The holy martyr Boniface was a servant to a wealthy and wicked woman in Rome, and was her paramour. His mistress decided that she wanted to have some relics of a Christian martyr in her house to use as an amulet to ward off evil, and dispatched Boniface to buy what she desired. In the city of Tarsus, Boniface witnessed the death of many for the sake of Christ, and was converted. He denounced himself to the authorities and said, “I too am a Christian.” He was then tortured and beheaded. Slaves took his body back to Rome, and an angel appeared to his former mistress, saying, “Take him who was once your servant, but who is now our brother—he is the guardian of your soul.” She repented and built a church where Boniface’s relics were buried. (290)

 

Troparion

Your martyr Boniface, 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

O crown-bearer and most wise Boniface, you offered yourself as a willing, immaculate sacrifice to the One Who was born of a Virgin for our sake. 

 

Epistle 

James 1: 19-27

Brothers and Sisters, keep this in mind. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not fulfill God’s justice. Strip away all that is filthy, every vicious excess. Humbly welcome the word that has taken route in you, with its power to save you. Act on this word all you do is listen to it, you are deceiving yourselves.

A man who listens to God’s word but does not put it into practice is like a man who looks in a mirror at the face he was born with: he looks at himself, then he goes off and promptly forgets what he looks like. There is, on the other hand, the man who appears into freedom‘s ideal law and abides by it. He is no forgetful listener, but one who carries out the law and practice. Blest will this man be in whatever he does.

If a man who does not control his tongue imagines that he is devout, he is self-deceived; his worship is pointless. Looking after orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself unspotted by the world make for pure worship without stain before our God and Father. 

 

Gospel

Mark 10: 17-27

At that time as Jesus was sitting out on a journey a man came running up, knelt down before him and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to share an everlasting life?” Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the Commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.’” The man replied, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my childhood.” Then Jesus looked at him with love and told him, “There is one thing more you must do. Go on sale what you have and give it to the poor; you will then have treasure in heaven. After that, come and follow me.” At these words the man’s face fell. He went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples could only marvel at his words. So Jesus repeated what he had said: “My sons, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

The disciples were completely overwhelmed at this, and exclaimed to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus fixed his gaze on them and said, “For man it is impossible but not for God. With God all things are possible.”

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

The holy martyr Sebastian was born in Italy and brought up in the city of Milan where he intended to be a soldier. The emperor Diocletian made him captain of the imperial guard. During this time, Sebastian professed the Faith and was greatly persecuted for it. After many of his converts were martyred, the emperor called Sebastian and rebuked him for his betrayal. Sebastian replied, “I always pray to my Christ for your health and for the peace of the Roman Empire.” The emperor ordered him stripped and shot with arrows. Since this did not kill him, he was beaten to death with staves in the year 287.

 

Troparion

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

 

Kontakion

O Sebastian, by the shedding of your blood you were clothed in martyrdom, being arrayed in a robe of precious purple. Therefore, you took up your abode with Christ in the kingdom without end on high, and with those who suffered with you, you received the crown of glory. O wise Sebastian, as you sing with them, always remember us. 

 

Epistle

James 1: 1-18

To the twelve tribes in the dispersion, James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, sends greeting. 

Brothers and sisters, count it pure joy when you are involved in every sort of trial. Realize that when your faith is tested this makes for endurance. Let endurance come to its perfection so that you may be fully mature and lacking in nothing. 

If any of you is without wisdom, let him ask it from the God who gives generously and ungrudgingly to all, and it will be given him. Yet he must ask in faith, never doubting, for the doubter is like the surf tossed and driven by the wind. A man of the sort, devious and erratic in all that he does, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Let’s a brother in humble circumstances take pride in his eminence and the rich man be proud of his loveliness, for he will disappear “like the flower of the field.” When the sun comes up with its scorching heat it parches the Meadow, the field flowers droop, and with that the Meadows loveliness is gone. Just so will the rich man wither away amid his many projects.

Happy the man who holds out to the end through trial! Once he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one who is tempted is free to say, “I am being tempted by God.” Surely God, who is beyond the grasp of evil, temps no one. Rather the tug and lore of his own passion tempt every man. Once passion has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and once it reaches maturity it begets death.

Make no mistake about this, my dear brothers and sisters. Every worthwhile gift, every genuine benefit comes from above, descending from the father of heavenly luminaries, who cannot change and who has never shadowed over. He wills to bring us to birth with a word spoken in truth so that we may be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 

 

Gospel

Mark 10: 11-16

At that time the Lord said “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and the woman who divorces her husband and marries another commits adultery.”

People were bringing their little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples were scolding them for this. Jesus became indignant when he noticed it and said to them: “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them. It is to just such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I assure you that whoever does not accept the reign of God like a little child shall not take part in it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them. 

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

 

The holy prophet Daniel and the 3 Holy Children: Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael: all four of these young men were members of the tribe of Judah, deported to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem. Daniel is counted as one of the 4 major prophets along with Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekial. The Holy Youths Ananais (“God is gracious”), Azarias (“whom God helps”), and Mishael (“Who is what God is?”) were companions of the holy prophet Daniel. They were chosen to serve in the king’s palace with Daniel (Daniel 1:6) and were all from the tribe of Judah. They gave Ananias the Chaldean name Shadrach (“royal”), Azarias the Chaldean name Abednego (“servant of Nego”), and Misael the Chaldean name Meshach (“guest”). They were thrown into a fiery furnace when they refused to worship the golden idol set up by King Nebuchadnezzar, but the angel of the Lord preserved them (Daniel 3:25).

 

Troparion

Great are the accomplishments of faith: the three holy youths rejoiced in the streams of fire as if in refreshing waters; and Daniel the prophet shepherded lions like sheep. Through their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.

 

Kontakion – Daniel

Your pure heart was enlightened by the Holy Spirit so that it could become an instrument of prophecy; you perceived distant events as if they were present. When you were thrown into the pit, you stopped the lions’ mouths. Therefore, we honor you, O blessed and glorious prophet Daniel.

 

Kontakion – Holy Children

You did not worship a man-made image, O thrice-blessed youths. You armed yourselves with uncreated divinity. You were glorified in the trial by fire. Withstanding the flames, you stood and called out: Hasten, O compassionate God, and hurry to help us in Your mercy. For You can do whatever You will.

 

Epistle

Hebrews 12: 25-26; 13: 22-25 

Brothers and sisters: do not refuse to hear him who speaks. For if the Israelites did not escape punishment when they refused to listen as God spoke to them on earth, how much greater punishment will be ours if we turn away from him who speaks from heaven! His voice then shook the earth, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only earth but heaven!” And that “once more” shows that shaken, created things will pass away, so that only what is unshaken may remain. Wherefore, we who are receiving the unshakable kingdom should hold fast to God’s grace through which we may offer worship acceptable to him and reference and awe. 

Brothers and sisters, I beg you to bear with this word of encouragement, for I have written to you rather briefly. I must let you know that our brother Timothy has been set free. If he is able to join me soon, he will be with me when I see you. Greetings to all your leaders and to all the people of God. Grace be with you all.

 

Gospel

Mark 10: 2-12

At that time, some Pharisees came up and as a test began to ask Jesus whether it was permissible for a husband to divorce his wife. In reply Jesus said, “What command did Moses give you?” they answered, “Moses permitted divorce and the writing of a decree of divorce.” But then Jesus told them: “He wrote that commandment for you because of your stubbornness. At the beginning of creation God made them male and female; for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and the two shall become as one. They are no longer two but one flash. Therefore let no man separate what God has joined.” Back in the house again, the disciples began to question him about this. He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and the woman who divorces her husband and marries another commits adultery.”

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

The holy prophet Haggai was the 10th of the 12 minor prophets. He was of the Tribe of Levi and he prophesied during the times of the Persian emperor Darius Hystaspis (prior to 500 B.C.). Upon the return of the Jews from the Babylonian Captivity, he persuaded the people to build the Second Temple at Jerusalem, and he proclaimed that the Messiah would appear in this Temple in the last times. It is believed that Haggai was buried with the priests at Jerusalem, since he was descended from Aaron. 

 

Troparion

Your eyes were opened to pure spiritual reality that is all from God which you prophesied and understood, O all-praised prophet, guide of peaceful repentance. Therefore we celebrate your holy memory, and we pray you, to intercede especially for prayers to God, O Haggai.

 

Kontakion

Your mind was enlightened with the fire of the Spirit; you proclaimed the mysteries of God, O prophet. You revealed what was to come, pointing to the mysteries of what was to happen. Pray Christ God to have mercy on us. 

 

Epistle

Hebrews 11: 17- 31

Brothers and sisters: By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.” He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol. By faith regarding things still to come Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and “bowed in worship, leaning on the top of his staff.” By faith Joseph, near the end of his life, spoke of the Exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.

By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.  By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; he chose to be ill-treated along with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin. He considered the reproach of the Anointed greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the recompense. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s fury, for he persevered as if seeing the one who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. By faith they crossed the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted it they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell after being encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with the disobedient, for she had received the spies in peace.

 

Gospel 

Mark 9:42- 10:1

The Lord said, “It would be better if anyone who leads astray one of the simple believers were to be plunged in the sea with a great millstone fastened around his neck. If your hand is your difficulty, cut it off! Better for you to enter life maimed than to keep both hands and enter Gehenna with his unquenchable fire. If your foot is your own doing, cut it off! Better for you to enter life crippled than to be thrown into Gehenna with both feet. If your eye is your downfall, tear it out! Better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to be thrown with both eyes into Gehenna, where ‘the worm dies not and the fire is never extinguished.’ Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is excellent in its place; but if salt becomes tasteless, how can you season it? Keep salt in your heart and you will be at peace with one another.”

From where Jesus moved on to the districts of Judea and across the Jordan. Once more crowds gathered around him, and as usual he began to teach them.

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

The holy martyr Eleutherius was born of noble and eminent parents in Rome. Eleutherius was the fruit of the people who heard the Gospel from the apostles. He became bishop of Illyria, and was a model shepherd. He was arrested and martyred by the emperor Hadrian in the year 120.

Our venerable father Paul of Latra lived the ascetic life on a mountain called Lastos in Asia Minor. He worked many miracles, and our Lord took him in his old age in 950. 

Our holy father Stephen, bishop of Surozh was born in Cappadocia and educated by St. Germanus the Patriarch. He was taken from his hermitage and made bishop of Surozh (now Sudak in the Crimea.). Stephen suffered a great deal from the emperor Leo the Armenian. After the emperor’s demise, Stephen was returned to his flock, which he governed with grace and truth during the late 8th century. 

 

Troparion – Eleutherius

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

 

Troparion – Paul

 You were numbered among the monks and a companion of angels, and so we raise this song to you, O glorious Paul. Pray that we may find mercy for our souls. 

 

Kontakion – Eleutherius

As an inspiration to priests, venerable father, and as one who reenacted the Passion, we come with petitions and praise to you. O Priest-Martyr Eleutherius: deliver us from trouble of any kind. As we approach with love to keep your memory, pray without ceasing for all of us. 

 

Kontakion – Paul

You acted maturely from your childhood and spurned the goods of the world. You became a temple of the Trinity in your quest for the divine life. You enlighten those who come to you. And so we sing: Rejoice, generous father Paul. 

 

Epistle

Colossians 3: 12-16

Brothers and sisters: Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another; forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you. Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect. Christ’s peace must reign in your hearts, since as members of the one body you have been called to that peace. Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness. Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you. In wisdom made perfect, instruct and admonish one another. Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns, and inspired songs. 

 

Gospel

Luke 18: 18-27

At that time one of the ruling class asked Jesus, “Good teacher, what must I do to share in everlasting life?” Jesus said to him, “Why call me ‘good’? None is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery. You shall not kill. You shall not steal. You shall not bear dishonest witness. Honor your father and mother.”

The man replied, “I have kept all these since I was a boy.” When Jesus heard this he said to the man: “There is one thing further you must do. Sell all you have and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.” On hearing this the man grew melancholy, for he was a very rich man. When Jesus observed this he said: “How hard it will be for the rich to go into the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” His listeners asked him, “Who, then, can be saved?” To which Jesus replied, “Things that are impossible for men are possible for God.”

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

The holy martyrs Thyrsus, Leucas, and Callinicus suffered for Christ under the emperor Decius (249-251) at Caesarea in Bithynia. St. Leucas, having reproached the prefect for his unjust persecution of Christians, was executed after being tortured. St. Thyrsus, who was still a catechumen, was nonetheless eager for martyrdom. He was sentenced to cruel tortures and torments after refusing to offer sacrifice to the idols. Citing the words of the prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 2:27), he ridiculed those who worshiped wood and stone. The saint’s arms and legs were pulled out of their sockets, his eyes were plucked out, and his teeth were shattered with a hammer. He was taken to a heathen temple, where, by the power of his prayers, he toppled a statue of Apollo. The prefect was enraged by this, and he ordered that greater torments be devised for the athlete of Christ. He endured them all and died peacefully after making the Sign of the Cross. The pagan priest Callinicus, seeing the bravery and the miracle involving St. Thyrsus, believed in Christ and boldly confessed the true Faith, for which he was beheaded. 

 

Troparion

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

 

Kontakion

You showed the violence of the enemy in public after you spat upon the barbarian torturer. You upheld the holiness of the faith, finding your strength in the help of Christ. Now pray for us, all you martyrs. 

 

Epistle

Ephesians 5: 1-8b

Brothers and sisters: Be Imitators of God as his dear children. Follow the way of love, even as Christ loved you. He gave himself for us as an offering to God, a gift of pleasing fragrance.

As for lewd conduct or promiscuousness or less of any sort, let them not even be mentioned among you; your holiness forbids this. Nor should there be any obscene, silly, or suggestive talk; all of that is out of place. Instead, give thanks. Make no mistake about this: no fornicator, no unclean or lustful person – in effect and idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with worthless arguments. These are sins that bring God’s wrath down on the disobedient; therefore have nothing to do with them. There was a time when you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. 

 

Gospel

Luke 14: 1-11

At that time Jesus came on a sabbath to eat a meal in the house of one of the leading Pharisees, and the Pharisees observed him closely. Directly in front of him was a man who suffered from dropsy. Jesus asked the lawyers and the Pharisees, “ is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?” At this they kept silent. Jesus took the man, healed him, and sent him on his way. Then he addressed himself to them: “ if one of you has a son or an ox, and he falls into a pit, will he not immediately rescue him on the sabbath day?” This they could not answer.

Jesus went on to address a parable to the guest, noticing how they were trying to get the places of honor at the table: “When you are invited by someone to a wedding party, do not sit in the place of honor in case some greater dignitary has been invited. Then the host might come and say to you, ‘Make room for this man,’ and you would have to proceed shamefacedly to the lowest place. What you should do when you have been invited, is go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host approaches you he will say, ‘My friend, come up higher.’ This will win you the esteem of your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humble himself shall be exalted.”

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

The holy martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes gave their lives for Christ in Armenia during the reign of Diocletian (284-305). St. Eustratius was a Roman commander in the city of Satalionus; Eugene was his companion in the army; Orestes was likewise a distinguished soldier; Auxentius was a priest; and Mardarius was an ordinary citizen who came, like Eustratius, from the town of Arabrak. Auxentius was beheaded, Eugene and Mardarius died while being tortured, Orestes expired on a red-hot iron grid, and Eustratius died in a fiery furnace. 

The holy virgin Lucy kept guard over her enkindled lamp for the coming of her Spouse as long as she lived. She was led from Syracuse to Sicily to death for Christ in 304; she was worthy to enter marriage with him and to possess light unfailing. 

 

Troparion

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

 

Kontakion

O victorious one, you have been like a bright star, enlightening those who stand in darkness of ignorance. Your faith, as a lance in your hand, armed you with courage against the haughtiness of your enemies. O Eustratius, you were the most eloquent of orators.

 

Readings for the Martyrs

Epistle

Ephesians 6: 10-17

Brothers and sisters: Draw your strength from the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires, and hold your ground. Stand fast, with the truth as the belt around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and zeal to propagate the gospel of peace as your footgear. In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, the word of God. 

 

Gospel

Luke 21: 12-28

The Lord said to his disciples, “Before any of this [trouble] they will manhandle and persecute you, summoning you to synagogues and prisons, bringing you to trial before kings and governors, all because of my name. You will be brought to give witness on account of it. I bid you resolve not to worry about your defense beforehand, for I will give you words and a wisdom which none of your adversaries can take exception to or contradict. You will be delivered up even by your parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. All will hate you because of me, yet not a hair of your head will be harmed. By patient endurance you will save your lives.

“When you see Jerusalem encircled by soldiers, know that its devastation is near. Those in Judea at the time must flee to the mountains; those in the heart of the city must escape it; those in the country must not return. These indeed will be days of retribution, when all that is written must be fulfilled.

“The women who are pregnant or nursing at the breast will fare badly in those days! The distress in the land and the wrath against this people will be great. The people will fall before the sword; they will be led captive in the midst of the Gentiles. Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish, distraught at the roaring of the sea and the waves. Men will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the earth. The powers in the heavens will be shaken. After that, men will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and glory. When these things begin to happen, stand erect and hold your heads high, for your deliverance is near at hand.” 

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

Hebrews 11: 8-16

Brothers and sisters: By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called, and went forth to the place he was to receive as a heritage; he went forth, moreover, not knowing where he was going. By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose designer and maker is God. By faith Sarah received power to conceive though she was past the age, for she thought that the One who had made the promise was worthy of trust. As a result of this faith, there came forth from one man, who was himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sands of the seashore.

All of these died in faith. They did not obtain what had been promised but saw and saluted it from afar. By acknowledging themselves to be strangers and foreigners on the earth, they showed that they were seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking back to the place from which they had come, they would have had the opportunity of returning there. But they were searching for a better, a heavenly home. Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 

 

Gospel

Mark 9: 33-41

At that time Jesus and his disciples returned to Capernaum and Jesus, once inside the house, began to ask them, “What were you discussing on the way home?” At this they fell silent, for on the way they had been arguing about who was most important. So he sat down and called the Twelve around him and said, “If anyone wishes to rank first, he must remain the last one of all and the servant of all.” Then he took a little child, stood him in their midst, and putting his arms around the child, said to them, “Whoever welcomes a child such as this for my sake welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes, not me, but him who sent me.”

John said to him, “Teacher, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we tried to stop him because he was not of our company.” Jesus said in reply: “Do not try to stop him. No man who performs a miracle using my name can at the same time speak ill of me. Anyone who is not against us is with us. Any man who gives you a drink of water because you belong to Christ will not, I assure you, go without his reward.”  

 

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

 

 

 

Our venerable father Spiridon the Wonderworker was a shepherd who had a wife and children. He used all his substance for the needs of his neighbors and the homeless, for which the Lord rewarded him with the gift of wonderworking. He healed those who were incurably sick, and cast out demons. After the death of his wife, during the reign of Constantine the Great (306-337), he was made Bishop of Tremithus, Cyprus. As a bishop, the saint did not alter his manner of life, but combined pastoral service with deeds of charity. According to the witness of Church historians, St. Spiridon participated in the sessions of the First Ecumenical Council in the year 325. At the Council, the saint entered into a dispute with a Greek philosopher who was defending the Arian heresy. The power of St. Spiridon’s plain and direct speech showed everyone the importance of human wisdom before God’s Wisdom. 

Our Lady of Guadalupe first appeared on December 9, 1591 in Mexico to St. Juan Diego, and bestowed on him an icon “not made with human hands,” requesting that a church be built in her honor on that mountain. Her shrine there is one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage in the Americas. Pope John Paul II named her the Patroness of the Americas. 

 

Troparion – Spiridon

You were revealed as a champion of the First Council, and a wonderworker, our God-bearing father Spiridon; for you called out to the woman dead in the tomb and you transformed the serpent into gold. And when you sang your holy prayers, you had angels serving with you, O most holy one. Glory to Him who gave you strength. Glory to Him who granted a crown to you! Glory to Him who through you grants healing to all. 

 

Troparion – Our Lady of Guadalupe

When you appeared in the New World, O Mother of God, you fixed your image on Juan Diego’s rose-laden tilma. All the poor, hungry, and oppressed seek you, Lady of Guadalupe. We gaze upon your miraculous icon and find hope, crying out to your Son concealed in your womb: Hear our plea for justice, O Most merciful Lord.

 

Kontakion – Spiridon

Inspired by the love of Christ, O Most Sacred One, and giving wings to your mind through the radiance of the Spirit! You found divine vision through your deeds, O God-pleasing One, becoming a divine oblation, asking Divine Illumination for all.

 

Kontakion – Our Lady of Guadalupe

No longer shall the New World lie wounded in useless blood sacrifice, for she who is clothed with the sun has revealed the Son to us. O Mother of the Americas, imprint his name upon our hearts, just as you wove your image into the cactus cloth. Teach your children to cry out: O Christ God, our hope, glory to you. 

 

Readings for Our Lady of Guadalupe

Epistle

Hebrews 9: 1-7

Brothers and sisters: The first covenant had regulations and an earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was constructed, the outer one, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the showbread; this was called the holy place. Behind the second veil was the tabernacle called the holy of holies, in which were the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant entirely covered with gold. In the ark were the golden jars containing manna, the rod of Aaron which had blossomed, and the tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the place of expiation. We cannot speak now of each of these in detail. These were the arrangements for worship. In performing their service the priests used to go into the inner one, and that but once a year, with the blood which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people. 

 

Gospel

Luke 1: 39-49, 56

In those days Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice: “Blest are you among women and blest is the fruit of your womb. But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby leapt in my womb for joy. Blest is she who trusted that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled.”

Then Mary said: “My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior, for he has looked upon his servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call me blessed. God who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is his name.”

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home. 

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

Hebrews 10: 35 – 11: 7

Brothers and sisters: Do not, then, surrender your confidence; it will have great reward. You need patience to do God’s will and receive what he has promised.

For just a brief moment, and he who is to come will come; he will not delay. My just man will live by faith and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him. We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and live.

Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see. Because of faith the men of old were approved by God. Through faith we perceive that the worlds were created by the word of God, and that what is visible came into being through the invisible. By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice greater than Cain’s. Because of this he was attested to be just, God himself having borne witness to him on account of his gifts; therefore, although Abel is dead, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away without dying, and “he was seen no more because God took him.” Scripture testifies that, before he was taken up, he was pleasing to God – but without faith, it is impossible to please him. Anyone who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, warned about things not yet seen, revered God and built an ark that his household might be saved. He thereby condemned the world and inherited the justice which comes through faith. 

 

Gospel

Mark 9: 9-13 

At that time Jesus and the disciples were coming down the mountain, Jesus strictly enjoined them not to tell anyone what they had seen, before the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept this word of his to themselves, though they continued to discuss what “rise from the dead” meant. Finally they put to him this question: “Why do the scribes claim that Elijah must come first?” Jesus told them: “Elijah will indeed come first and restore everything. Yet why does Scripture say of the Son of Man that he must suffer much and be despised? Let me assure you, Elijah has already come. They did entirely as they pleased with him, as Scriptures say of him.”

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

Our venerable father Daniel the Stylite was born in the village of Bethara, near the city of Samosata in Mesopotamia. His mother Martha was childless for a long while and in her prayers she vowed that if she had a child, she would dedicate him to the Lord. Her prayers were heard, and Martha soon gave birth to a son, who was without a name until he was five years old. Transported by the manner and example of St. Simeon, Daniel stood on a column, not subdued by force of cold or heat or wind, for thirty-three years and three months. St. Daniel also possessed the gift of gracious words. He guided many onto the path of correcting their lives as a priest of Constantinople. The monk reposed in his eightieth year in 489.

 

Troparion

You became a column of endurance and rivaled the forefathers, O venerable one, becoming like Job in your sufferings and like Joseph in your trials, and like the bodiless angels though you lived in the flesh. O Daniel our father, intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

Having ascended the pillar like a radiant star, O blessed One, you illumined the world with your venerable deeds, and dispelled the darkness of deception, O Father, therefore we pray you: shine forth even now the never setting light of understanding into the hearts of your servants. 

 

Epistle

Hebrews 10:1-18

Brothers and sisters: Since the law had only a shadow of the good things to come, and no real image of them, it was never able to perfect the worshipers by the same sacrifices offered continually year after year. Were matters otherwise, the priests would have stopped offering them, for the worshipers, once cleansed, would have had no sin on their conscience. But through those sacrifices there came only a yearly recalling of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take sins away. Wherefore, on coming into the world, Jesus said, “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you have prepared for me; holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight in. Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the book, I have come to do your will, O God.’” First Jesus says, “Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.” (These are offered according to the prescription of the law.) Then he says, “I have come to do your will.” In other words, Jesus takes away the first covenant to establish the second.

By this “will,” we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. Every other priest stands ministering day by day, and offering again and again those same sacrifices for sins and can never take away sins.  But Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are placed beneath his feet. By one offering he has forever perfected those who are being sanctified. The Holy Spirit attests this to us, for after saying, “This is the covenant I will make with them after those days says the Lord: I will out my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds,” he also says, “Their sins and their transgressions I will remember no more.” Once these have been forgiven, there is no further offering for sin.

 

Gospel

Mark 8: 30-34

At that time Jesus gave the disciples strict orders not to tell anyone about him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man had to suffer much, be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, but put to death, and ride three days later. He said these things quite openly. Peter then took Jesus aside to remonstrate him. At this Jesus turned around and, eyeing the disciple, reprimanded Peter. “Get out of my sight, you satan! You are not judging by God’s standards but by man’s!” Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them: “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and follow in my steps.” 

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