Sept. 9 The Synaxis of the Holy and Just Grandparents of God Joachim and Anna; The Holy Martyr Severian

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

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

 

Troparion – Grandparents

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

 

Troparion – Martyr

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

 

Kontakion – Grandparents

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

 

Kontakion – Martyr

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

 

Epistle

Galatians 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

 

Sept. 8 The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, The Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

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

 

Troparion

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

 

Kontakion

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

 

Readings for the Feast

Epistle

Philippians 2: 5-11

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

 

Gospel

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

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

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

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

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

Galatians 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.

 

 

Sept. 7 The Holy Martyr Sozon; Prefestive Day of the Nativity of the Theotokos

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

Troparion – Prefestive

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

 

Troparion – Martyr

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

 

Kontakion – Theotokos 

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

 

Kontakion – Martyr

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

 

Epistle 

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 ship 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

 

Sept. 6 Memory of the Miracle of the Holy Archangel Michael at Colossae in Chionia; The Holy Martyr Eudoxius and His Companions

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

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

 

Troparion – Archangel

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

 

Troparion – Martyr

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

 

Kontakion – Archangel

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

 

Kontakion – Martyr

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

 

Epistle

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 bug 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

 

Sept. 5 The Holy Prophet Zachary, Father of the Forerunner and His Wife, the Holy and Venerable Elizabeth

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

 

Troparion

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

 

Kontakion

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

 

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

 

Sept. 4 The Holy Priest-Martyr Babylas, Bishop of Great Antioch; The Holy Prophet Moses, who saw God

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

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

 

Troparion – Martyr

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

 

Troparion – Prophet

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

 

Kontakion – Martyr

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

 

Kontakion – Prophet

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

 

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

 

Ancient Record of the Birth of the Theotokos – Feast: Sept. 8

And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by, saying: Anna, Anna, the Lord has heard your prayer, and you shall conceive, and shall bring forth; and your seed shall be spoken of in all the world. And Anna said: As the Lord my God lives, if I beget either male or female, I will bring it as a gift to the Lord my God; and it shall minister to Him in holy things all the days of its life. And, behold, two angels came, saying to her: Behold, Joachim your husband is coming with his flocks. For an angel of the Lord went down to him, saying: Joachim, Joachim, the Lord God has heard your prayer. Go down hence; for, behold, your wife Anna shall conceive…And, behold, Joachim came with his flocks; and Anna stood by the gate, and saw Joachim coming, and she ran and hung upon his neck, saying: Now I know that the Lord God has blessed me exceedingly; for, behold the widow no longer a widow, and I the childless shall conceive. And Joachim rested the first day in his house.  And her months were fulfilled, and in the ninth month Anna brought forth. And she said to the midwife: What have I brought forth? And she said: A girl. And said Anna: My soul has been magnified this day. And she laid her down. And the days having been fulfilled, Anna was purified, and gave the breast to the child, and called her name Mary.

From the “Protoevangelium of James” a 2nd century document about the life of the Theotokos:  https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0847.htm)

Sunday Bulletin 09/04/22

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Sept. 3 – Anthimus, Bishop-Martyr        

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers

Sunday, Sept. 4 – 13th Sunday after Pentecost           

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Sept. 5 – Zachary, Prophet & Elizabeth         

6:30 PM          Moleben to the Theotokos of the Inexhaustible Cup (and a discussion on addiction)

Wednesday, Sept. 7 – Sozon, Martyr   

5:30 PM          Vespers (Vigil of the Birth of the Theotokos)

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy  +Sherry Whaley from Andrew

7:45 PM          Firepit Social

Saturday, Sept. 10 – Saturday before the Exaltation of the Cross      

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

Sunday, Sept. 11 – Sunday before the Exaltation of the Cross       

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

PRAYER REQUESTS

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

Michael Hefferon, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, All the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $1,536.00; Candles: $69.50; Online: $30.00; Santa Paula: $1,218.00; Special Gift: $220.00; Parish Socials: $32.00; Bishop’s Appeal: $50.00; Priest Stipend: $10.00

Total: $3,165.50 / Attendance- PSM: 80 VCO: 81

“The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the work of the Lord, and a marvel in our eyes.” The unfaithful servants had the kingdom of God taken from them. Today, our Church needs faithful servants who would answer his calling to marriage, holy orders and the monastic life to bring the kingdom of God to all. Are you being called to discern a religious vocation as a faithful servant? If so, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

 

Eparchial Appeal Ends Sept. 30

Donations are being accepted through Sept. 30. So far, we have raised $11,380.00 of our $25,544.72 goal.   We need to raise $14,164.72 to meet our goal.! You can use the instructions you received from the bishop, or you can visit our parish’s donation page here:  https://ephx.org/st-marys-eparchial-appeal/  It is very important to reach our goal. There are repercussions for several years if we do not.  Thank you for your generosity! 

Thank you to those who have contributed: Anonymous, Bates, Chirdon, Clemens, Cook, Crans, Golya, Herrera, Jimenez, Kieselhorst, Koman-Keogh, Michnya, Mina, Fr. O’Loughlin, O’Neill Onufrak, Patzwahl, Reichert, C. Roche, Seabright, Summe, Tabak, Theisen, Wiggins, P. Zimmerman, and W. Zimmerman

Ancient Record of the Birth of the Theotokos – Feast: Sept. 8

And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by, saying: Anna, Anna, the Lord has heard your prayer, and you shall conceive, and shall bring forth; and your seed shall be spoken of in all the world. And Anna said: As the Lord my God lives, if I beget either male or female, I will bring it as a gift to the Lord my God; and it shall minister to Him in holy things all the days of its life. And, behold, two angels came, saying to her: Behold, Joachim your husband is coming with his flocks. For an angel of the Lord went down to him, saying: Joachim, Joachim, the Lord God has heard your prayer. Go down hence; for, behold, your wife Anna shall conceive…And, behold, Joachim came with his flocks; and Anna stood by the gate, and saw Joachim coming, and she ran and hung upon his neck, saying: Now I know that the Lord God has blessed me exceedingly; for, behold the widow no longer a widow, and I the childless shall conceive. And Joachim rested the first day in his house.  And her months were fulfilled, and in the ninth month Anna brought forth. And she said to the midwife: What have I brought forth? And she said: A girl. And said Anna: My soul has been magnified this day. And she laid her down. And the days having been fulfilled, Anna was purified, and gave the breast to the child, and called her name Mary.

From the “Protoevangelium of James” a 2nd century document about the life of the Theotokos:  https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0847.htm)

Sept. 3 The Holy Priest-Martyr Anthimus, Bishop of Nicomedia; Our Venerable Father Theoctistus of Palestine

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

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

 

Troparion – Anthimus

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

 

Troparion – Theoctistus

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

 

Kontakion – Anthimus

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

 

Kontakion – Theoctistus

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

 

Epistle

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

Sept. 02 The Holy Martyr Mammas; Our Venerable Father John the Faster, Patriarch of Constantinople

The holy martyr Mammas was born in Paphlagonia to Christian parents who were imprisoned for the name of Christ. He was dumb until the age of five, and his first word was ‘mama,’ and it is from this word that his name derives. At the age of fifteen, he was brought before the emperor Aurelian. The emperor commanded him to blaspheme Christ, and Mammas replied, “I shall not deny my God and King Jesus Christ, either in my heart or with my lips.” Mammas was martyred by a pagan priest in 274. 

Our venerable father John the Faster was Patriarch of Constantinople from 582-595, and was the first to use the title “Ecumenical Patriarch.” He was a great faster, intercessor and wonderworker right up to the time of his death. Distinguished for his abstinence and prayer, St. John had such a love for the poor that he refused them nothing from his estate. After his death, his only personal possessions were found to be a wooden spoon, a linen shirt, and an old garnet. His writings on repentance and Confession are well known. After a virtuous life of piety, during which he performed many miracles, St. John reposed in the year 595.

 

Troparion – Mammas

Your martyr Mammas, 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.

 

Troparion – John

Your life has shown you to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of gentleness, and a teacher of moderation. You acquired greatness through humility and wealth through poverty. O father and bishop John, intercede with Christ our God to save our souls. 

 

Kontakion – Mammas

O holy Mammas, with the staff God gave to you, lead your people as a flock of life-giving pastures; crush the fierce and invisible enemies beneath the feet of those who honor you; for all those in danger have received you as their fervent intercessor. 

 

Kontakion – John

You proved yourself a heavenly vessel of abstinence, O blessed John, and a lasting treasure of piety. Your life was radiant with perfect self-control, and you enriched the poor with alms, O venerable father, pray to Christ our God to give great mercy to us. 

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 11: 5-21a

    Brethren: I consider myself inferior to the “super-apostles” in nothing. I may be unskilled in speech but I know that I am not lacking in knowledge. We have made this evident to you in every conceivable way.

Could I have done wrong when I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge, humbling myself with a view to exalting you? I robbed other churches, I accepted support from them in order to minister to you. When I was with you and in want I lwas a burden to none of you, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. In every way possible I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I shall continue to do so. I swear by the Christ who is in me that this boast of mine will not cease in the regions of Achaia! Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do. What I am doing shall continue to do, depriving at every turn those who look for a chance to say that in their much-vaunted ministry they work on the same terms as we do. Such men are false apostles. They practice deceit in their disguise as apostles of Christ. And little wonder! For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. It comes as no surprise that his ministers disguise themselves as ministers of the justice of God. But their end will correspond to their deeds.

I repeat: let no one think me foolish. But if you do, then accept me as a fool all the way and let me do a little boasting. What I am about to say in this self-assured boasting, I speak not as the Lord desires but after the manner of a fool. Since many are bragging about their human distinctions, I too will boast. Being wise yourselves, you gladly put up with fools. You even put up with those who exploit you, who impose upon you and put on airs, with those who slap your face. To my shame I must confess that we have been too weak to do such things. 

 

Gospel

Mark 4: 1-9

    At that time Jesus began to teach beside the lake. Such a huge crowd gathered around him that he went and sat in a boat on the water, while the crowd remained on the shore nearby. He began to instruct them at great length by the use of parables, and in the course of his teaching said: “Listen carefully to this. A farmer went out sowing. Some of what he showed landed on the footpath, where the birds came along and ate it. Some of the seed landed on rocky ground where it had little soil; it sprouted immediately because the soil had no depth. Then , when the sun rose and scorched it, it began to wither for lack of roots. Again, some landed among thorns, which grew up and choked it off, and there was no yield of grain. Some seed, finally, landed on good soil and yielded grain that sprang up to produce at a rate of thirty – and sixty – and a hundredfold.” Having spoken this parable, he added: “Let him who has ears to hear me, hear!”

 

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