in the 2nd century in Byzantium, and afterwards they settled in Illyria [now Yugoslavia]. By occupation they were stone masons. The prefect of Illyria, Likaion, sent the brothers to a nearby district for work on the construction of a pagan temple. The saints toiled at the structure, distributing to the poor the money they earned, while they kept strict fast and prayed without ceasing. When the construction of the temple was completed, the brothers gathered the Christians together, and going through the temple, they smashed the idols. In the eastern part of the temple they set up the Holy Cross. They spent all night praying, illumined with heavenly light. Having learned of this, the head of the district condemned to burning the former pagan priest Mamertin and his son and 300 Christians. Florus and Laurus were sent back to the prefect Likaion and were thrown down an empty well and covered with earth. After many years, the relics of the holy martyrs were uncovered, incorrupt, and transferred to Constantinople.

 

Troparion

O faithful, let us praise the blessed Florus and Laurus, for they preached the Trinity without hesitation. Spilling their blood as a sign of their conviction, they have received laurels as God’s seal of approval. Pray to Christ our God to save our souls.

 

Kontakion

Today the world glorifies Florus and Laurus as holy and long-suffering martyrs for God. We hope to find grace and mercy from their prayers. We ask to be free from temptation, afflictions, anger, and pain on Judgment Day.

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 8:16 – 9:5

Brothers and sisters: Thanks be to God, who has put an equal zeal for you in the heart of Titus! Not only did he welcome our appeal, but being very eager he has gone to you freely. We have sent along with him that brother whom all the churches praise for his preaching of the gospel. He has been appointed our traveling companion by the churches, as we willingly carry on this work of charity for the glory of the Lord. There is one thing I wish to avoid, namely any blame over my handling of this generous collection. We are concerned not only for God’s approval but also for the good esteem of men. We have sent along that brother whose eagerness has been proved to us in many ways. He is now more eager than ever for this work because of his great trust in you. As for Titus, he is my companion and fellow worker on your behalf; our brothers too are apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore, show these men the proof of your love, and why we boast about you, for all the churches to see. 

There is really no news for me to write you about this collection for the members of the church. I already know your willingness, and boast about you to the Macedonians with respect to it, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. Your zeal has stirred up most of them. I nonetheless send the brothers so that our claims for you in this regard may not be shown empty. I do so that you may be ready, as I have been saying you are, lest any Macedonians come with me and find you unready; then I should be put to shame – to say nothing of you – for having had this trust. I have thought it necessary to exhort the brothers to go to you and arrange in advance for the bountiful gift you have already promised. It should be ready as a gracious gift, not as an exaction. 

 

Gospel

Mark 3: 13-21

At that time Jesus went up the mountain and summoned the men he himself had decided on, who came and joined him. He named twelve as his companions whom he would send to preach the good news; they were likewise to have the authority to expel demons. He appointed the Twelve as follows: Simon to whom he gave the name Peter; James, son of Zebedee; and John, the brother of James (he gave these two the name Boanerges, or “sons of thunder”); Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus, Simon of the Zealot Party, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 

He returned to the house with them and again the crowd assembled, making it impossible for them to get any food whatever. When his family heard of this they came to take charge of him, saying, “He is out of his mind.”

 

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

 

The holy martyr Myron was a priest in the town of Achaia. He was of wealthy and prominent origin, yet was kind and meek by nature- a lover of both God and man. During the reign of Emperor Decius, on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, pagans charged into the church, dragged Myron out of the service, and subjected him to torture by fire. During this torture, and angel appeared to him and encouraged him. The pagans began to peel his skin in strips from his head to his feet. The martyr grabbed one such strip of skin and struck his torturer, the judge, on his face with it. As though possessed, the judge grabbed a sword and killed himself. Finally, the pagans took Myron to the city of Cyzicus, and slew him there with the sword, in the year 250.

 

Troparion

Your martyr Myron, 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

From your tenderest years you loved Christ and kept all His commandments, O most glorious Myron. You followed Him quickly with your innocence, and it is fitting that you now keep company with angels. Seek the forgiveness of sins for those who honor you.

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 8: 7-15

Brothers and sisters: Just as you are rich in every respect, in faith and discourse in knowledge, in total concern, and in the love we bear you, so may you abound in this charity [begun among you by Titus].

I am not giving an order but simply testing your generous love against the concern which others show. You are well acquainted with the favor shown you by our Lord Jesus Christ: how for your sake he made himself poor though he was rich, so that you might become rich by his poverty. I am about to give you some advice on this matter of rich and poor. It will help you who began this good work last year, not only to carry it through, but to do so willingly. Carry it through now to a successful completion, so that your ready resolve may be matched by giving according to your means. The willingness to give should accord with one’s means, not go beyond them. The relief of others ought not to impoverish you: there should be a certain equality. Your plenty at the present time should supply their need so that their surplus may one day supply your need, with equality as a result. It is written, “He who gathered much had no excess and he who gathered little had no lack.”

 

Gospel

Mark 3: 6-12

At that time the Pharisees began to plot with the Herodians how they might destroy Jesus. Jesus withdrew toward the lake with his disciples. A great crowd followed him from Galilee, and an equally great multitude came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, Transjordan, and the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon, because they had heard what he had done. In view of their numbers, he told his disciples to have a fishing boat ready for him so that he could avoid the press of the crowd against him. Because he had cured many, all who had afflictions kept pushing toward him to touch him. Unclean spirits would catch sight of him, fling themselves down at his feet, and shout, “You are the Son of God!”, while he kept ordering them sternly not to reveal who he was. 

 

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

 

The Translation of the Icon of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, the icon “not made by human hands,” from Edessa to Constantinople in 944: Tradition related that Abgar, prince of the city of Edessa, suffered from leprosy. Having heard of Jesus the healer in Palestine, he sent a portrait painter named Ananias with a letter to Jesus, asking him to come and cure his leprosy. Being unable to come, the Lord took a napkin and wiped his face, leaving the perfect reproduction of the Holy Face on it. Ananias took the napkin back to Abgar, along with the message that he would be partially cured of his disease, and later completely. The Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, preaching the Gospel, came to Abgar and healed him.

The holy martyr Diomedes was a physician from Tarsus who taught people the Christian faith as he ministered to their suffering bodies. The emperor Diocletian ordered him to be beheaded in Nicea in the year 298.

 

Troparion – Holy Veil

We bow before your sacred image, O gracious Lord, and beg forgiveness for our offenses, O Christ our God; for You, of Your own good will, ascended the cross in Your human nature to deliver from the enemy’s bondage those whom You created. Therefore we gratefully cry out to You: By your coming to save the world, O Savior, You have filled all with joy.

 

Troparion – Martyr

Your martyr, Diomedes, 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 – Holy Veil

We have come to realize the extent of your victory, the inexpressible plan of your perfect incarnation, and to recognize this miraculous and unpainted icon as a banner of that divine triumph. With hearts full of love we kiss it in homage and piety.

 

Kontakion – Martyr

You vanquished the torturer and became a champion, crowned with the laurels of victory, O Diomedes. You are an initiate in the heavenly mysteries of grace and faith and an unconquerable and faithful martyr. 

 

Readings for the Holy Veil

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

Luke 9: 51-56

As the time approached when Jesus was to be taken from this world, he firmly resolved to proceed toward Jerusalem, and sent messengers on ahead of him. These entered a Samaritan town to prepare for his passing through, but the Samaritans would not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, would you have us call down fire from heaven and destroy them?” Jesus turned toward them only to reprimand them. Then they set off for another town. 

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

1 Corinthians 15: 1-11

Brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and in which you stand firm. You are being saved by it at this very moment if you hold fast to it as I preached it to you. Otherwise you have believed in vain. I handed on to you frst of all what I myself received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried and, in accordance with the Scriptures, rose on the third day; that he was seen by Cephas, then by the Twelve. After that he was seen by five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have fallen asleep. Next he was seen by me, as one born out of the normal course. I am the least of the apostles; in fact, because I persecuted the church of God, I do not even deserve the name. But by God’s favor I am what I am. This favor of his to me has not proved fruitless. Indeed, I have worked harder than all the others, not on my own but through the favor of God. In any case, whether it be I or they, this is what we preach and this is what you believed. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 19: 16-26

At that time a man came up to Jesus and said: “Teacher, what good must I do to possess everlasting life?” Jesus answered, “Why do you question me about what is good? There is One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he asked. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not kill’; ‘You shall not commit adultery’; ‘You shall not steal’; ‘You shall not bear false witness’; ‘Honor you father and your mother’; ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” The young man said to Jesus, “I have kept all these; what do I need to do further?” Jesus told him, “If you wish to seek perfection, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor. You will then have treasure in heaven. Afterwards come back and follow me.” Hearing these words, the young man went away sad, for his possessions were many.

Jesus said to his disciples: “I assure you, only with difficulty will a rich man enter into the kingdom of God. I repeat what I said: it is easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this they were completely overwhelmed, and exclaimed, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For man it is impossible; but for God all things are possible.”

 

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

 

The Dormition of the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary: Tradition relates that the Mother of God died in Jerusalem, after a visit with all of Christ’s apostles. They carried her coffin to the Garden of Gethsemane where it was placed into a tomb. The apostle Thomas came late and asked that the tomb be opened so that he could revere her body. When opened, the tomb was found empty except for the winding burial shroud. 

 

Troparion

O Theotokos, in giving birth you preserved virginity; and in your falling asleep you did not forsake the world. You are the Mother of Life and have been transferred to life, and through your prayers you deliver our souls from death.

 

Kontakion

The grave and death did not detain the Theotokos. She intercedes without rest and is our unfailing hope of protection; for he who dwelt in the womb of the Ever Virgin transferred to life the Mother of 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, and it was thus that he humbles himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross! Because of this, God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name about 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

1 Corinthians 1: 26-31

Brothers and sisters, you are among those called. Consider your situation. Not many of you are wise, as men account wisdom; not many are influential; and surely not many are well-born. God chose those whom the world considers absurd to shame the wise; he singled out the weak of this world to shame the strong. He chose the world’s lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who were something; so that mankind can do no boasting before God. God it is who has given you life in Christ Jesus. He has made him our wisdom and also our justice, our sanctification, and our redemption. This is just as you find it written, “Let him who would blast, boast in the Lord.”

 

Gospel

Matthew 20: 29-34

At that time as Jesus and the disciples were leaving Jericho a large crowd followed them, and suddenly two blind men sitting by the roadside, who heard that Jesus was passing by, began to shout, “Lord, Son of David, have pity on us!” The crowd began to scold them in an effort to reduce them to silence, but they only shouted the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have pity on us!” Jesus then stopped and called out to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” they told him, “open our eyes!” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and immediately they could see; and they became his followers.

 

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

The holy prophet Micah was of the tribe of Judah and from the village of Morasth. He was a contemporary of the prophets Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea. He denounced the vices of the people, foretold the fall of Samaria, and was a seer of the coming Messiah. He named Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. He was buried in his own village, and his relics were found in the 4th century. 

St. Theodosius of the Caves was the Father of monasticism in Russia. At the age of twenty-four, he secretly left his parental home and St. Anthony at the Kiev Caves monastery blessed him to receive monastic tonsure with the name Theodosius. The saint was not afraid to denounce the mighty of this world. Those unjustly condemned always found a defender in him, and judges would review matters at the request of the igumen. He was particularly concerned for the destitute. He built a special courtyard for them at the monastery where anyone in need could receive food and drink. Sensing the approach of death, St. Theodosius peacefully fell asleep in the Lord in the year 1074. He was buried in a cave which he dug, where he secluded himself during fasting periods. The relics of the ascetic were found incorrupt in the year 1091. St. Theodosius was numbered among the saints in 1108. 

 

Troparion – Micah

As we celebrate the memory of your prophet Micah, O Lord, we implore You to save our souls through his prayers.

 

Troparion – Theodosius

Guide to Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, luminary for the world, inspired adornments of monks, O wise Theodosius, Harp of the Spirit, you enlightened all by your teachings; intercede with Christ our God to save our souls. 

 

Kontakion – Prefestive

Celebrating your glorious memory today, the world mystically dances for joy and cries out to you, O Theotokos: Rejoice, Virgin, Boast of Christians.

 

Kontakion – Micah

You were enlightened by the blessing of the Holy Spirit, setting forth in prophecy the pure and immaculate condescension of Christ our God, O blessed Micah, and messenger of Christ. Therefore, pray for us who worthily honor your memory. 

 

Kontakion – Theodosius

You are a successor to the fathers, O holy monk, and you followed them in your life and teachings, your character and temperance, prayer and intercession. Since you have found favor with God, obtain the remission of our sins and salvation for those who sing to you: Rejoice, O father Theodosius. 

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 7: 10-16

Brothers and sisters: Indeed, sorrow for God’s sake produces a repentance without regrets, leading to salvation, whereas worldly sorrow brings death. Just look at the fruit of this sorrow which stems from God. What a measure of holy zeal it has brought you, not to speak of readiness to defend yourselves! What indignation, fear, and longing! What ardent desire to restore the balance of justice! In every way you have displayed your innocence in this matter. Therefore, my writing to you was not intended for the man who had given the offense or for the one offended, but to make plain in the sight of God the devotion you have for us. This done, we are comforted. 

Beyond this consolation, we have rejoiced even more at the joy of Titus because his mind has been set at rest by all of you. For though I had boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame. Rather, just as everything I ever said to you was true, so my boasting to Titus has been proved equally true. His heart embraces you with an expanding love as he recalls the obedience you showed to God when you received him in fear and trembling. I rejoice because I trust you utterly. 

 

Gospel

Mark 2: 18-22

At that time John’s disciples and the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus with the objection, “Why do John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees fast while yours do not?” Jesus replied: “How can the guests at a wedding fast as long as the groom is still among them? So long as the groom stays with them, they cannot fast. The day will come, however, when the groom will be taken away from them; on that day they will fast. No one sews a patch of shrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he should do so, the very thing he has used to cover the hole would pull away – the new from the old – and the tear would get worse. Similarly, no man pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does so, the wine will burst the skins, and both wine and skins will be lost. No, new wine is poured into new skins.”

 

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

Our venerable father Maximos the Confessor was the hegumen of Chrysopolis near Constantinople. He was notable for his teaching and zeal for the Catholic truth. When he vigorously fought against the Monothelites, he had his right hand cut off by the heretical emperor Constans. Along with two of his disciples, both named Anastasius, after a harsh imprisonment and many tortures, Maximos was exiled to the region of Lazica and rendered his spirit to God in the year 662.

 

Troparion

Guide to Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, luminary for the world, inspired adornments of monks, O wise Maximos, harp of the Spirit, you enlightened with Christ our God to save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

Taking its abode within your heart, the thrice-brilliant light made you a chosen vessel. It has revealed heavenly things in you, O blessed saint. You made deep and complicated ideas clear to us, and you preached the eternal Trinity to everyone, O Maximos. 

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 7: 1-10

Brothers and sisters: since we have these promises, beloved, let us purify ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and in the fear of God strive to fulfill our consecration perfectly. 

Make room for us in your hearts! We have injured no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. I do not condemn you. I have already said that you are in our hearts, even to the sharing of death and life together. I speak to you with utter frankness and boast much about you. I am filled with consolation, and despite my many afflictions my joy knows no bounds. 

When I arrived in Macedonia I was restless and exhausted. I was under all kinds of stress — quarrels with others and fears writhing myself. But God, who gives hearts to those who are low in spirit, gave me strength with the arrival of Titus. This he did, not only by his arrival but by the reinforcement Titus had already received from you; for he reported your longing, your grief and your ardent concern for me, so that my joy is greater still. If I saddened you by my letter I have no regrets. Or if I did feel some regret (because I understand that the letter caused you grief for a time), I am happy once again; not because you were saddened, but because your sadness led to repentance. You were filled with sorrow that came from God; thus you did not suffer any loss from us. Indeed, sorrow for God’s sake produces a repentance without regrets, leading to salvation, whereas worldly sorrow brings death. 

 

Gospel

Mark 1: 29-35

At that time immediately upon leaving the synagogue, Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay I’ll with a fever, and the first thing they did was to tell Jesus about her. Jesus went over to her and grasped her hand and helped her up, and the fever left her. She immediately began to wait on them. 

After sunset, as evening drew on, they brought to Jesus all who were ill, and those possessed by demons. Before long the whole town was gathered outside the door. Those whom he cured, who were variously afflicted, were many, and so were the demons he expelled. But he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Rising early the next morning, he went off to a lonely place in the desert; there he was absorbed in prayer. 

 

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

The holy martyrs Photius and Anicetus bore witness to the Christian faith before the emperor Diocletian(284-305). Both of them were tortured, and then imprisoned for three years. Eventually they were thrown into an enormous burning furnace in the year 305. 

 

Troparion

Your martyrs, O Lord our God, in their struggles received their 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. 

 

Kontakion

You crushed the rage of vicious torturers by your brave endurance of their torments. Now you rejoice in the courts of heaven, O blessed martyrs Photius and Anicetus. You are blessed forever and ever, praying for those who honor you. 

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 6: 11-16b

Men of Corinth, we have spoken to you frankly, opening our hearts wide to you. There is no lack of room for you in us; the narrowness is in you. In fair exchange, then (I speak as a father to his children), open wide your hearts!

Do not yoke yourselves in a mismatch with unbelievers. After all, what do righteousness and lawlessness have in common, or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What accord is there between Christ and Belial, what common lot between believer and unbeliever? Tell me what agreement there is between the temple of God and idols. You are the temple of the living God. 

 

Gospel

Mark 1: 23-28

At that time there appeared in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit that shrieked: “What do you want of us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him sharply: “Be quiet! Come out of the man!” At that the unclean spirit convulsed the man violently and with a loud shriek came out of him. All who looked on were amazed. They began to ask one another: “What does this mean? A completely new teaching in a spirit of authority! He gives orders to unclean spirits and they obey!” From that point on his reputation spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

 

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

The holy martyr Archdeacon Euplus suffered in the year 308 under the emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311). He served in the Sicilian city of Catania. Always carrying the Gospel with him, St. Euplus preached constantly to the pagans about Christ. Once, while he read and explained the Gospel to the gathered crowd, they arrested him and took him to the governor of the city. St. Euplus confessed himself a Christian and denounced the impiety of idol-worship. For this, they sentenced him to torture. They threw the injured saint into prison, where he remained in prayer for seven days. The Lord made a spring of water flow into the prison for the martyr to quench his thirst. Brought to trial for a second time, strengthened and rejoicing, St. Euplus again confessed his faith in Christ and denounced the torturer for spilling the blood of innocent Christians. The judge commanded that the saint’s ears be torn off, and that he be beheaded. When they led the saint to execution, they hung the Gospel around his neck. Having asked for time to pray, the archdeacon began to read and explain the Gospel to the people, and many of the pagans listening came to believe in Christ. The soldiers beheaded the saint with a sword.

 

Troparion

You martyr Euplus, 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

Carrying the law of Christ in your hands, O Euplus, you bravely confronted the enemy by crying out: I am ready and willing to be martyred. You bent your neck and they cut off your head. And thus you have completed your course. 

 

Epistle 

2 Corinthians 5: 15-21

Brothers and sisters: Christ died for all so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who for their sakes died and was raised up. Because of this we no longer look on anyone in terms of mere human judgment. If at one time we so regarded Christ, we no longer know him by this standard. This means that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old order has passed away; now all is new! All this has been done by God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. I mean that God, in Christ, was reconciling the world to himself, not counting men’s transgressions against them, and that he has entrusted the message of reconciliation to us. This makes us ambassadors for Christ, God as it were appealing through us. We implore you, in Christ’s name: be reconciled to God! For our sakes God made him who did not know sin, to be sin, so that in him we might become the very holiness of God. 

 

Gospel

Mark 1: 16-22

At that time as Jesus made his way along the Sea of Galilee, he observed Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me; I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately abandoned their nets and became his followers. Proceeding a little farther along, he caught sight of James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They too were in their boat putting their nets in order. Jesus summoned them on the spot. They abandoned their father, Zebedee, who was in the boat with the hired men, and went off in Jesus’ company. Shortly afterward they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and began to teach. The people were spellbound by his teaching because he taught with authority, and not like the scribes. 

 

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

The holy martyr Lawrence was Archdeacon of Pope Sixtus, and they suffered together in the year 258 during the reign of the emperor Valerian (253-260). When St. Sixtus was arrested, he entrusted the treasures of the church with St. Lawrence to distribute to the poor. He went around the city on foot, helping clergy and impoverished Christians who were in hiding. When Valerian heard of these treasures, he had Lawrence brought before him, and demanded Lawrence give them to him. Instead of earthly treasure, Lawrence brought the emperor the poor, saying, “Behold the treasures of the Church.” He was thrown in prison, suffered many tortures, and received the unfading crown of martyrdom through fire. 

 

Troparion

Your martyr Lawrence, 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

Inflaming your heart with heavenly fire, you turned the fires of passion into cold ashes. O God-bearing martyr Lawrence, strength of martyrs, amid all your sufferings you cried out: Nothing shall separate me from the love of Christ. 

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 5: 10-15

Brothers and sisters: The lives of all of us are to be revealed before the tribunal of Christ so that each one may receive his recompense, good or bad, according to his life in the body.

Standing in awe of the Lord we try to persuade men, but what we are is known to God. I hope that it is also known to you in your consciences. We shall not begin to recommend ourselves to you again, but we are giving you an opportunity to boast about us so that you may have something to say to those who take pride in external appearances, and not in what lies in the heart. Indeed, if we are ever caught up out of ourselves, God is the reason; and when we are brought back to our senses, it is for your sakes. The love of Christ impels us who have reached the conviction that since one died for all, all died. He died for all so that those who love might live no longer for themselves, but for him who for their sakes died and was raised up.

 

Gospel

Mark 1: 9-15

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. Immediately on coming up out of the water he saw the sky rent in two and the Spirit descending in him like a dove. Then a voice came from the heavens: “You are my beloved Son. On you my favor rests.”

At that point the Spirit sent him out toward the desert. He stayed in the wasteland forty days, put to the test there by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, and angels waited on him. 

After John’s arrest, Jesus appeared in Galilee proclaiming the good news of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand! Reform your lives and believe in the gospel.”

 

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

The holy apostle Matthias was born of the tribe of Judah, in Bethlehem. He studied with St. Simeon the God-receiver in Jerusalem. When the Lord went out to preach the Kingdom of God, Matthias joined the others who loved the Lord- for he himself loved Him with all his heart, and heard His words and witnessed His works with delight. Initially Matthias was numbered among the seventy lesser disciples of Christ. However, following the Resurrection of the Lord, the place of Judas being empty, the apostles drew lots and chose Matthias as one of the Twelve Great Apostles (Acts 1:23-26). Receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, Matthias set out to preach the Gospel; first in Judah, and then in Ethiopia, where he endured great tortures for the sake of Christ. It is held that he preached throughout Macedonia, where they wanted to blind him; but he became invisible to his torturers, and thus escaped danger. The Lord appeared to him in prison, encouraged him, and freed him. Finally, he returned again to his work in Judea. There he was accused and brought to court before the high priest Ananias, before whom he fearlessly witnessed Christ. Ananias (the same who had slain the Apostle James) condemned Matthias to death. They led Matthias out, stoned him, and then decapitated him with an ax. This punishment was the Roman manner of killing a person who was sentenced to death, and the hypocritical Jews applied this method to Matthias to show he had been an enemy of Rome. Thus the great apostle of Christ reposed, and took up his habitation in the eternal joy of his Lord. 

 

Troparion

O holy Apostle Matthias, intercede with the merciful God that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins. 

 

Kontakion

Your good tidings were more brilliant than the sun, and they have spread all over the world; they illumine the Church of the Gentiles with grace. Rejoice, O miracle-working apostle Matthias. 

 

Readings for the saint

Epistle

Acts 1: 12-17 & 21-26

In those days they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olive near Jerusalem–a mere sabbath’s journey away. Entering the city, they went  to the upstairs room where they were staying: Peter and John and James and Andrew; Phillip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus; Simon, the Zealot party member, and Judas son of James. Together they devoted themselves to constant prayer. There were some women in their company, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. 

At one point during those days, Peter stood up in the center of the brothers; there must have been a hundred and twenty gathered together. “Brothers,” he said, “the saying in Scripture uttered long ago by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David was destined to be fulfilled in Judas, the one who guided those that arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and he had been given a share in this ministry of ours. 

*”It is entirely fitting, therefore, that one of those who was of our company while the Lord Jesus moved among us, from the baptism of John until the day he was taken up from us, should be named as witness with us to his resurrection.” At that they nominated two, Joseph (called Barsabbas, also known as Justus) and Mathias. Then they prayed: “O Lord, you read the hearts of men. Make known to us which of these two you choose for this apostolic ministry, replacing Judas who deserted the cause and went the way he was destined to go.” They then drew lots between the two men. The choice fell to Matthias, who was added to the eleven apostles. 

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 1-6

At that time Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them the power and authority to overcome all demons and to cure diseases. He sent them forth to proclaim the reign of God and heal the afflicted. Jesus advised them: “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking staff nor traveling bag; no bread, no money. No one is to have two coats. Stay at whatever house you enter and proceed from there. When people will not receive you, leave that town and shake its dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” So they set out and went from village to village, spreading the good news everywhere and curing diseases. 

 

Readings for the day

Epistle 

1 Corinthians 9: 2-12

Brothers and sisters: Although I may not be an apostle for others, I certainly am one for you. You are the very seal of my apostolate in the Lord. 

My defense against those who criticize me is this: Do  we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to marry a believing woman like the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Is it only myself and Barnabas who are forced to work for a living? What soldier in the field pays for his rations? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its yield? What shepherd does not nourish himself with the milk of his flock? You may think the reasons I am giving are merely human ones, but does not the law itself speak of these things? It is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out grain.” Is God concerned here for the oxen, or does he not rather say this for our sakes? You can be sure it was written for us, for the plowman should plow in hope and the harvester expect a share in the grain. If we have sown for you in spirit, is it too much to expect a material harvest from you? If others have this right over you, is not our right even greater? But we have not used this right. On the contrary, we put up with all sorts of hardships so as not to place any obstacles in the way of the gospel of Christ.

 

Gospel

Matthew 18: 23-35

The Lord said: “The reign of God may be said to be like a king who decided to settle accounts with his  officials. When he began his auditing, one was brought in who owed him a huge amount. As he had no way of paying it, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of his debt. At that the official prostrated himself in homage and said, ‘My lord, be patient with me and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with pity, the master let the official go and write off the debt. But when that same official went out he met a fellow servant who owed him a mere fraction of what he himself owed. He seized him and throttled him. ‘Pay back what you owe,’ he demanded. His fellow servant dropped to his knees and began to plead with him, ‘Just give me a time and I will pay you back in full.’ But he would hear none of it. Instead, he had him put in jail until he paid back what he owed. When his fellow servants saw what had happened they were badly shaken, and went to their master to report the whole incident. His master sent for him and said, ‘You worthless wretch! I canceled your entire debt when you pleaded with me. Should you not have dealt mercifully with your fellow servant, as I dealt with you?’ Then in anger the master handed him over to the torturers until he paid back all he owed. My heavenly father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.

 

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