Our holy fathers Alexander, John, and Paul the Younger, patriarchs of Constantinople: Alexander took part in the First Ecumenical Council. John the Faster governed the Church in the days of the wicked emperor Anastasius. Paul IV governed the Church for five years and then took the Great Schema to repent for his early support of the Iconoclasts. 

Troparion

God of our fathers, You always deal with us in Your kindness. Take not Your mercy away from us; but through your prayers guide our life in peace. 

Kontakion

These glorious saints were inflamed with love for Christ and shouldered His cross with zeal and fervor. They imitated His life and entered His glory. Standing before His throne, O Alexander, John, and Paul, pray for the salvation of our souls. 

Epistle

2nd Corinthians 1:21 – 2:4

Brothers and sisters: God is one who firmly establishes us along with you in Christ; it is he who anointed us and has sealed us, thereby depositing the first payment, the Spirit, in our hearts. I call on God as my witness that it was out of consideration for you that I did not come to Corinth again. Domineering over your faith is not my purpose. I prefer to work with you toward your happiness. As regards faith, you are standing firm.

I did decide, however, not to visit you again in painful circumstances. For if I cause you pain, who can make me happy again but the ones I grieved? I wrote as I did so that when I come I may not be saddened by those who should rejoice my heart. I know you all well enough to be convinced that my happiness is yours. That is why I wrote you in great sorrow and anguish, with copious tears-not to make you sad but to help you realize the great love I bear you. 

Gospel

Matthew 22: 2-14

The Lord told this parable to the chief priests and the Pharisees: “The reign of God may be likened to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the wedding, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying: ‘Tell those who were invited, See, I have my dinner prepared! My bullocks and corn-fed cattle are killed; everything is ready. Come to the feast.’ Some ignored the invitation and went their way, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, insulted them, and killed them. Thus the king grew furious and sent his army to destroy those murderers and burn their city. Then he said to his servants: ‘The banquet is ready, but those who were invited were unfit to come. That is why you must go out into the by roads and invite to the wedding anyone you come upon.’ The servants then went out into the by roads and rounded up every one they met, bad as well as good. This filled the wedding hall with banqueters.

“When the king came in to meet the guests, however, he caught sight of a man not properly dressed for a wedding feast. ‘My friend,’ he said, ‘how is it you came in here and not properly dressed?’ The man had nothing to say. The king then said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the night to well and grind his teeth.’ The invited are many, the elect are few.”

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

Beheading of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John: Because the holy forerunner and baptist John had denounced Herod Antipas for putting away his own wife and marrying the wife of his brother Philip, Herod imprisoned him. At a feast held in honor of Herod’s birthday, Herod’s stepdaughter Salome danced for him. Herod promised her anything; her mother Herodias told her to ask for the head of John on a platter. This martyrdom is commemorated on this day because a church, built over the Forerunner’s tomb, was dedicated on this day to his beheading by the Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena. 

Troparion

The memory of the righteous is celebrated with praise, but for you, O Forerunner, the Lord’s testimony is enough. You were shown to be more honorable than the prophets since you were deemed worthy to baptize in the waters the Lord you had proclaimed. Therefore, you fought for the truth, and with joy proclaimed the good news to those in Hades, that God has appeared in the flesh to take away the sins of the world and to grant us great mercy.

Kontakion

The glorious beheading of the Forerunner was part of God’s saving plan that the coming of the Savior might be announced even to those in Hades. Let Herodias mourn for she sought a lawless murder because she loved neither the Law of God nor eternal life, but only this false and fleeting life. 

Readings for the Feast

Epistle

Acts 13: 25-33

In those days Paul spoke to the Israelites saying: “As John’s career was coming to an end, he would say, ‘What you suppose me to be, I am not. Rather, look for the one who comes after me. I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals on his feet.’ My brethren, children of the family of Abraham and you others who reverence our God, it was to us that this message of salvation was sent forth. The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their rulers failed to recognize [Jesus], and in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets which we read sabbath after sabbath. Even though they found no charge against him which deserved death, they begged Pilate to have him executed. Once they had thus brought about all that had been written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. Yet God raised him from the dead, and for many days thereafter Jesus appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are his witnesses now before the people.

“We ourselves announce to you the good news that what God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children in raising up Jesus, according to what is written in the second psalm, ‘You are my son; this day I have begotten you.’”

Gospel

Mark 6: 14-29

At that time King Herod came to hear of Jesus, for his reputation had become widespread and people were saying, “John the Baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why such miraculous powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet equal to any of the prophets.” On hearing of Jesus, Herod exclaimed, “John, whose head I had cut off, has been raised up!” Herod was the one who had ordered John arrested, chained, and imprisoned on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, who he had married. That was because John had told Herod, “It is not right for you to live with your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against John for this and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be an upright and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard John speak he was very much disturbed; yet he felt the attraction of his words. Herodias had her chance one day when Herod held a birthday dinner for his court circle, military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias’ own daughter came in at one point and performed a dance which delighted Herod and his guests. The king told the girl, “Ask for anything you want and I will give it to you.” He went so far as to swear to her: “I will grant you whatever you ask, even half my kingdom!” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” The mother answered, “The head of John the Baptizer.” At that the girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request: “I want you to give me, at once, the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.” The king bitterly regretted the request; yet because of his oath and the presence of the guests, he did not want to refuse her. He promptly dispatched an executioner, ordering him to bring back the Baptizer’s head. The man went and beheaded John in prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. Later, when his disciples heard about this, they came and carried his body away and placed it in a tomb. 

Readings for the day

Epistle

1 Corinthians 4: 1-5

Brothers and sisters: Men should regard us as servants of Christ and administrators of the mysteries of God. The first requirement of an administrator is that he prove trustworthy. It matters little to me whether you or any human court pass judgment on me. I do not even pass judgment on myself. Mind you, I have nothing on my conscience. But that does not mean that I am declaring myself innocent. The Lord is the one to judge me, so stop passing judgment before the time of his return. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and manifest the inventions of hearts. At that time, everyone will receive his praise from God. 

Gospel

Matthew 23: 1-12

At that time Jesus told the crowds and his disciples: “The scribes and the Pharisees have succeeded Moses as teachers; therefore, do everything and observe everything they tell you. But do not follow their example. Their words are bold but their deeds are few. They bind up heavy loads, hard to carry, to lay on other men’s shoulders while they themselves will not lift a finger to budge them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and wear huge tassels. They are fond of places of honor at banquets and the front seats in synagogues, of marks of respect in public and of being called ‘Rabbi.’ As to you, avoid the title ‘Rabbi.’ One among you is your teacher, the rest are learners. Do not call anyone on earth your father. Only one is your father, the One in heaven. Avoid being called teachers. Only one is your teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be the one who serves the rest. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

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

Our venerable father Moses the Ethiopian was at first the leader of a band of robbers, but he repented and became a great ascetic. He gave himself up utterly to work, prayer, vigils, and fasting. He was ordained a priest in his old age, and then founded a monastery of his own. He was martyred by looting barbarians in the year 405. 

Our holy father Augustine, bishop of Hippo was born in Hippo in Africa. He was turned from paganism to Christianity by the prayers and tears of his mother, St. Monica. He was baptized by St. Ambrose of Milan, and returned to North Africa. There he was chosen as bishop of Hippo, and he spent the rest of his life in prolific teaching and writing. He served and glorified the Lord for thirty-five years as bishop of Hippo; he fell asleep in the Lord in the year 430. 

Troparion – Moses

You made the wilderness your dwelling, O father Moses, the bearer of God. You became an angel in the flesh and a wonder-worker. Through fasts, vigils and prayers, you obtained from God special graces to heal the sick and to sanctify the souls of those who come to you in trust. Glory to the One who gave you strength! Glory to the One who crowned you! Glory to the One who through your intercession grants healing to all!

Troparion – Augustine

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

Kontakion – Moses

You upbraided your people and spat on the devil and brought them light brighter than the sun. You guide our souls by the light of your life and thought.

Kontakion – Augustine

We praise you with resounding voices, O heavenly trumpet of wisdom. You are the harmonious organ of theology, O most blessed father Augustine. You have given us rich knowledge of Christ’s faith, and you have increased the flock in the Church. You now take your rest with the angels and still pray unceasingly for us. 

Epistle

Galatians 2: 6-10

Those who were regarded as important, however (and it makes no difference to me how prominent they were – God plays no favorites), made me add nothing.

On the contrary, recognizing that I had been entrusted with the gospel for the uncircumcised, just as Peter was for the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter as his apostle among the Jews had been at work in me for the Gentiles), and recognizing, too, the favor bestowed on me, those who were the acknowledged pillars, James, Cephas, and John, gave Barnabas and me the handclasp of fellowship, signifying that we should go to the Gentiles as they to the Jews. The only stipulation was that we should be mindful of the poor – the one thing that I was making every effort to do. 

Gospel

Mark 5: 22-24, 35-43; 6:1

At that time one of the officials of the synagogue, a man named Jairus, came near. Seeing Jesus, the official fell at Jesus’ feet and made this earnest appeal: “My little daughter is critically ill. Please come and lay your hands on her so that she may get well and live.” The two went off together and a large crowd followed, pushing against Jesus.

And then people from the official’s house arrived saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher further?” Jesus disregarded the report that had been brought and said to the official: “Fear is useless. What is needed is trust.” He would not permit anyone to follow him except Peter, James, and James’ brother John. As they approached the house of the synagogue leader, Jesus was struck by the noise of the people wailing and crying loudly on all sides. He entered and said to them: “Why do you make this din with your wailing? The child is not dead. She is asleep.” At this they began to ridicule him. Then he put them all out.

Jesus took the child’s father and mother and his own companions and entered the room  where the child lay. Taking her hand he said to her, “Talitha, koum,” which means, “Little girl, get up.” The girl, a child of twelve, stood up immediately and began to walk around. At this the family’s astonishment knew no bounds. Jesus enjoined them strictly not to let anyone know about it, and told them to give her something to eat.

He departed from there and returned to his own part of the country followed by his disciples. 

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

Our venerable father Pimen the Great was born about the year 340 in Egypt. He went to one of the Egyptian monasteries with his two brothers, Anoub and Paisius, and all three received monastic tonsures. The brothers were such strict ascetics that when their mother came to the monastery to see her children, they did not come out to her from their cells. For many monks, St. Pimen was a spiritual guide and instructor. They wrote down his answers to ser for the edification of others besides themselves. St. Pimen was strict in his fasting and sometimes would not partake of food for a week or more. He advised others to eat every day but to do so without eating their fill. Abba Pimen heard of a certain monk who went for a week without eating, but had lost his temper. The saint lamented that the monk was able to fast for an entire week, but was unable to abstain from anger for even a single day. St. Pimen died at the age of 110. Soon after his death, he was acknowledged as a saint pleasing to God. He was called “the Great” as a sign of his great humility, uprightness, ascetic struggles, and self-denying service to God. 

Troparion

Your abundant tears made the wilderness sprout and bloom, and your deep sighing made your labor fruitful a hundredfold. You became a star shining over the world with miracles, holy father Pimen. Pray to Christ God that He may save our souls.

Kontakion

Today the holy memory of your splendid struggles has dawned, gladdening the souls of the pious, O divinely wise Pimen, our venerable father. 

Epistle

Galatians 1: 1-10, 20-21; 2: 1-5

Paul, an apostle sent not by men or by any man, but by Jesus Christ and God his Father who raised him from the dead. I and my brothers who are with me send greetings to the churches in Galatia. We wish you the favor and peace of God our Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, to rescue us from the present evil age, as our God and Father willed – to him be glory for endless ages. Amen.

I am amazed that you are so soon deserting him who called you in accord with his gracious design in Christ, and are going over to another gospel. But there is no other. Some who wish to alter the gospel of Christ must have confused you. For even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel not in accord with the one we delivered to you, let a curse be upon him! I repeat what I have just said: if anyone preaches a gospel to you other than the one you received, let a curse be upon him!

Whom would you say I am trying to please at this point – men or God? Is this how I seek to ingratiate myself with men? If I were trying to win man’s approval, I would surely not be serving Christ!

I declare before God that what I have just written is true. Thereafter I entered the regions of Syria and Cilicia. The communities of Christ in Judea had no idea what I looked like; they had only heard that “he who was formerly persecuting us is now preaching the faith he tried to destroy,” and they gave glory to God on my account.

Then, after fourteen years, I went up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas, this time taking Titus with me. I went prompted by a revelation, and I laid out for their scrutiny the gospel as I present it to the Gentiles – all this in private conference with the leaders, to make sure the course I was pursuing, or had pursued, was not useless. Not even Titus, who was with me, was order to undergo circumcision, despite his being a Greek. Certain false claimants to the title of brother were smuggled in; they wormed their way into the group to spy on the freedom we enjoy in Christ Jesus and thereby to make slaves of us, but we did not submit to them for a moment. We resisted so that the truth of the gospel might survive intact for your benefit. 

Gospel

Mark 5: 1-20

At that time Jesus and his disciples came to Gerasene territory on the other side of the lake. As Jesus got out of the boat, he was immediately met by a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit. The man had taken refuge among the tombs; he could no longer be restrained even with a chain. In fact, he has frequently been secured with handcuffs and chains, but had pulled the chains apart and smashed the fetters. No one had proved strong enough to tame him. Uninterruptedly night and day, amid the tombs and on the hillsides, he screamed and gashed himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus at a distance, he ran up and did him homage, shrieking in a loud voice, “Why meddle with me, Jesus, Son of God Most High? I implore you in God’s name, do not torture me!” (Jesus had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) “What is your name?” Jesus asked him. “Legion is my name,” he answered. “There are hundreds of us.” He pleaded hard with Jesus not to drive them away from that neighborhood. 

It happened that a large herd of swine was feeding there on the slope of the mountain. “Send us into the swine,” they begged Jesus. “Let us enter them.” Jesus gave the word, and with it the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand went rushing down the bluff into the lake, where they began to drown. The swineherds ran off and brought the news to field and village, and the people came to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion sitting fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were seized with fear. The spectators explained what had happened to the possessed man, and told them about the swine. Before long they were begging Jesus to go away from their district. 

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed was pressing to accompany him. Jesus did not grant his request, but told him instead: “Go home to your family and make it clear to them how much the Lord in his mercy has done for you.” At that the man went off and began to proclaim throughout the Ten Cities what Jesus had done for him. They were all amazed at what they heard. 

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

The holy martyrs Adrian and Natalie were married in their youth for one year prior to their martyrdom. They lived in Nicomedia during the time of  the emperor Maximian (305-311). The emperor promised a reward to anyone who would inform on Christians to bring them to trial. Then the denunciations began, and 23 Christians were captured in a cave near Nicomedia. They were tortured, urged to worship idols, and then brought before the Praetor, in order to record their names and responses. Adrian, the head of the praetorium, watched as these people suffered with such courage for their faith. Seeing how firmly and fearlessly they confessed Christ, he asked: “What rewards do you expect from your God for your suffering?” The martyrs replied: “Such rewards as we are not able to describe, nor can your mind comprehend.” St. Adrian told the scribes, “Write my name down also, for I am a Christian and I die gladly for Christ God.”

Troparion

You saved a treasure of great wealth, the divine and true faith. Turning away from the foolish actions of your ancestors, you followed in the steps of the Master. You were enriched with the divine gifts, O glorious Adrian, and now we seek you to be generous to us.

Kontakion

O Adrian, martyr of Christ, you preserved in your heart the exhortations of your pious and devoted wife. Together with her, you accepted every kind of suffering and obtained the crown of victory. 

Epistle 

2 Corinthians 13: 3-13

Brothers and sisters: You are, after all, looking for a proof of the Christ who speaks in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful in you. It is true he was crucified out of weakness, but he lives by the power of God. We too are weak in him, but we live with him by God’s power in us. Test yourselves to see whether you are living in faith; examine yourselves. Perhaps you yourselves do not realize the Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you have failed the challenge. I hope you will understand that we have not failed. We pray to God that you may do no evil — not in order that we may appear approved but simply that you may do what is good, even though we may seem to have failed. We cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the sake of the truth. We even rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. Our prayer is that you may be built up to completion. 

I am writing in this way while away from you, so that when I am with you I may not have to exercise with severity the authority the Lord has given me — authority to build up rather than to destroy. And now, brethren, I must say goodbye. Mend your ways. Encourage one another. Live in harmony and peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy ones send greetings to you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!

Gospel

Mark 4: 35-41

The Lord said to his disciples: “Let us cross over to the farther shore.” Leaving the crowd, they took him away in the boat in which he was sitting, while the other boats accompanied him. It happened that a bad squall blew up. The waves were breaking over the boat and it began to take up water badly. Jesus was in the stern through it all, sound asleep on a cushion. They finally woke him and said to him, “Teacher, does it not matter to you that we are going to drown?” He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea: “Quiet! Be still!” The wind fell off and everything grew calm. Then he said to them, “Why are you so terrified? Why are you lacking in faith?” A great awe overcame them at this. They kept saying to one another, “Who can this be that the wind and sea obey him?”

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

The relics of the holy apostle Bartholomew were stolen by the Armenians, and then taken to the town of Alipay’s. At the time of Theophilus the Iconoclast, they were translated again, this time to the town of Benevento. From there they were taken to Rome. 

The holy apostle Titus is counted as one of the 70 Apostles. Born in Crete, he was baptized by the Apostle Paul. He served Paul in such sincerity of the heart that Paul called him his son (Titus 1:4) as well as his brother (2 Cor. 12:18). He was made the first bishop of Crete, where he widely governed the Church to great old age. He died at the age of ninety-four. 

Troparion

O holy apostles, intercede with the merciful God that he may grant our souls forgiveness of sins. 

Kontakion – Bartholomew 

You appeared to the Church as a brilliant star, O Bartholomew, apostle of the Lord, illuminating those who honor you with the radiance of doctrine and awesome wonders. 

Kontakion – Titus

As a companion of Paul, you declared the word of divine grace to us. Ever-memorable and truly great Titus, we tender a song of honor to you. Now pray unceasingly for all of us. 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 12:20 – 13:2

Brothers and sisters: I fear that when I come I may not find you to my liking, not may you find me to yours. I fear I may find discord, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, slander and gossip, self-importance, disorder. I fear that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may have to mourn over the many who sinned earlier and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and sensuality they practiced. 

This is the third time I shall be coming to you. [Scripture says,] “A judicial fact shall be established only on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” I said before when I was there the second time – and I repeat it now in my absence – to those who sinned before and to all the rest, that if I come again I shall not spare you. 

Gospel

Mark 4: 24-34

The Lord said to his disciples: “Listen carefully to what you hear. In the measure you give you shall receive, and more besides. To those who have more, more will be given; from those who have not, what little they have will be taken away.”

He also said: “This is how it is with the reign of God. A man scatters seed on the ground.He goes to bed and gets up day after day. Through it all the seed sprouts and grows without his knowing how it happened. The soil produces of itself first the blade, then the ear, finally the ripe wheat in the ear. When the crop is ready he ‘wields the sickle, for the time is ripe for harvest.’”

Jesus went on to say: “What comparison shall we use for the reign of God? What image will help to present it? It is like mustard seed which, when planted in the soil, is the smallest of all the earth’s seeds, yet once it is sown, springs up to become the largest of shrubs, with branches big enough for the birds of the sky to build nests in its shade.” By means of many such parables he taught them the message in a way they could understand. To them he spoke only by way of parables, while he kept explaining things privately to his disciples. 

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

The hieromartyr Eutyches, a disciple of the holy Apostles John the Theologian and Paul, was from the Palestinian city of Sebastea. Although St. Eutyches is not one of the 70 Apostles, he is called an Apostle because of his labors with the older Apostles, by whom he was made bishop. After hearing about Christ the Savior, St. Eutyches first became a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian. Later, he met the Apostle Paul, and preached together with him on the early journeys. St. Eutyches underwent many sufferings: they starved him with hunger, beat him with iron rods, they threw him into the fire, and then sent him to be devoured by wild beasts. Once, a lion was let loose upon the saint, but it astonished everyone when the animal started to praise the Creator with a human voice. The hieromartyr Eutyches completed his labors in his native city, where he was beheaded with a sword at the beginning of the second century. 

Troparion

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 Eutyches, pray to Christ our God to save our souls. 

Kontakion

You sat on the chair of the apostles, and you were the honor of pastors. You decorated all your labors with martyr’s blood, and you shine with the brilliance of the sun. You disperse the night of godlessness and enlighten all people. Therefore, we honor you as a true priest.

Epistle

2 Corinthians 12: 10-19

Brothers and sisters: I am content with weakness, with mistreatment, with distress, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ; for when I am powerless, it is then that I am strong.

What a fool I have become! You have driven me to it. You are the ones who should have been commending me. Even though I am nothing, I am in no way inferior to the “super-apostles.” Indeed, I have performed among you with great patience the signs that show the apostle, signs and wonders and deeds of power. In what way are you inferior to the other churches except in this, that I was no burden to you? Forgive me this injustice! This is the third time that I am about to visit you, and I am not going to burden you; for I do not want what you have, I only want you. Children should not save up for their parents, but parents for children. I will gladly spend myself and be spent for your sakes. If I love you too much, will I be loved the less for that? Granted that I did not burden you – but being crafty, you say, I caught you by guile. Did I ever take advantage of you through any of the men I sent to you? I urged Titus to go to you, and I sent the other brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you in any way? Did we not act in the one spirit, walk in the same footsteps? Do you think throughout this recital that I am defending myself to you? Before God I tell you, in Christ, I have done everything to build you up, my dear ones. 

Gospel

Mark 4: 10-23

At that time when Jesus was away from the crowd, those present with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. He told them: “To you the mystery of the reign of God has been confided. To the others outside it is all presented in parables, so that they will look intently and not see, listen carefully and not understand, lest perhaps they repent and be forgiven.”

He said to them: “You do not understand this parable? How than are you going to understand other figures like it? What the sower is sowing is the word. Those on the path are the ones to whom, as soon as they hear the word, Satan comes to carry off what was sown in them. Similarly, those sown on rocky ground are people who on listening to the word accept it joyfully at the outset. Being rootless, they last only a while. When some pressure or persecution overtakes them because of the word, they falter. Those sown among thorns are another class. They have listened to the word, but anxieties over life’s demands, and the desire for wealth, and craving of other sorts come to choke it off; it bears no yield. But when those sown on good soil are the ones who listen to the word, take it to heart, and yield at thirty – and sixty – and a hundredfold.”

He said to them: “Is a lamp acquired to be put under a bushel basket or hidden under a bed? Is it not meant to be put on a stand? Things are hidden only to be revealed at a later time; they are covered so as to be brought out into the open. Let him who has ears to hear me, hear!”

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

The martyr Lupus  was a servant of St. Demetrius of Salonica. When his master was beheaded by the emperor Maximian, Lupus dipped the hem of his garment and his ring into his master’s blood. Through these relics he worked many miracles, even though he was not yet baptized. Having miraculously received the Holy Mysteries, he was beheaded in the year 306. 

The holy martyr Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons, was sent by St. Polycarp from Asia Minor to preach in Gaul. He became the first bishop of Lyons and brought many pagans to the faith. In his numerous writings, Irenaeus both expounded the othrodox faith and defended it against heretics. He suffered for Christ in the year 202 during the reign of the emperor Severus. 

Troparion

Your martyr Lupus, 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

You have become a brilliant star to guide the earth, heralding the dawn of Christ. You have wiped out guile and you give us light, O long-suffering Lupus. Pray unceasingly for all of us.

Epistle

1 Corinthians 16: 13-24

Brethren: Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, and act like men. In a word, be strong. Do everything with love. You know that the household of Stephanus is the first fruits of Achaia and is devoted to the service of the saints. I urge you to serve under such men and under everyone who cooperates and toils with them. I was very happy at the arrival of Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, because they made up for your absence. They have refreshed my spirit as they did yours. You should recognize the worth of such men.

The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the assembly that meets in their house, send you cordial greetings in the Lord. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 

It is I, Paul, who send you this greeting in my own hand. If anyone does not love the Lord, let a curse be upon him. O Lord, come! The favor of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. 

Gospel

Matthew 21: 33-42

The Lord said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, “Listen to another parable. There was a property owner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a vat, and erected a tower. Then he leased it out to tenant farmers and went on a journey. When vintage time arrived he dispatched slaves to the tenants to obtain his share of the grapes. The tenants responded by seizing the slaves. They beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. A second time he dispatched even more slaves than before, but they treated them the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ When they saw the son, the tenants said to one another, ‘Here is the one who will inherit everything. Let us kill him and then we shall have his inheritance!’ With that they seized him, dragged him outside the vineyard, and killed him. What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do to those tenants when he comes?”

They replied, “He will bring that wicked crowd to a bad end and lease his vineyard out to others who will see to it that he has grapes at vintage time.” Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the keystone of the structure. It was the Lord who did this and we find it marvelous to behold’?”

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

The holy martyr Agathonicus was a citizen of Nicomedia and a Christian by faith. With great zeal he converted the Hellenes from idolatry, and instructed them in the true Faith. At emperor Maximian’s orders, the regional governor cruelly persecuted Christians. The deputy captured St. Zoticus in a place called Carpe. He crucified Zoticus’ disciples and brought Zoticus himself to Nicomedia where he also captured and bound Agathonicus, Princeps, Theoprepius, Acindynus, Severianus, Zeno and many others. Securely bound, they were all taken to Byzantium. As they traveled, Saints Zoticus, Theoprepius, and Acindynus died of their many wounds and exhaustion. Severianus was slain near Chalcedon. Agathonicus and the others were taken to Silybria in Thrace. There, after being tortured in the emperor’s presence, they were beheaded, and entered into eternal life and the joy of their Lord. 

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 holy martyr, you have gained a good name for yourself; you put an end to the worship of the evil ones without fearing the suffering that you would bear. Therefore, you have inherited the eternal gifts, O Agathonicus, and together with your companions, you were worthy to obtain the crowns of heaven. 

Epistle

1 Corinthians 2: 6-9

Brothers and sisters: There is, to be sure, a certain wisdom which we express among the spiritually mature. It is not a wisdom of this age, however, nor of the rulers of this age, who are men headed for destruction. No, what we utter is God’s wisdom: a mysterious, a hidden wisdom. God planned it before all ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age knew the mystery; if they had known it, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory. Of this wisdom it is written: “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Gospel

Matthew 22: 15-22

At that time the Pharisees went off and began to plot how they might trap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, accompanied by Herodian sympathizers, who said: “Teacher, we know you are a truthful man and teach God’s way sincerely. You court no one’s favor and so not act out of human respect. Give us your opinion, then, in this case. Is it lawful to pay tax to the emperor or not?” Jesus recognized their bad faith and said to them, “Why are you trying to trip me up, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a small Roman coin he asked them, “Whose head is this, and whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. At that he said to them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but give to God what is God’s.” Taken aback by this reply, they went off and left him. 

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