Feb. 18 Our Father among the Saints Leo, Pope of Rome

Our holy father Leo, Pope of Rome who was born in Etruria [Tuscany], first stood out as a diligent deacon of Rome. He was then elevated to the chair of Peter, where rightly and by his  merit he deserved to be called “the Great.” He nourished his flock by his excellent and prudent discourse. He exerted all his influence to put an end to the unrest by the heretics in the Church, and by his letters to the holy emperors Theodsius II (408-450) and Marcia (450-457), he actively promoted the convening of the Fourth Ecumenical council in 451, to condemn the heresy of the Monophysites. At the Council, at which 630 bishops were present, a letter of St. Leo wrote to the deceased Saint Flavian, Patriarch of Constantinople was read. Saint Flavian had suffered for orthodoxy under the “Robber Council” of Ephesus In the year 49. And the letter of Saint Theo the orthodox teaching about the two natures in the Lord Jesus Christ was that fourth. All bishops present at the council were in agreement with this teaching and saw the Heretics Eutyche, Discorus were excommunicated from the church. He rested in the Lord at Rome, where he was buried on this day (471). 

Troparion

O guide of the true faith, mirror of piety and commendable behavior, bright star of the universe, and adornments of pontiffs, you enlightened us all by your teachings. O wise Leo, inspired by God and lyre of the Holy Spirit, intercede with Chrsit our God that He may save our souls. 

 

Kontaktion

O glorious Leo, when you rose to the episcal see, you stopped the mouths of lions by exposing your flock with the knowledge of God. Therefore, you were glorified, O contemplator of things divine.

 

Epistle

2 John 1 1-13

The elder to a Lady who is elect and to her children. In truth I love each of you – and that only I but also all those who have come to know the truth. This love is based on the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever. In truth and love, then, we shall have grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son.

It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the path of truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. By now, my Lady, I would make this request of you (not as if I were writing you some new commandment; rather, it is a commandment we have had from the start): let us love one another. This love involves our walking according to the commandments, and as you have heard from the beginning, the commandment is the way in which you should walk.

Many deceitful men have gone out into the world, men who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ is coming in the flesh. Such is the deceitful one! This is the antichrist! Look out that you yourselves do not lose what you have worked for; you must receive your reward in full. Anyone who is so “progressive” that he does not remain rooted in the teaching of Christ does not possess God, well anyone who remains rooted in the teaching possesses both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you who does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house; do not even greet him, for whoever greets him shares in the evil he does.

Well there is much more that I could write you, I do not intend to put it down on paper; instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face-to-face, so that our joy may be full. The children of your elect sister send you their greetings.

 

Gospel

Mark 15: 22, 25, 33-41

    At that time they brought Jesus to the site of Golgotha (which means “Skull Place”). It was about nine in the morning when they crucified him.

    When noon came, darkness fell in the whole countryside and lasted until midafternoon. At that time, Jesus cried in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” A few bystanders who heard it remarked, “Listen! He is calling on Elijah!” Someone ran off, and soaking a sponge in sour wine, stuck it on a reed to try to make him drink. The man said, “Now let’s see whether Elijah comes down to take him down.”

    Then Jesus, uttering a loud cry, breathed his last. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The centurion who stood guard over him, on seeing the manner of his death, declared, “Clearly this man was Son of God!” There were also women present looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and Joses and Salome. There women had followed Jesus when he was in Galilee and attended to his needs. There were also many others who had come up with him to Jerusalem. 

 

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

 

Feb. 17 The Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Recruit

The holy Great martyr Theodore the Recruit (Tyro) was a soldier in the city of Alasium of the Pontine district (a northeastern province of Asia Minor along the Black Sea), under command of a certain Brincus. They commanded him to offer sacrifice to idols. St. Theodore firmly confessed his faith in Christ the Savior in a loud voice. The commander gave him several days to think it over, during which time St.Theodore prayed.  They charged him with setting the pagan temple on fire, and threw him into prison to starve to death. The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him there, comforting and encouraging him. Brought to the governor, St. Theodore boldly and fearlessly confessed his faith, for which he was subjected to new torments and condemned to burning. The martyr Theodore climbed onto the fire without hesitation, and with prayer gave up his holy soul to God in 306. 

 

Troparion

Marvels  of faith! The holy martyr Theodore rejoiced amid the licking flames, just as if he were splashing in cool water. Made a holocaust in the fire, he was offered like sweetbreads to the Trinity. Save our souls through his prayers, O Christ our God. 

 

Kontakion

Believing in Christ with all your might, you struck a mighty blow to the enemy. You received an eternal crown of glory, O long-suffering and victorious Theodore. 

 

Epistle

1 John 4:20- 5:21

    Dearly beloved: If anyone says, ‘My love is fixed on God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. One who has no love for the brother he has seen cannot love the God he has not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 

    Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been begotten of God. Now, everyone who loves the father loves the child he has begotten. We can be sure that we love God’s children when we love God and do what he commanded. The love  of God consists in this: that we keep his commandments – and his commandments are not burdensome.

    Everyone begotten of God conquers the world, and the power that has conquered the world is this faith of ours. Who, then, is conqueror of the world? The one who believes that Jesus is Son of God. Jesus Christ it is who came through water and blood – not in water only, but in water and in blood. It is the Spirit who testifies to this, and the Spirit is truth. Thus there are three that testify, the Spirit and the water and the blood – and these three are of one accord. DO we not accept human testimony? The testimony of God is much greater: it is the testimony God has given on his own Son’s behalf. The testimony is this: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possesses the Son possesses life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not possess life. 

    I have written this to you to make you realize that you possess eternal life – you who believe in the name of the Son of God. 

    We have this confidence in God: that he hears us whenever we ask for anything according to his will. And since we know that he hears us whenever we ask, we know that what we asked him for is ours. 

Anyone who sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, should petition God, and thus life will be given to the sinner. This is only for those whose sin is not deadly. There is such a thing as deadly sin; I do not say that one should pray about that. True, all wrongdoing is sin, but not all sin is deadly. 

    We know that no one begotten of God commits sin, rather, God protects the one begotten by him, and so the evil one cannot touch him. We know that we belong to God, while the whole world is under the evil one. We know, too, that the Son of God has come and has given us discernment to recognize the One who is true. And we are in the One who is true, for we are in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. My little children, be on your guard against idols. 

Gospel

Mark 15: 1-15

    At that time as soon as it was daybreak the chief priests, with the elders and scribes (that is, the whole Sanhedrin), reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate interrogated him: “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “You are the one who is saying it.” The chief priests, meanwhile, brought many accusations against Jesus. Pilate interrogated him again: “Surely you have some answers? See how many accusations they are leveling against you.” But greatly to Pilate’s surprise, Jesus made no further response. 

    Now on the occasion of a festival Pilate would release for them one prisoner – any man they asked for. There was a prisoner names Barabbas jailed along with the rebels who had committed murder in the uprising. When the crowd came up to press their demand that he would honor the custom, Pilate rejoined, “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews for you?” He was aware, of course, that it was out of jealousy that the priests had handed Jesus over. Meanwhile, the chief priests incited the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. Pilate again asked them, “What am I to do with the man you call the king of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate protested, “Why? What crime has he committed?” They only shouted the louder, “Crucify him!” So Pilate ,who wished to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and after he had had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.

 

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

 

Feb. 16 The Holy Martyrs the Presbyter Pamphilius, Porphyrius, and their Companions

The holy martyrs: the presbyter Pamphilius, Porphyry, and their companions, who received the crowns of martyrdom: Pamphilus the priest; Valentine, a deacon of Jerusalem; Paul, born in the city of Jamnia, who passed two years in prison; Porphyry, a servant of Pamphilus; Seleucus the Cappadocian, who was of high military rank; Theodulus, an old man from the family of the governor Firmilian; and finally, Julian the Cappadocian, who, coming from abroad that very same hour, when he kissed the martyrs’ bodies, was accused of being a Christian and ordered by the governor to be burned over a slow fire. 

 

Troparion

Your martyrs, O Lord our God, in their struggles received incorruptible crowns from you. With Your strengths, they brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through their prayer, O Christ our God, save our souls.

 

Kontakion

The courageous martyrs of Christ went with joy and unbending determination to the frightful tortures prepared for them from which they obtained eternal glory. They are constantly interceding for us who praise their struggle.

 

Epistle

1 John 3:21-4:6

Dearly beloved, if our consciences have nothing to charge us with, we can be sure that God is with us and that we will receive at his hands whatever we ask. Why? Because we are keeping his commandments and doing what is pleasing in his Sight. His commandment is this: we are to believe in the name of the Son, Jesus Christ, and are to love one another as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him and he in them. And this is how we know that he remains in us: from the Spirit that he gave us.

Beloved, do not trust every spirit, but put the spirits to a test to see if they belong to God, because many false prophets have appeared in the world. This is how you can recognize God’s Spirit: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, while every spirit that fails to acknowledge him does not belong to God. Such is the spirit of the antichrist which, as you have heard, is to come; in fact, it is in the world already.

You are of God, you little ones, and thus you have conquered the false prophets. For there is One greater in you than there is in the world. Those others belong to the world; that is why theirs is the language of the world and why the world listens to them. We belong to God and anyone who has knowledge of God gives us a hearing, while anyone who is not of God refuses to hear us. Thus do we distinguish the spirit of truth from the spirit of deception.   

 

Gospel

Mark 14:43- 15:1

At that time while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, made his appearance accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs; these people had been sent by the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. The betrayer had arranged a signal for them, saying, “The man I shall embrace is the one; arrest him and lead him away, taking every precaution.” Judith then went directly over to Jesus and said, “Rabbi!” and embraced him. At this, they laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. One of the bystanders drew his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his ear. Addressing himself to them, Jesus said: “You have come out to arrest me armed with swords and clubs as if against a brigand. I was within your reach daily, teaching in the temple precincts, yet you never arrested me. But now, so that the Scriptures may be fulfilled…” with that, all deserted Jesus and fled. There was a young man following Jesus who was covered by nothing but a linen cloth. As they seized him he left the cloth behind and ran off naked. 

Then they led Jesus off to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the scribes came together. Peter followed him at a distance right into the high priest’s courtyard, where he found seat with the temple guard and began to warm himself at the fire. The chief priests with the whole Sanhedrin were busy soliciting testimony against Jesus that would lead to his death, but they could not find any. Many spoke against him falsely under oath but their testimony did not agree. Some, for instance, on taking the stand, testified falsely by alleging, “We heard him declare, ‘I will destroy this temple made by human hands’, and ‘In three days I will construct another not made by humans hands.’” Even so, their testimony did not agree.

The high priest rose to his feet before the court and began to interrogate Jesus: “Have you no answer to what these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent; he made no reply. Once again the high priest interrogated him: “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Then Jesus answered: “I am; and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” At that the high priest tore his robes and said: “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What is your verdict?” They all concurred in the verdict “guilty“, with a sentence of death. Some of them began to spit on Jesus. They blindfolded him and hit him, saying, “Play the Prophet!“ While the officers manhandled him.

While Peter was down in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came along. When she noticed Peter warming himself, she looked at him more closely and said, “You too were with Jesus of Nazareth.“ But he denied it: “I do not know what you are talking about! What are you getting at?” Then he went out into the gateway. [At that moment a cock crowed.] The servant girl, keeping an eye on him, started again to tell the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” Once again he denied it. A little later the bystanders said to Peter once more, “You are certainly one of them! You are a Galilean, are you not?” He began to curse, and to swear, “I do not even know the man you are talking about!” Just then a second cockcrow was heard and Peter recalled the prediction Jesus had made to him, “Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times.” Peter broke down and began to cry.

As soon as it was daybreak the chief priest, with the elders and scribes (that is, the whole Sanhedrin), reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 

 

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

 

Feb. 15 The Holy Apostle Onesimus

Onesimus was one of the Seventy Apostles. He was a slave but transgressed against his master and fled to Rome. There he heard the Gospel from Apostle Paul and was baptized. Later, Onesimus was consecrated a bishop by the apostles themselves, and he accepted the episcopal throne at Ephesus at the death of the Apostle Timothy. At the time of Trajan’s persecution, Onesimus, already an old man, was arrested and brought to Rome. In Rome Onesimus gave an account of himself before the judge Tertulus, and he was imprisoned and finally beheaded. A wealthy woman removed his body, placed it in a silver coffin and buried it honorably in the year 109.  

Troparion

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

 

Kontakion

You came upon the world like a radiant glow, and you shine with the rays of the sun, O blessed saint. You followed the illumined world of blessed Paul, and for this we honor you, O glorious Onesimus.

 

Epistle

1 John 3: 9a-22

    Dearly beloved: No one begotten of God acts sinfully because he remains of God’s stock; he cannot sin because he is begotten of God. That is the way to see who are God’s children, and who are the devil’s. No one whose actions are unholy belong to God, nor anyone who fails to love his brother.

    This, remember, is the message you heard from the beginning: we should love one another. We should not follow the example of Cain who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his own deeds were wicked while his brother’s were just. No need, then, brothers and sisters, to be surprised if the world hates you. That we have passed from death to life we know because we love the brethren. The man who does not love is among the living dead. Anyone who hates his brother is a  murderer, and you know that eternal life abides in no murderer’s heart. The way we came to understand love was that He laid down His life for us; we too must lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

I ask you, how can God’s love survive in a man who has enough of this world’s goods yet closes his heart to his brother when he sees him in need? Little children, let us love in deed and in truth and not merely talk about it. 

This is our way of knowing we are committed to the truth and are at peace before him no matter what our consciences have nothing to charge us with; for God is greater than our hearts and all is known to him. Beloved, if our consciences have nothing to charge us with, we can be sure that God is with us and that we will receive at his hands whatever we ask.  

Gospel

Mark 14: 10-42

    At that time Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went off to the chief priest to hand Jesus over to them. Hearing what he had to say, they were jubilant and promised to give him money. Judas for his part kept looking for an opportune way to hand Jesus over.

    On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the paschal lamb, the disciples said to Jesus, “Where do you wish us to go and prepare the Passover supper for you?” He sent two of his disciples with the instructions: “Go into the city and you will come upon a man carrying a water jar. Follow him. Whatever house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ Then he will show you an upstairs room, spacious, furnished, and all in order. That is the place you are to get ready for us.” The disciples went off. When they reached the city they found it just as Jesus had told them, and they prepared the Passover supper. 

    As it grew dark Jesus arrived with the Twelve. They reclined at table, and in the course of the meal Jesus said, “I give you my word, one of you is about to betray me, yes, one who is eating with me.” They began to say to him sorrowfully, one by one, “Surely not I!” He said, “It is one of the Twelve – a man who dips into dish with me. The Son of Man is betrayed. It were better for him had he never been born.”

    During the meal he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. “Take this,: he said, “this is my body.” He likewise took the cup, gave thanks and passed it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them: “This is my blood, the blood of the covenant, to be poured out on behalf of many. I solemnly assure you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the reign of God.”

After singing songs of praise, they walked out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus then said to them: “Your faith in me shall be shaken, for Scripture has it, ‘I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be dispersed.’ But after I am raised up, I will go to Galilee ahead of you.” Peter said to him, “Even though all are shaken in faith, it will not be that way with me.” Jesus answered, “I give you my assurance, this very night before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But Peter kept reasserting vehemently, “Even if I have to die with you, I will not deny you.” They all said the same.

    They went on to a place named Gethsemani. “Sit down here while I pray,” Jesus said to his disciples; at the same time he took along with him Peter, James, and John. Then he began to be filled with fear and distress. He said to them, “My heart is filled with sorrow to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” He advanced a little and fell to the ground, praying that if it were possible this hour might pass him by. He kept saying, “Abba (O Father), you have the power to do all things. Take this cup away from me. But let it be as you would have it, not as I.” When he returned he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Asleep, Simon? You could not stay awake for even an hour? Be on guard and pray that you may not be put to the test. The spirit is willing but nature is weak.” Going back again he began to pray in the same words. Once again he found them asleep on his return. They could not keep their eyes open, nor did they know what to say to him. He returned a third time and said to them, “Still sleeping? Still taking your ease? It will have to do. The hour is on us. You will see that the Son of Man is to be handed over to the clutches of evil men. Rouse yourselves and come along. See! My betrayer is near.” 

 

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

Feb. 14 Our Venerable Father Auxentius; The Passing of Our Venerable Father Constantine, called Cyril the Apostle to the Slavs

Our venerable father Auxentius on Mount Skopa in Bithynia, priest and archmandrite, who argued the Chalcedonian faith with a strong voice in a prominent place as if established in a place of authority.

The passing of our venerable father Constantine, whose monastic name was Cyril, the Apostle of the Slavs. This man from Thessalonica, along with his brother Methodius, was sent by Photius the bishop of Constantinople to Moravia, where he preached the Christian faith and devised an alphabet that they might translate the sacred books from Greek to the Slavic language. When they came to Rome, Cyril, who was previously known as Constantine, was afflicted by an illness. He was made a monk and the same day fell asleep in the Lord in 869. 

 

Troparion for Auxentius

You made the wilderness your dwelling, O Auxentius, the bearer of God. You became an angel in the flesh and a wonder-worker. Through prayers, fast, and vigils, you obtained from God special graces to heal the sick and to sanctify the souls of those who come to you with 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!

 

Kontakion for Auxentius

You found your paradise in asceticism and mastered your body’s passions; you grew stronger in faith and blossomed as a flower in the midst of the Garden, O Auxentius.

 

Troparion for Cyril

From your childhood you made wisdom your sister, and you took her to wife as a radiant virgin. You adorned your mind and soul with it like gold. You became a second great Cyril, O voice of God. You became a martyr by name and a blessed thinker. 

 

Kontakion for Cyril

Enlightening the world by your divinely inspired teachings, you have extended your sway like lightning over the world. You sow the brilliant Word of God everywhere you go; all the corners of the world shine with your miracles, the north, south, east and west, O blessed Cyril. 

 

Readings for Cyril

Epistle

Hebrews 7:26- 8:2

    Brothers and sisters: It was fitting that we should have such a high priest [as Jesus]: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifice day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did that once for all when he offered himself. For the law sets up as high priests men who are weak, but the word of the oath which came after the law appoints as priests the Son, made perfect forever. 

    The main point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, minister of the sanctuary and of that true tabernacle set up, not by men, but by the Lord.

Gospel

John 10: 9-16

    The Lord said: “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be safe. He will go in and out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand – who is no shepherd nor owner of the sheep– catches sight of the wolf coming and runs away, leaving the sheep to be snatched and scattered by the wolf. That is because he works for pay; he has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me in the same way that the Father knows me and I know the Father; for these sheep I will give my life. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must lead them, too, and they shall hear my voice. There shall be one flock,then, one shepherd.”

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

1 John 2:18- 3:10

Children, it is the final hour; just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many such antichrists have appeared. This makes us certain that it is the final hour. It was from our ranks that they took their leave — not that they really belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have stayed with us. It only served to show that none of them was ours. But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, so that all knowledge is yours. My reason for having written you is not that you do not know the truth but that you do, and that no lie has anything in common with the truth. Who is the liar? Who denies that Jesus is the Christ. He is the antichrist, denying the Father and the Son. Anyone who denies the Son has no claim on the Father, but he who acknowledges the Son can claim the Father as well.

As for you, let what you heard from the beginning remain in your hearts. If what you heard from the beginning does remain in your hearts, then you will in turn will remain in the Son and in the Father.

He himself made us a promise and the promise is no less than this: eternal life. I have written you these things about those who try to deceive you.

 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in your heart. This means you have no need for anyone to teach you. Rather, as his anointing teaches you about all things and is true — free from any lie — remain in him as that anointing taught you.

Remain in him now, little ones, so that, when he reveals himself, we may be fully confident and not retreat in shame at his coming. If you consider the holiness that is his, you can be sure that everyone who acts in holiness has been begotten by him.

See what love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called children of God! Yet that is what we are. The reason the world does not recognize us is that it never recognized the Son. Dearly beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall later be has not yet come to light. We know that when it comes to light we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope based on him keeps himself pure, as he is pure.

Everyone who sins acts lawlessly for sin is lawlessness. You know well that the reason he revealed himself was to take away sins; in him there is nothing sinful. The man who remains in him does not sin. The man who sins has not seen him or known him.

Little ones, let no one deceive you; the man who acts in holiness is holy indeed, even as the Son is holy. The man who sins belongs to the devil, because the devil is a sinner from the beginning. It was to destroy the devil‘s works that the Son of God revealed himself. No one begotten of God acts sinfully because he remains of God’s stock; he cannot sin because he is begotten of God. That is the way to see who are God’s children, and who are the devils.

 

Gospel

Mark 11: 1-11

    At that time as Jesus and the disciples neared Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, close to Jerusalem, he sent off two of his disciples with the instruction: “Go to the village straight ahead of you, and as soon as you enter it you will find tethered there a colt on which no one has ridden. Untie it and bring it back. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing that?’ say, ‘The Master needs it but he will send it back here at once.’” So they went off, and finding a colt tethered out on the street near a gate, they untied it. Some of the bystanders said to them, “What do you mean by untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the men let them take it. They brought the colt back to Jesus and threw their cloaks across its back, and Jesus sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread reeds which they had cut in the fields. Those preceding Jesus as well as those who followed cried out: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the reign of our father David to come! Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple precincts. He inspected everything there, but since it was already the afternoon, he went out to Bethany accompanied by the Twelve. 

God’s Mercy

On the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, we recall the reality of our daily reality. If you are anything like me, you find that during the previous day you walked away from God in some way. He let us run amuck and we are sorry for what we have done. The great news about God is, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV). I go to confession about once a week. The priest inevitably says to me, “the Good news is that God loves us and there is nothing we can ever do to change this.” I always walk away convinced and refreshed by these simple words. He really does! He embraces us and it does not matter what we have done. Rejoice because God’s mercy endures forever! (Jeremiah 33:11 and Psalm 136)

Fr. Nathan Symeon 

Feb. 13 Our Venerable Father Martinian

At the age of 18, Martinian retreated to a mountain in Cappadocia called the Place of the Ark, where he lived for 25 years in fasting, vigil and prayer, struggling with many temptations. When a woman came to tempt him, Martinian, perceiving that he would succumb to sin with her, jumped into the fire barefoot and remained in there until the pain brought tears to his eyes and subdued all lust within himself. When another temptation erupted, Martinian fled to an isolated rock in the sea and lived there. Following a shipwreck, a young woman swam to this rock. Martinian jumped into the sea to avoid any further temptation, but a dolphin rescued him in its back and by God’s providence brought him back to shore. Martinian then decided to never make any place his permanent home but to continually travel. In two years, he passed through 164 towns, correcting and counseling the people. He finally reached Athens, where he reposed in the year 422.

 

Troparion

O blessed Martinian, you appeased the flames of passion with streams of tears; you calmed the waves of the sea and stopped the assault of the wild beasts. You cried out: Glorified are You, O almighty God. You saved me from fire and storm. 

 

Kontakion

Let us praise with hymns the ever-blessed Martinian who trod on the serpent, the pious and experienced ascetic, the earnest defender of truth, and the courageous dweller in the desert. 

 

Epistle

1st Corinthians 6: 12-20

    Brothers and sisters: “Everything is lawful for me” but that does not mean that everything is good for me. “Everything is lawful for me” – but I will not let myself be enslaved by anything. “Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will do away with them both in the end” – but the body is not for immorality; it is for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. God, who raised up the Lord, will raise us also by his power.

    Do you not see that your bodies are members of Christ? Would you have me take Christ’s members and make them the members of a prostitute? God forbid! Can you not see that the man who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? Scripture says, “The two shall become one flesh.” But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun lewd conduct. Every other sin a man commits is outside his body, but the fornicator sins against his own body. You must know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is within pp the Spirit you have received from God. You are not your own. You have been purchased, and at a price. So glorify God in your body.

 

Gospel

Luke 15: 11-32

    The Lord told this parable: “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that is coming to me.’ So the father divided up the property. Some days later this younger son collected all his belongings and went off to a distant land, where he squandered his money on dissolute living. After he had spent everything, a great famine broke out in that country and he was in dire need. So he attached himself to one of the propertied class of the place, who sent him to his farm to take care of the pigs. He longed to fill his belly with the husks that were fodder for the pigs, but no one made a move to give him anything. Coming to his senses at last, he said: ‘How many hired hands at my father’s place have more than enough to eat, while here I am starving! I will break away and return to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against God and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son. Treat me like one of your hired hands.’ With that he set off for his father’s house. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was deeply moved. He ran out to meet him, threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against God and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ The father said to his servants: ‘Quick! Bring out the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Take the fatted calf and kill it. Let us eat and celebrate because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life. He was lost and is found.’ Then the celebration began.

    “Meanwhile the elder son was out on the land. As he neared the house on his way home, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked him the reason for the dancing and the music. The servant answered; ‘You brother is home, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has him back in good health.’ The son grew angry at this and would not go in; but his father came out and began to plead with him.

“He said to his father in reply: ‘For years now I have slaved for you. I never disobeyed one of your orders, yet you never gave me so much as a kid goat to celebrate with my friends. Then, when this son of yours returns after having gone through your property with loose women, you kill the fatted calf for him.’

“‘My son,’ replied the father, ‘you are with me always, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice! This brother of yours was dead, and has come back to life. He was lost, and is found.’”

 

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

Sunday Bulletin 2/13/22

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Feb. 13 – Sunday of the Prodigal Son          

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Feb. 14 – Death of St. Cyril, Apostle to the Slavs         

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Tuesday, Feb. 15 – Onesimus, Apostle         

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayers

Wednesday, Feb. 16 – Pamphilius &Others, Martyrs   

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy +Joshua Bell from Marie O’Loughlin

7:30 PM          Fire-pit Social

Thursday, Feb. 17 – Theodore the Recruit, Great-Martyr       

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Evening Prayer

Friday, Feb. 18 – Leo the Great, Pope            

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

4:00 PM          Compline

Saturday, Feb. 19 – 1st All Souls Saturday       

8:30 AM        Divine Liturgy for All Souls 

5:00 PM          Ventura County Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Feb. 20 – Meatfare Sunday        

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy  

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Nicole Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Mary-Jo Koman-Keogh, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Denise Painter, Austin Pearce, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $3,682.00; Candles: $84.25; Online: $395.00; VC Outreach: $385.00; All Souls: $50.00; Holy Days: $100.00; Church Improvements: $135.00; Misc.: $2,550.00

Total: $7,381.25 / Attendance- PSM: 65

 

God With Us Online

Check the flyer on the bulletin boards for God With Us Online’s Spring curriculum. All courses are offered as live webinars, and are free of charge. Fr. Nathan, Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia have a course this spring. Register today: EasternCatholic.org/events

God’s Mercy

On the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, we recall the reality of our daily reality. If you are anything like me, you find that during the previous day you walked away from God in some way. He let us run amuck and we are sorry for what we have done. The great news about God is, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV). I go to confession about once a week. The priest inevitably says to me, “the Good news is that God loves us and there is nothing we can ever do to change this.” I always walk away convinced and refreshed by these simple words. He really does! He embraces us and it does not matter what we have done. Rejoice because God’s mercy endures forever! (Jeremiah 33:11 and Psalm 136)

Fr. Nathan Symeon 

 

“All that is mine is yours.” The merciful Father welcomed the Prodigal Son and showed love to his brother when he questioned that profound love which gave all that was his to his children. Are you open to share that love of the Father by a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate, religious or monastic life? If so, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

 

THE BYZANTINE CATHOLIC EPARCHY OF PHOENIX subscribes to the
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

adopted by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops.  The Eparchy, within all its parishes, institutions and programs, is committed to assuring a safe environment in ministry for its children and young people that conforms to the Charter requirements. 

For information regarding the Eparchial Safe Environment Program, please contact:
Dcn. Michael Hanafin: Safe Environment Program Coordinator

Cell: (480) 387-5182 – Email: dcnhanafin@ephx.org
Sbdcn. Paul F. Kilroy: Asst. Safe Environment Program Coordinator
Office: (602) 861-9778 – Cell: (702) 498-5972 – Email: sbdcnkilroy@ephx.org
Dr. Caroline Bonham: Victim Assistance Coordinator 

Cell: (505) 314-3943 – Email: victimassistanceofphoenix@gmail.com

Feb. 12 Our father among Saints Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch

Our holy father Meletiusm archbishop of Antioch, was elected to the Patriarchal See in 360, but within a month was exiled by Emperor Constantius. Reinstated in 379, he held a council for 150 bishops and took a prominent role in the Ecumenical Council of Constantinople in 381. He was persecuted on account of the Nicene faith with frequent exile and soon after presiding over the First Ecumenical Council of Constantinople he fell asleep in the Lord. St. Meletius was the one who ordained the future hierarch St. Basil the Great as a deacon. St. Meletius also baptized and encouraged St. John Chrysotom, who later eulogized his former archoaster. 

 

Troparion

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 Meletius, intercede with Christ our God to save our souls. 

Kontakion

The Macedonian apostate feared your spiritual courage and fled. We your servants gather around you in order to obtain your intercession. O father Meletius, you are equal to the angels and the fiery sword of Christ our God. We praise you as a star enlightening all of us.  

 

Epistle

2 Timothy 3: 1-9

    Timothy my son: But understand this: there will be terrifying times in the last days. People will be self-centered and lovers of money, proud, haughty, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, irreligious, callous, implacable, slanderous, licentious, brutal, hating what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, as they make a pretense of religion but deny it power. Reject them. For some of these slip into homes and make captives of women weighed down by sins, led by various desires, always trying to learn but never able to reach a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so they oppose the truth–people of depraved minds, unqualified in the faith. But they will not make further progress, for their foolishness will be plain to all, as it was with those two.

You have followed my teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, persecutions that I endured. Yet from all these things the Lord delivered me. In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and have known [the] sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 

 

Gospel

Luke 20:45-47- 21:1-4

    At that time, in hearing of all the people, Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of the scribes, who like to parade around in their robes, and love marks of respect in public, front seats at synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. There men are going through the savings of widows while they recite long prayers to keep up appearances. The heavier sentence will be theirs.”

    Jesus glanced up and saw the rich putting their offerings into the treasury, and also a poor widow putting in two copper coins. At that he said: “I assure you, this widow has put in more than all the rest. They make contributions out of their surplus, but she from her want has given what she could not afford – every penny she has to live on.”

 

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

 

 

Feb. 11 The Holy Martyr Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste

Blaise was born in the province of Cappadocia. From his early childhood, he was God-fearing and meek. Because of his great virtues, he was chosen as bishop of the city of Sebaste [in Armenia]. Blaise was a great spiritual and moral beacon in the pagan city. During a grave persecution of Christians, St. Blaise encouraged his flock and visited martyrs of Christ in prison. FOremost among them was the eminent and glorious Eustratius. When the city of Sebaste was completely emptied of Christians– some were slain, others fled– the elderly Blaise withdrew to Mount Argeos and settled there in a cave. Wild beasts recognized the holy man and gathered around him. But the persecutors found the saint even in this remote place and brought him to trial. Along the way, Blaise cured a young boy who had a bone caught in his throat. At the plea of a poor widow whose pig was snatched by a wolf, the saint, by the power of his prayer, made the wolf return it. The sinister judges tortured Blaise severely, flogging him and scraping him with an iron comb. By his steadfastness in the Christian Faith, Blaise converted many pagans to the Faith. Seven women and two children languished in prison with him. The women were beheaded first, and afterward the wonderful Blaise was beheaded with the two children. He suffered and was glorified in the year 316.

 

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

 

Kontakion

O God-bearing Blaise, you were a holy plant, an unfading flower, and a fertile vine in the vineyard of Christ. Fill with joy the hearts of those who celebrate your memory with fervor and never cease to intercede for all of us. 

 

Epistle

1 John 2: 7-17

    Dearly beloved, it is no new commandment that I write to you, but an old one which you had from the start. The commandment, now old, is the word you have already heard. On second thought, the commandment that I write is new, as it is realized in him and you, for the darkness is over and the real light begins to shine. The man who claims to be in light, hating his brother all the while, is in darkness even now. The man who continues in the light is the one who loves his brother; there is nothing in him to cause a fall. But the man who hates his brother is in darkness. He walks in shadow, not knowing where he is going, since the dark has blinded his eyes.

    Little ones, I address you, for through his Name your sins have been forgiven. Fathers, I address you, for you have known him who is from the beginning. Young men, I address you, for you have conquered the evil one. I address you, children, for you have known the Father. I address you, fathers, for you have known him who is from the beginning. I address you, young men, for you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one. 

    Have no love for the world, nor the things that the world affords. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love has no place in him, for nothing that the world affords comes from the Father. Carnal allurements, enticements for the eye, the life of empty show – all these are from the world. And the world with its seductions is passing away but the man who does God’s will endures forever. 

 

Gospel

Mark 14:3-9

    At that time Jesus was in Bethany reclining at table in the house of Simon the leper. A woman entered carrying an alabaster jar of perfume made of expensive aromatic nard. Breaking the jar, she began to pour the perfume over his head. Some were saying to themselves indignantly: “What is the point of this extravagant waste of perfume? It could have been sold for over three hundred silver pieces and the money given to the poor.” They were infuriated with her, but Jesus said: “Let her alone. Why do you criticize her? She has done me a kindness. The poor you will always have with you and you can be generous to them whenever you wish, but you will not always have me. She has done what she could. By perfuming my body she is anticipating its preparation for burial. I assure you, whenever the good news is proclaimed throughout the world, what she has done will be told in her memory.”

 

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