Oct. 21 Our Venerable Father Hilarion the Great

Our venerable father Hilarion the Great followed in the footsteps of St. Anthony , first leading a solitary life near Gaza. Then in this province of Cyprus, he was an outstanding founder and example of eremitical life. He fell asleep in the Lord in the year 372.

 

Troparion

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

 

Kontakion

We gather today to sing hymns in your honor, O brilliant star who make shine the grace of God in our hearts. You were a Light to those in darkness and lifted up to heaven those who cry out, “Joy to you, Hilarion, model of hermits!”

 

Epistle

Philippians 3: 8-19

    Brothers and sisters: I have come to rate all as loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. For his sake I have forfeited everything; I have accounted all else rubbish so that Christ may be my wealth and I may be in him, not having any justice of my own based on observance of the law. The justice I possess is that which comes through faith in Christ. It has its origin in God and is based on faith. I wish to know Christ and the power flowing from his resurrection; likewise to know how to share in his sufferings by being formed into the pattern of his death. Thus I do hope that I may arrive at resurrection from the dead. 

    It is not that I have reached it yet, or have already finished my course; but I am racing to grasp the prize if possible, since I have been grasped by Christ [Jesus]. Brethren, I do not think of myself as having reached the finish line. I give no thought to what lies behind but push on to what is ahead. My entire attention is on the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me – life on high in Jesus Christ. All of us who are spiritually mature must have this attitude. If you see it another way, God will clarify the difficulty for you. It is important that we continue on our course, no matter what stage we have reached.

    Be imitators of me, my brethren. Take as your guide those who follow the example that we set. Unfortunately, many go about in a way which shows them to be enemies of the cross of Christ. I have often said this to you before; this time I say it with tears. Such as these will end in disaster! Their god is their belly and their glory is in their shame. I am talking about those who are set upon the things of this world. 

 

Gospel

Luke 10: 1-15

    At that time the Lord appointed a further seventy-two and sent them in pairs before him to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them: “The harvest is rich but the workers are few; therefore, ask the harvest-master to send workers to his harvest. Be on your way, and remember: I am sending you as lambs in the midst of wolves. Do not carry a walking staff or traveling bag; wear no sandals and greet no one along the way. On entering any house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If there is a peaceable man there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the one house eating and drinking what they have, for the laborer is worth his wage. Do not move from house to house.

    “Into whatever city you go, after they welcome you, eat what they set before you, and cure the sick there. Say to them, ‘The reign of God is at hand.’ If the people of any town you enter do not welcome you, go into its streets and say, ‘We shake the dust of this town from our feet as testimony against you. But know that the reign of God is near.’ I assure you, on that day the fate of Sodom will be less severe than that of such a town. It will go ill with you, Chorazin! And just as ill with you, Bethsaida! If the miracles worked in your midst had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have reformed in sackcloth and ashes. It will go easier on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Are you to be exalted to the skies? You shall be hurled down to the realm of death!’”

 

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

 

Oct. 20 The Holy Great Martyr Artemius

The holy great martyr Artemius was Egyptian by birth. He was the commander-in-chief of the army of the emperor St. Constantine the Great. When the cross of the Lord appeared in the sky to the emperor, Artemius also saw it and came to faith. He was eventually appointed governor in Egypt. During the reign of the emperor Julian the Apostate, he was stripped of his rank and thrown into prison. The emperor had him cruelly killed in the year 392.

 

Troparion

Preserved in Christ by true belief, O passion-bearer, you overcame the tyrant king and his idol offerings. Because you rebuked that king, the Great King granted you a shining crown of victory and wondrous miracles of healing with which you cure all those who have recourse to you: O Artemius, pray to Christ our God to save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

Let us gather to sing worthy hymns in honor of Artemius, the pious and crown-bearing martyr who defeated his enemies: for he is great among the martyrs and generous in performing miracles, and prays to the Lord for all of us. 

 

Epistle

Philippians 3: 1-8

    Brothers and sisters: For the rest, rejoice in the Lord. I find writing you these things no burden, and for you it is a safeguard.

    Beware of unbelieving dogs. Watch out for workers of evil. Be on guard against those who mutilate. It is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus rather than putting our trust in the flesh – though I can be confident even there. If anyone thinks he has a right to put his trust in external evidence, all the more can I! I was circumcised on the eighth day, being of the stock of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrew origins; in legal observance I was a Pharisee, and so zealous that I persecuted the church. I was above reproach when it came to justice based on the law. 

    But those things I used to consider gain have now reappraised as loss in the light of Christ. I have come to rate all as loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. For his sake I have forfeited everything; I have accounted all else rubbish so that Christ may be my wealth. 

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 49-56

    At that time it was the disciple John who said, “Master, we saw a man using your name to expel demons, and we tried to stop him because he is not of our company.” Jesus told him in reply, “Do not stop him, for any man who is not against you is on your side.”

    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 him because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, would you not have us call down fire from heaven and destroy them?” He turned toward them only to reprimand them. Then they set off for another town. 

 

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

Oct. 19 The Holy Prophet Joel; The Holy Martyr Varus

The holy prophet Joel announced the great day of the Lord and the mysterious pouring out of the Spirit on all flesh, which the divine majesty in Christ deemed fit to fulfill marvelously on the day of Pentecost.

The holy martyr Varus was a soldier, who, under Maximianus the emperor, visited and refreshed six holy hermits in a prison. When a seventh died in the wilderness, Varus wished to take his place and suffered cruel torments with them in Egypt in the year 307.

 

Troparion – Joel

You knew beforehand of the coming of God in the flesh and the descent of the Holy Spirit. You announced the impending judgment, O prophet Joel. Through your prayers, save those who venerate you from all sorrow.

 

Troparion – Martyr

You saw the army of passion-bearers suffer according to the law, and showing courage, you sought to endure it as well. You longed to die for Christ, and you received the martyr’s crown from Him, O Varus. Therefore, pray for the salvation of our souls.  

 

Kontakion – Martyr

Having followed Christ, O Varus, you drank from His chalice. You received the crown of martyrdom and exult forever with the angels. Never cease to intercede before the Lord for our souls. 

 

Epistle

Philippians 2: 24-30

Brothers and sisters: I am confident in the Lord that I myself will be coming soon. I have decided, too, that I must send you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker, and comrade in arms, whom you sent to take care of my needs. He has been longing for all of you, and was distressed that you heard about his illness. He was, in fact, sick to the point of death, but God took pity on him; not just on him, I should say, but on me, too, so as to spare me one sorrow after another. I have been especially eager to send him so that you may renew your joy on seeing him, and my own anxieties may be lessened. Welcome him joyously in the Lord and hold me like him in esteem, for he came near to death for the sake of Christ’s work. He risked his life in an effort to render me those services you could not render. 

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 44-50

    The Lord said to his disciples, “Pay close attention to what I tell you: The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of men.” The disciples failed, however, to understand the warning; its meaning was so concealed from them that they did not grasp it at all, and they were afraid to question him about the matter. 

    A discussion arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. Jesus, who knew their thought, took a child and placed it beside him, after which he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child on my account welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes him who sent me; for the least one among you is the greatest.”

    It was the disciple John who said, “Master, we saw a man using your name to expel demons, and we tried to stop him because he is not of our company.” Jesus told him in reply, “Do not stop him, for any man who is not against you is on your side.”

 

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

Oct. 18 The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke 

The holy apostle and evangelist Luke, as it is told, was born of a pagan family in Antioch and was a doctor by profession. He was converted to the faith, was one of the 70 apostles, and became a most-beloved companion of the blessed Apostle Paul. A scribe with the gentleness of Christ, he diligently arranged all the things which Jesus did and taught in the book of his Gospel. Likewise, in his Acts of the Apostles, he told the beginning of the life of the Church up to the time of the first visit of Paul to Rome. 

 

Troparion

Let us praise the holy and glorious apostle Luke with sacred chants; he is the radiant writer of the Gospel of Christ and the scribe of the Acts of the Apostles, for his is a living doctor who heals human weakness, the ills of the souls and the sickness of nature, and is praying unceasingly for our souls. 

 

Kontakion

Let us praise the divine Luke, a star of the Church, a true preacher of piety, and the orator of the ineffable mysteries. The Word who searches all hearts chose him and the wise Paul to be teachers of the Gentiles. 

Readings for the saint

Epistle

Colossians 4: 5-9,14-15,18

    Brothers and sisters: Be prudent in dealing with outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your speech be always gracious and in good taste, and strive to respond properly to all who address you. 

    Tychicus, our dear brother, our faithful minister and fellow slave in the Lord, will give you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this purpose, and to comfort your hearts. With him is Onesimus, our dear and faithful; brother, who is one of you. They will tell you all that has happened here.

    Luke, our dear physician, send you greetings. So does Demas. Give our best wishes to the brethren at Laodicea and to Nyphmas and the assembly that meets at his house. 

    This greeting is from Paul–in my own hand! Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

 

Gospel

Luke 10: 16-22a

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

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

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

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

Philippians 2: 16-23

    Brothers and sisters: As I look to the Day of Christ, you give me cause to boast that I did not run the race in vain or work to no purpose. Even if my life is to be poured out as a libation over the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad of it and rejoice with all of you. May you be glad on the same score, and rejoice with me!

    I hope, in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you very soon, that I may derive courage from learning how things go with you. I have no one quite like him for genuine interest in whatever concerns you. Everyone is busy seeking his own interests rather than those of Christ Jesus. You know from experience what Timothy’s qualities are, how he was like a son at his father’s side serving the gospel along with me. I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 23-27

    At that time Jesus said to all the people, “Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in my steps. Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit does he show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process? If a man is ashamed of me and my doctrine, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in glory and that of his Father and his holy angels. I assure you, there are some standings here who will not taste death until they see the reign of God.”

 

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

Oct. 17 The Holy Prophet Hosea; The Holy Venerable Martyr Andrew of Crete

The holy prophet Hosea, who not only by his words but also by his manner of life showed the unfaithful people of Israel that the Lord was an ever-faithful Spouse, moved by limitless mercy. 

The holy venerable martyr Andrew of Crete was a priest who defended the cult of the holy icons with great vigor during the persecution under the emperor Copronymus. He attacked the emperor publicly in church saying, “You would do better, O King, to look to the work of the army and the governing people, than to the persecuting of Christ and his servants.” He was attacked and killed by a man with an ax in 767.

 

Troparion – Prophet

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

 

Troparion – Venerable

Trained in asceticism on the mountain, you were able to defeat the devil’s assaults by the power of the Cross, O all-blessed one. With great courage, you faced the battle and crushed the emperor Copronymus with the sword of faith. O glorious venerable martyr Andrew, God crowned you for your asceticism and your good fight. 

 

Kontakion – Prophet

With sure steps, you followed the commands of the Lord, and you were filled with the Holy Spirit, O prophet Hosea. You received the gift of prophecy and you spoke daringly to Israel, who sought a speedy coming of Christ. You converted those who strayed from the path of justice and set them on the road to the heavenly Jerusalem. Now you stand within that city and implore the Lord, praying without ceasing for us all.

 

Kontakion – Venerable-Martyr

Today Constantinople, Capital of the Byzantine Empire, celebrates the brightest feast of your light-bearing memory and calls all cities and countries to participate. It rejoices in that it holds a great treasure: your body which sustained so many struggles, O holy martyr Andrew, light of Orthodoxy!

 

Epistle

Philippians 2: 12-16

    My dearly beloved, obedient as always to my urging, work with anxious concern to achieve your salvation, not only when I happen to be with you but all the more now that I am absent. It is God who, in his good will toward you, begets in you any measure of desire or achievement. In everything you do, act without grumbling or arguing; prove yourself innocent and straightforward, children of God beyond reproach in the midst of a twisted and depraved generation – among whom you shine like the stars in the sky while holding fast to the word of life. As I look to the Day of Christ, you give me cause to boast that I did not run the race in vain or work to no purpose. 

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 18-22

    At that time Jesus went to pray in seclusion and his disciples were with him. He put this question to them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” “John the Baptizer,” they replied, “and some say Elijah, while others claim that one of the prophets of old has returned from the dead.” Then Jesus asked them, “But you–who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Messiah of God.” Jesus strictly forbade them to tell this to anyone. “The Son of Man,” he said, “must first endure many sufferings, be rejected by the elders, the high priests and the scribes, and be put to death, and then be raised up on the third day.”

 

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

Oct. 16 The Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion

The holy martyr Longinus the Centurion, a Roman soldier, served in Judea under the command of the governor, Pontius Pilate. When our Savior Jesus Christ was crucified, it was the detachment of soldiers under the command of Longinus which stood watch on Golgotha, at the very foot of the holy Cross. Longinus and his soldiers were eyewitnesses of the final moments of the earthly life of the Lord, and of the great and awesome portents that appeared at His death. These events shook the centurion’s soul. Longinus believed in Christ and confessed before everyone, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Mt. 27:54). According to tradition, Longinus was the soldier who pierced the side of the Crucified Savior with a spear, and received healing from an eye affliction when blood and water poured forth from the wound. 

 

Troparion

Your martyr Longinus, 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

The Church greatly rejoices today in commemorating the courageous ever-memorable Longinus, and it cries out, “O Christ, You are my strength and my stronghold.”

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 11:31 – 12:9

    Brothers and sisters: The God and Father of the Lord Jesus knows – blessed be he forever – that I do not lie. In Damascus the ethnarch of King Aretas was keeping a close watch on the city in order to arrest me, but I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands. 

    I must go on boasting, however useless it may be, and speak of the visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago, whether he was in or outside his body I cannot say, only God can say – a man who was snatched up to the third heaven. I know that this man – whether in or outside his body I do not know, God knows – was snatched up to Paradise to hear words which cannot be uttered, words which no man may speak. About this man I will boast; but I will do no boasting about myself unless it be about my weaknesses. And even if I were to boast it would not be folly in me because I would only be telling the truth. 

    But I refrain, lest anyone think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from my lips. As to the extraordinary revelations, in order that I might not become conceited I was given a thorn in the flesh, an angel of Satan to beat me and keep me from getting proud. Three times I begged the Lord that this might leave me. He said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for in weakness power reaches perfection.” And so I willingly boast of my weakness instead, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

 

Hebrews 13: 7-16

    Brothers and sisters: Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you; consider how their lives ended, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

    Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good to have our hearts strengthened by the grace of God and not by foods which are useless to those who take them as a standard for living. We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. The bodies of the animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus died outside the gate, to sanctify the people by his own blood. Let us go to him outside the camp, bearing the insult which he bore. For here we have no lasting city; we are seeking one which is to come. Through him let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which acknowledge his name. Do not neglect good deeds and generosity; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.

 

Gospel

Luke 8: 5-15

    The Lord told this parable: “A farmer went out to sow some seed. In the sowing, some fell on the footpath where it was walked on and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, sprouted up, then withered through lack of moisture. Some fell among briars, and the thorns growing up with it stifled it. But some fell on good soil, grew up, and yielded grain a hundredfold.”

    As he said this he exclaimed: “Let everyone who has ears attend to what he has heard.” His disciples began asking him what the meaning of his parable might be. He replied, “To you the mysteries of the reign of God have been confined, but to the rest of the parables that, ‘Seeing they may not perceive, and hearing that they may not understand.’

    ‘This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. Those on the footpath are people who hear, but the devil comes and takes the word out of their hearts lest they believe and be saved. Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. They have no root; they believe for a while, but fall away in time of temptation. The seed fallen among briars are those who hear, but their progress is stifled by the cares and riches and pleasures of life and they do not mature. The seed on good ground are those who hear the word in a spirit of openness, retain it, and bear fruit through perseverance.”

 

John 17: 1-18

    At that time Jesus looked up to heaven and said: “Father, the hour has come! Give glory to your Son that your Son may give glory to you, inasmuch as you have given him authority over all mankind, that he may bestow eternal life on those you gave him. Eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and him whom you have sent, Jesus Christ. I have given you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. Do you now, father, give me glory at your side, glory I had with you before the world began. I have made your name known to those you gave me out of the world. These men you gave me were yours; they have kept your word. Now they realize that all you gave me comes from you. I  entrusted to them the message you entrusted to me and they received it. They have known that in truth, I came from you, they have believed it was you who sent me. 

    “For these I pray–not for the world but for these you have given me, for they are really yours. Just as all that belongs to me is yours, so all that belongs to you is mine. It is in them that I have been glorified. I am in the world no more, but these are in the world as I come to you. Oh, father, most holy, protect them with your name would you have given me that they may be one, even as we are one. As long as I was with them, I guarded them with your name which you gave me. I kept careful watch, and not one of them was lost, none but him who was destined to be lost – in fulfillment of Scripture. Now, however, I come to you; I say all this while I am still in the world that they may share my joy completely.

    “I gave them your word, and the world has hated them for it; they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but to guard them from the evil one. They are not of the world, and more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them by means of truth– “Your word is truth.’ As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”

 

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

 

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke – October 18

 

-Not one of the 12 Apostles, but one of the 70 Disciples.

-Born in Antioch in Syria and died after many years of ministry in Thebes.

-Companion of Our Lord (by tradition he was the unmentioned traveler on the road to Emmaus Luke 24:13ff.), the Theotokos (by tradition she shared with him his infancy narrative (Luke 1:5ff.) and that she “pondered these mysteries in her heart” (Luke 2:19, 51)), and Paul (2 Tim 4:10-11).

-Physician and Iconographer.

-Wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles.

-Received much of the information in his Gospel from Paul and the Theotokos.

Sunday Bulletin 10/16/22

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Oct. 15  –  Euthymius, Venerable        

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers                      

Sunday, Oct. 16  –  Sunday of the Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council          

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Oct. 17  –  Hosea, Prophet     

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Prayer Service* for healing of Addictions and mental illness  

Wednesday, Oct. 19  –  Joel, Prophet

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

9:30 AM          Photina Walk

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers

7:30 PM          Firepit Social

Saturday, Oct. 22  –  Abercius, Bishop      

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

Sunday, Oct. 23  –  20th Sunday after Pentecost        

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

*Add first names to this prayer service by emailing niemirick@gmail.com

MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE (Confession)

St. Mary’s: Sundays 8:45 AM or by appointment

Santa Paula: Saturdays 4:15 PM or by appointment

PRAYER REQUESTS

(Please resubmit or submit names to admin@ByzantineLA.com)

The Carlin Family, Michael Hefferon, Shirley Kunze, Michael Mina, Peter Mina, Fr, John Mina, Mila Mina, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, All the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $1,533.00; Candles: $48.00; Online: $130.00; Santa Paula: $322.00; Special Gift: $220.00; Church Improvements: $25.00; Holydays: $170.00

Total: $2,278.00/ Attendance- PSM: 53 VCO: 60

Project Updates

Father Michael will be giving regular project updates on both the Proto-Cathedral and Santa Paula communities in a weekly email. If you would like to be added to the email list, please email Father at froloughlin@ephx.org

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke – October 18

-Not one of the 12 Apostles, but one of the 70 Disciples.

-Born in Antioch in Syria and died after many years of ministry in Thebes.

-Companion of Our Lord (by tradition he was the unmentioned traveler on the road to Emmaus Luke 24:13ff.), the Theotokos (by tradition she shared with him his infancy narrative (Luke 1:5ff.) and that she “pondered these mysteries in her heart” (Luke 2:19, 51)), and Paul (2 Tim 4:10-11).

-Physician and Iconographer.

-Wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles.

-Received much of the information in his Gospel from Paul and the Theotokos.

 

“Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” Our Lord teaches us the truth of our hearts and his word in today’s parable. Are we ready to have ears to hear his word with an honest and good heart, to retain it and bring forth fruit with endurance? This is the calling for all of us, and for some of us that includes a special dedication through the ordained, religious or monastic life. If this may be for you to discern, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Oct. 15 Our Venerable Father Euthymius the Younger; The Venerable Martyr Lucian, Priest of the Great Church of Antioch

Our venerable father Euthymius the Younger was born in Ancyra in 824 to Christian parents. He served in the army, married, and had one daughter. He lived for a long time in the monasteries of Plympus and then on the Holy Mountain. He entered into his rest on Mount Athos during the 9th century, and his wonder-working relics are preserved in the city of Salonica.

In his youth, the venerable martyr Lucian, priest of the great city of Antioch, was given a very wide education. After giving away his goods to the poor, he fed himself with the work of his hands. He is responsible for the correction of the Hebrew text of the Holy Scriptures. In the persecution of the emperor Maximian in 312, he was thrown into prison and died a martyr’s death. St. John Chrysostom praised him highly for his love of the poor and of the ascetic life. 

 

Troparion – Venerable

In you, O father, 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 Euthymius, your soul rejoices with the angels.

 

Troparion – Lucian

You kept your self chaste by your fasting, O priest-martyr Lucian, O pride of Antioch, intercede with Christ God for us who keep your holy memory. 

 

Kontakion – Euthymius

You walked through storms without getting wet, and with the arrows of your tears you slew the bodiless enemy. You received the grace to work miracles, Father Euthymius, and you heal all our passions. Pray without ceasing for us all. 

 

Kontakion – Lucian

We honor you with hymns of glory, O Lucian, the most radiant star. You first became illustrious by your detachment from the things of the world, then were lifted up by your struggles. Do not cease to intercede for all of us.

 

Epistle

1 Corinthians 15:58 – 16:3

    Brothers and sisters: Be steadfast and persevering, my beloved brothers, fully engaged in the work of the Lord. You know that your toil is not in vain when it is done in the Lord. 

    About the collection for the saints, follow the instructions I gave the churches of Galatia. On the first day of each week everyone should put aside whatever he has been able to save, so that the collection will not have to be taken up after I arrive. When I come I shall give letters of introduction to those whom you have chosen to take your gift to Jerusalem. 

 

Gospel

Luke 6: 1-10

    At that time on the sabbath Jesus was walking through the standing grain. His disciples were pulling off grain-heads, shelling them with their hands, and eating them. Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is prohibited on the sabbath?” Jesus said to them: “Have you not read what David did when he and his men were hungry–how he entered God’s house and took and ate the holy bread and gave it to his men, even though only priests are allowed to eat it?” Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath.”

    On another sabbath Jesus came to teach in a synagogue where there was a man whose right hand was withered. The scribes and Pharisees were on the watch to see if he would perform a cure on the sabbath so that they could find a charge against him. He knew their thoughts, however, and said to the man whose hand was withered, “Get up and stand here in front.” The man rose and remained standing. Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath–or evil? To preserve life–or destroy it?” He looked around at them all and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” The man did so and his hand was perfectly restored. 

 

 

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

 

Oct. 14 The Holy Martyrs Nazarius, Gervase, Protasius, and Celsus; Our Venerable Mother Paraskeva of Trnovo

The holy martyrs Nazarius, Gervase(Gervasius), Protasius(Protase), and Celsus: Nazarius was a fearless Christian who visited Gervase and Protasius in prison in Milan. The governor ordered Nazarius to be whipped and driven from the city. He eventually returned to Milan with his disciple Celsus. Gervase and Protasius were still in prison, and Nero the emperor ordered all four of them to die by beheading. St. Ambrose found the relics of Gervase and Protasius on this day and had them translated with solemn rites to a new basilica he built himself. 

Our venerable mother Paraskeva of Trnovo was of Serbian birth with devout Christian parents. She left her home and went first to Constantinople and then to Jerusalem, and then to the wilderness beyond the Jordan, where she lived to old age in asceticism. At the end of her life, she returned to her birthplace of Epibata and gave her spirit to God there, sometime in the 11th century. 

 

Troparion – Martyrs

This quartet of martyrs illumines the Church like a brilliant star in the sky. Through the martyrdom of Nazarius, and the faith of Gervasius, and with the confession of Celsus and Protasius, the Church has been made to sing: Glory to God, Who has given strength to the martyrs!

 

Troparion – Venerable

You followed closely in the steps of Christ, your Spouse, loving the silent, desert life. As a young woman you took up His yoke, and armed yourself against the enemy with the cross. By fasting and prayer, by tears and penance, you utterly quenched the fires of passion. Now you stand with the wise virgins in Christ’s presence, and pray for those who honor your memory, O Paraskeva. 

 

Kontakion – Martyrs

Let us celebrate the quadruple glory of the witnesses of Christ, O faithful! Let us sing of Nazarius and Protase! In our hymn, let us acclaim Celsus and Gervase! For they fought the good fight unto the point of being beheaded. Having received the crown of immortality, they intercede for our salvation. 

 

Kontakion – Venerable

Let us all sing of Paraskeva, holy intercessor of all who are in trouble. For she rejected the corruptible and accepted the incorruptible way of life forever. Therefore discover the glory, the grace of wonders, by the command of God. 

 

Epistle

Philippians 1:27 – 2:4

Brothers and sisters: Conduct yourselves, then, in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ. If you do, whether I come and see you myself or hear about your behavior from a distance, it will be clear that you are standing firm in unity of spirit and exerting yourselves with one accord for the faith of the gospel. Do not be intimidated by your opponents in any situation. Their opposition foreshadows downfall for them, but salvation for you. All this is as God intends, for it is your special privilege to take Christ’s part-not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him. Yours is the same struggle as mine, the one in which you formerly saw me engaged and now hear that I am caught up.

In the name of the encouragement you owe me in Christ, in the name of the solace that love can give, of fellowship in spirit, compassion, and pity, I beg you: make my joy complete by your unanimity, possessing the one love, united in spirit and ideals. Never act out of rivalry or conceit; rather, let all parties think humbly of others as superior to themselves, each of you looking to others’ interests rather than to his own.

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 12-18

    As sunset approached the Twelve came and said to Jesus, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go into the villages and farms in the neighborhood and find themselves lodging and food, for this certainly is an out-of-the-way place.” Jesus answered them, “Why do you not give them something to eat yourselves?” They replied, “We have nothing but five loaves and two fish. Or shall we ourselves go and buy food for all these people?” (There were about five thousand men.) Jesus said to his disciples, “have them sit down in groups of fifty or so.” They followed his instructions and got them all seated. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus raised his eyes to heaven, pronounced a blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to his disciples for distribution to the crowd. They all ate until they had enough. What they had left, over and above, filled twelve baskets. Jesus went to pray in seclusion and his disciples were with him.

 

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