The holy venerable martyr Stephen the younger was a monk and martyr, who, under Constantine Copronymus, was tortured by various punishments for the cult of sacred images and confirmed the Catholic truth by his shed blood. (767)

The holy martyr Irenarchus was a torturer in Sebaste in Armenia. He was converted to Christ by the steadfastness of Christian women martyrs. Under Diocletian the emperor and Maximus the governor, he was struck down with an ax in the 4th century. 

Troparion – Stephen

At first you were radiant with the light of fasting, but now you are more brilliant with your martyr’s blood. You burnt off the fog of those who spoke heresy, and showed the true glory of the orthodox faith. You have been glorified as a divine witness to Christ, O holy martyr Stephen.

Troparion – Irenarchus

Your martyr, Irenarchus, 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 – Stephen

O lover of feasts, in our hearts let us faithfully praise in hymns the divine Stephen, servant of the Holy Trinity, for he has honored the beautiful icons of the Master and His Mother together now, let us who rejoice lovingly sing to him; rejoice, O ever-glorious father. 

Kontakion – Irenarchus

May you have an abundance of peace, O martyr, for you laid hold of the enemy. You defeated that army of spiritual deception by the power of divine grace. You endured the most terrible sufferings. Now we beseech you to deliver from all harm those who keep your memory, O Irenarchus. 

Epistle

Titus 1: 5-14

Titus, my son: My purpose in leaving you in Crete was that you might accomplish what had been left undone, especially the appointment of presbyters in every town. As I instructed you, a presbyter must be irreproachable, married only once, the father of children who are believers and are known not to be wild and insubordinate. The bishop as God’s steward must be blameless. He may not be self-willed or arrogant, a drunkard, a violent or greedy man. He should, on the contrary, be hospitable and a lover of goodness; steady, just, holy, and self-controlled. In his teaching he must hold fast to the authentic message, so that he will be able both to encourage men to follow sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it. There are many irresponsible teachers, especially those among the Jewish converts – men who are simply talkers and deceivers. These must be silence. They are upsetting whole families by teaching things they have no right to teach – and all for sordid gain! A man of Crete, one of their own prophets, has testified, “Cretans have ever been liars, beasts, and lazy gluttons,” and that is the simple truth!

Admonish them sharply, in an attempt to keep them close to sound faith, and unaffected by Jewish myths or rules invented by men who have swerved from the truth. 

Gospel

Luke 20: 9-18

The Lord told this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and went away for a long time. At vintage time he sent a servant to the tenant farmers to receive his share of the crop from them; but they beat him and sent him away empty-handed. He sent a second servant whom they also beat. Him too they sent away empty-handed, after treating him shamefully. He sent still a third, whom they likewise maltreated before driving him away. The owner of the vineyard asked himself, ‘What am I to do now? Perhaps if I send the son I love, they will respect him.’

“But when the tenant farmers saw the son, they reflected, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him so that the inheritance will be ours.’ With that, they dragged him outside the vineyard and killed him. What fate do you suppose the owner of the vineyard has in store for them? I will tell you. He will make an end to those tenant farmers and give the vineyard to others.”

When they heard this they said, “God forbid!” Jesus looked directly at them and said, “What do the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the keystone of the structure’? The man who falls on that stone will be smashed to pieces. It will make dust of anyone on whom it falls.”

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

The holy martyr James was a noble at the Persian court at the end of the 4th century. He offered sacrifice to idols despite his baptism. His mother and wife reproached him, begging him to repent. Moved by their plea, James repented bitterly and returned to Christ. The king sentenced him to death by being cut to death, bit by bit, until the end. He praised God and forgave his persecutors till they cut off his head. His holy head was taken to Rome, and a part of his relics are venerated in Portugal, where his feast is kept on May 22. 

Our venerable father Palladius was born in Thessaloniki. He contended in asceticism in Alexandria at the end of the 6th and the beginning of the 7th century. His Service is sung at Compline.

Troparion – James

You astonished everyone by enduring horrible torture with great patience, O long-suffering one. As the evil assembly performed the slaughter, you uttered prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord. Through your suffering you received your crown, and went up to the throne of the heavenly King, Christ God. O James, pray to Him to save our souls.

Troparion – Palladius

In you, O father, the divine image was strictly preserved; taking up your cross you followed Christ. You taught us by example how to spurn the flesh, for it passes away, and how to care for the soul, which is immortal. Therefore, O venerable Palladius, your soul rejoices with the angels. 

Kontakion – James

You believed your good wife, O patient guide, and were awed by the dread judgment of God. You despised the commands and threats of the Persians, O James, and as they cut your body as though a vine, you were revealed an honorable martyr.

Kontakion – Palladius

You gained God by prayer and fasting, by living a God-directed monastic life. You were a pure offering to the Holy Spirit and a shining example of virtuous deeds to the faithful. You enlighten all who look to you, and so we are led to sing: Glory to Christ who exalted you! Glory to Him who strengthened you! Glory to Him who heals all through you!

Epistle

2 Timothy 4: 9-22

Timothy, my son: Do your best to join me soon, for Demas, enamored of the present world, has left me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. I have no one with me but Luke. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he can be of great service to me. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.

Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Meanwhile, you too had better be on guard, for he has strongly resisted our preaching. At the first hearing of my case in court, no one took my part. In fact, everyone abandoned me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by my side and gave me strength, so that through me the preaching task might be completed and all the nations might hear the gospel. That is how I was saved from the lion’s jaw. The Lord will continue to rescue me from all attempts to do me harm and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen

Greet Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus has stayed in Corinth, while Trophimus I had to leave ill at Miletus. Get here before winter if you can. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers send greetings. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. 

Gospel

Luke 20: 1-8

At that time when Jesus was in the temple proclaiming the good news, the high priests and Pharisees, accompanied by the elders, approached him with the question, “Tell us, by what authority do you do these things? In other words, who has authorized you?” Jesus replied, “Let me put a question for you to answer: Did the baptism of John come from God or from men?” They held a brief conference during which someone said, “If we answer, ‘From God,’ he will say, ‘Then why do you not believe in it?’; whereas if we say, ‘From men,’ the people will stone us, so convinced are they that John was a prophet.” They ended by replying they did not know where it came from. Jesus said to them, “In that case, neither will I tell you by whose authority I act.”

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

Our venerable father Alypius the Stylite was a deacon who died near the age of one hundred in the year 640 at Hadrianopolis in Paphlagonia. 

The Consecration of the Church of the Great Martyr George at Kiev: Beginning with the holy Prince Vladimir (July 15), it was the pious custom of Russian princes to build a church in honor of their patron saint. Thus, Saint Vladimir (in Baptism Basil) built at Kiev and Vyshgorod temples dedicated to Saint Basil the Great (Jan. 1). Prince Yaroslav the Wise (in Baptism George) started to build a church and men’s monastery in honor of his patron saint, the Holy Great Martyr George (Apr. 23).

Troparion – Alypius

You seem a terror unscalable to the devils, crippling them by the club of your effective prayers. You chase away passions by fasting. You are a firm support of the wavering. O venerable father Alypius, beg Christ God for the salvation of our souls. 

Troparion – George

Today the ends of the world bless you when you were filled with divine miracles, and the earth rejoices receiving your blood. The Christ-named people of the city of Kiev rejoice with joy by the consecration of your divine temple, O passion-bearer George, O chosen vessel of the Holy Spirit who is the pleaser of Christ. Pray to Him for those who enter your temple with faith and petitions, to grant cleansing of sins, peace to the world, and to save our souls. 

Kontakion – Alypius

The Church glorifies you and sings to you today, O Alypius, a perfect example of virtue and fight with love deliverance from fierce transgressions on your name day.

Kontakion – George

Having assembled in faith in the consecrated temple which God alone blessed to construction in your name, let us praise the divine crown-bearer and great-martyr of Christ, George, for you are one who reposes among the saints. 

Epistle

2 Timothy 3:16 – 4:4

Timothy, my son: All Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching – for reproof, correction, and training in holiness so that the man of God may be fully competent and equipped for every good work.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is coming to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power. I charge you to preach the word, to stay with this task whether convenient or inconvenient-correcting, reproving, appealing–constantly teaching and never losing patience. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but, following their own desires, will surround themselves with teachers who tickle their ears. They will stop listening to the truth and will wander off to fables.

Gospel

Luke 19: 45-48

At that time Jesus entered the temple and began ejecting the traders saying: “Scripture has it, ‘My house is meant for a house of prayer’ but you have made it ‘a den of thieves.’” He was teaching in the temple area from day to day. The chief priests and scribes meanwhile were looking for a way to destroy him, as were the leaders of the people, but they had no idea how to achieve it, for indeed the entire populace was listening to him and hanging on his words. 

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

Our holy father Clement ruled the Church of Rome third after the blessed Peter the Apostle. He wrote an outstanding letter to the Corinthians to strengthen the peace and concord among themselves. The burial of his body on this day in Rome is honored, his relics having been restored to the Eternal City by Saints Cyril and Methodius after the saint’s death in 101. 

Our holy father Peter came to the throne of Alexandria in the year 299, and died a martyr by the grave of the holy Apostle Mark in 311. He fought against Arius and his teaching, and drove him out of the city.

Troparion

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

Kontakion

Heavenly and immovable pillars of the Church, heavenly and strong pillars of holiness, O Clement and Peter, save all of us through your prayers. 

Epistle

2 Timothy 2: 20-26

Timothy my son: In every large household there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for distinguished and others for common use. The lesson is that if a person will but cleanse himself of evil things he may be a distinguished vessel, dedicated and useful to the master of the house and ready for every noble service. So, turn from youthful passions and pursue integrity, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord in purity of heart. Have nothing to do with senseless, ignorant disputations. As you well know, they only breed Quarrels, and the servant of the Lord must not be Quarrelsome but must be kindly toward all. He must be an apt teacher, patiently and gently correcting those who contradict him, in the hope always that God will enable them to repent and know the truth. Thus, taken captive by God will enable them to repent and know the truth. Thus, taken captive by God to do his will, they shall escape the devil’s trap.

Gospel

Luke 19: 37-44

At that time as Jesus approached the descent from Mount Olivet, the entire crowd of disciples began to rejoice and praise God loudly for the display of power they had seen, saying: “Blessed is he who comes as king in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He replied, “If they were to keep silence, I tell you the very stones would cry out.”

Coming within sight of the city, Jesus wept over it and said: “If only you had known the path to peace this day; but you have completely lost it from view! Days will come upon you when your enemies encircle you with a rampart, hem you in, and press you hard from every side. They will wipe you out, and leave not a stone on a stone within you, because you failed to recognize the time of your visitation.”

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

The holy great martyr Catherine, was an Alexandrian and a martyr, filled with sharpness of mind and wisdom no less than with strength of soul. Her body is honored in pious veneration in a famous coenobium on Mt. Sinai. (310)

The holy great martyr Mercury was an Armenian soldier in the army of the emperor Decius. In a battle, an angel of the Lord appeared to Mercury and steeled him for combat. After this victory, he was made a commander by the emperor, but was denounced to him as a Christians by jealous soldiers. He was beheaded in Cappadocia sometime between 251 and 259.

Troparion – Catherine

You enlightened pagan philosophers with the light of your works. You were like a full moon for those who travel at night. You overcame the darkness and converted the queen. You stood up to the torturer, O blessed Catherine, chosen by God. On your wishes you were carried to the heavenly bridal chamber of your splendid Bridegroom Christ. You were espoused to him with a regal crown, O bride chosen by God. In the company of the angels, pray for us who keep your memory.

Troparion – Mercury

O martyr Mercury, you were led to the struggle of your martyrdom like a true soldier standing before the Immortal King. You have gone confidently and were welcomed into the ranks of the passion-bearers. Hasten to give help to the faithful who hold fast to your memory

Kontakion – Catherine

Let us who love the divine martyr now raise up an honorable choir honoring the all-wise Catherine. For this she preached Christ in the arena, and trampled down the serpents, disposing the wisdom of the long-winded orators. 

Kontakion – Mercury

Let us praise and bless Mercury in song. He is an invincible warrior in battle and a sure defender in trouble. He delivers from all danger and tribulation those who venerate him.

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 the 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 belts 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 13: 10-17

At that time on a sabbath day Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues. There was a woman there who for eighteen years had been possessed by a spirit which drained her strength. She was badly stooped–quite incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called her to him and said, “Woman, you are free of your infirmity.” He laid his hand on her, and immediately she stood up straight and began thanking God.

The chief of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus should have healed on the sabbath, said to the congregation, “There are six days for working. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath.” The Lord said in reply, “O you hypocrites! Which of you does not let his ox or ass out of the stall on the sabbath to water it? Should not this daughter of Abraham here who has been in the bondage of Satan for eighteen years have been released from her shackles on the sabbath?” At these words, his opponents were covered with confusion; meanwhile, everyone else rejoiced at the marvels Jesus was accomplishing. 

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

Our holy father Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium, was the cousin of St. Gregory the Theologian and close friend of St. Basil the Great. St. Amphilochius lived in the wilderness as a strict ascetic for 40 years until the Lord summoned him in a vision, telling him to go to Iconium to replace the bishop who had just died. As Bishop of Iconium, St. Amphilochius fought the Arian and Eunomian heresies. He participated in the 2nd Ecumenical Council, and headed the struggle against the heresy of Macedonius. The holy Bishop Amphilochius of Iconium departed peacefully to the Lord in the year 394.

Our holy father Gregory, Bishop of Agrigento, was a holy child, who was given to the clergy of the church of Agrigento at the age of 12 where he spent ten years under the spiritual guidance of the archdeacon. St. Gregory then felt called to visit Jerusalem, where he stayed for several years. After leaving Jerusalem, St. Gregory went to Constantinople, where he was received with love by the brethren of the monastery of the holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus. The ascetic efforts of St. Gregory were noticed by Patriarch Eutychius of Constantinople, who insisted the saint participate in the 5fth Ecumenical Council (553). The Pope appointed St. Gregory as Bishop of Agrigento through divine inspiration. 

Troparion

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

Kontakion – Amphilochius

Divine thunder, trumpet of the Spirit, sower of faith, and axe that cuts down heresies, servant of the Trinity, O great hierarch Amphilochius, pleasing to the Trinity, you stand forever with the angels. Pray unceasingly for all of us. 

Kontakion – Gregory

The Church of the Holy Spirit leads righteously with bright rays of light the fulfillment of your dormition, O all-blessed venerable father Gregory. 

Epistle

Galatians 5:22 – 6:2

Brothers and sisters: The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness and chastity. Against such there is no law! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the spirit, let us follow the spirit’s lead. Let us never be boastful, or challenging, or jealous toward one another.

Brothers and sisters, if someone is detected in sin, you who live by the spirit should gently set him right, each of you trying to avoid falling into temptation himself. Help carry one another’s burden; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Gospel

Luke 10: 19-22a

The Lord said to his disciples: “I have given you power to tread on snakes and scorpions and all the forces of the enemy, and nothing shall ever injure you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice so much in the fact that the devils are subject to you as that your names are inscribed in heaven.”

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

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

The Holy Apostles of the Seventy Philemon and his wife Apphia lived in the city of Colossa in Phrygia. After they were baptized by the holy Apostle Paul, they converted their house into a house of prayer, where all those who believed in Christ gathered and attended services. They devoted themselves to serving the sick and downcast. St. Philemon became bishop of the city of Gaza, and he preached the Word of God throughout Phrygia. Saints Philemon and Apphia, and also St. Archippus (who also lived at Colossa), all received the crown of martyrdom during the persecution of Nero (54-68). During a pagan festival an enraged crowd rushed into the Christian church when services were going on. All fled in terror, and only Saints Philemon, Archippus, and Apphia remained. They seized them and led them off to the city prefect. The crowd beat and stabbed St. Archippus with knives, and he died on the way to the court. Saints Philemon and Apphia were stoned to death by order of the prefect. 

The holy martyrs Cecilia, Valerian, Tiburtius and Maximus: St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr, who it is said attained that double palm for the love of Christ at Rome in the cemetery of Callistus on the Appian Way. She was martyred after she buried with loving care the bodies of the martyrs Valerian, Tiburtius, and Maximus whom she led to Christ through her great devotion. (c. 230)

Troparion 

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

Kontakion

We praise the apostles of Christ as stars who bathe the ends of the world with light: the glorious Philemon, and the consecrated Archippus, and Onesimus, and Mark, and Appollos, and with them the all-wise Apphia, singing: pray unceasingly for all of us.

Epistle

2 Timothy 1: 1-2, 8-18

Paul, by the will of God an apostle of Christ Jesus sent to proclaim the promise of life in him, to Timothy, my child whom I love. May grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord be with you. 

Never be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor for me, a prisoner for his sake; but with the strength which comes from God bear your share of the hardship which the gospel entails.

God has saved us and has called us to a holy life, not because of any merit of ours but according to his own design – the grace held out to us in Christ Jesus before the world began but now made manifest through the appearance of our Savior. He has robbed death of its power and has brought life and immortality into clear light through the gospel. In the service of this gospel I have been appointed preacher and apostle and teacher, and for its sake I undergo present hardships. But I am not ashamed, for I know him in whom I have believed, and I am confident that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that Day. Take as a model of sound teaching what you have heard me say in faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the rich deposit of faith with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

You know that all in Asia, including even Phygelus and Hermogenes, have turned their back on me. May the Lord have mercy on the family of Onesiphorus, because he has often given me new heart and has not been ashamed of me, even in my chains. When he was in Rome, he sought me out earnestly and found me. When he stands before the Lord on the great DAy, may the Lord grant him mercy! And the many services he has performed for Christ in Ephesus you know even better than I.

Gospel

Luke 19: 12-28

The Lord told this parable: “A man of noble birth went to a faraway country to become its king, and then return. He summoned ten of his servants and gave them sums of ten units each saying to them, ‘Invest this until I get back.’ But his fellow citizens despised him, and they immediately sent a deputation after him with instructions to say, ‘We will not have this man rule over us.’ He returned, however, crowned as king. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, to learn what profit each had made. The first presented himself and said, ‘Lord, the sum you gave me has earned you another ten.’ ‘Good man!’ he replied. ‘You showed yourself capable in a small matter. For that you can take over ten villages.’ The second came and said, ‘Your investment, my lord, has netted you five.’ The king’s word to him was, ‘Take over five villages.’ The third came in and said: ‘Here is your money, my lord which I hid for safekeeping. You see, I was afraid of you because you are a hard man. You withdraw what you never deposited. You reap what you never sowed.’ To him the king said: ‘You worthless lout! I intend to judge you on your own evidence. You knew I was a hard man, withdrawing what I never deposited, reaping what I never sowed! Why, then, did you not put my money out on loan, so that on my return I could get it back with interest?’ The king said to those standing around, ‘Take from him what he has, and give it to the man with the ten.’ He responded with, ‘The moral is: whoever has will be given more, but the one who has not will lose the little he has. Now about those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king, bring them in and slay them in my presence.’”

Having spoken this, Jesus went ahead with his ascent to Jerusalem. 

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

According to Holy Tradition, the parents of the Virgin Mary, Saints Joachim and Anna, praying for an end to their childlessness, vowed that if a child were born to them, they would dedicate it to the service of God. When the Most Holy Virgin reached the age of three, the holy parents decided to fulfill their vow. They gathered together their relatives and acquaintances, and dressed the All-Pure Virgin in Her finest clothes. Singing sacred songs and with lighted candles in their hands, virgins escorted Her to the Temple. After entrusting their child to the Heavenly Father, Joachim and Anna returned home. The All-Holy Virgin remained in the quarters for virgins near the Temple. The earthly life of the Most Holy Theotokos from Her infancy until She was taken up to Heaven is shrouded in deep mystery. Her life at the Jerusalem Temple was also a secret. 

Troparion

Today is the prelude of God’s benevolence and the herald of our salvation; for the Virgin openly appears in the temple of God and foretells Christ to all. Let us also with full voice exclaim to her: Rejoice, fulfillment of the Creator’s plan.

Kontakion

The most pure Temple of the Savior, the most precious Bridal Chamber and Virgin, the Treasury of the glory of God, is led today into the house of the Lord, bringing grace in the Spirit of God. God’s angels praise her in song; she is the Heavenly Ark.

Readings for the feast

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 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

1 Timothy 6: 17-21

Timothy, my son: Tell those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be proud, and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth. Let them trust in the God who provides us richly with all things for our use. Charge them to do good, to be rich in good works and generous, sharing what they have. Thus will they build a secure foundation for the future, for receiving that life which is life indeed.

O Timothy, guard what has been committed to you. Stay clear of worldly, idle talk and the contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge. In laying claim to such knowledge, some men have missed the goal of faith. Grace be with you. 

Gospel

Luke 18: 31-34

At that time, taking the Twelve aside, Jesus said to them: “We must now go up to Jerusalem so that all that was written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man may be accomplished. He will be delivered up to the Gentiles. He will be mocked and outraged and spat upon. They will scourge him and put him to death, and on the third day he will rise again.” They understood nothing of this. His utterance remained obscure to them, and they did not grasp his meaning. 

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

Our venerable father Gregory the Decapolite first professed the monastic life and then the life of an anchorite. Then he made a journey and settled for a long time in Thessalonica. Finally he returned his soul to God in Constantinople where he fought vigorously in defense of the holy Images during the 9th century. 

Our holy father Proclus, archbishop of Constantinople, who vigorously proclaimed blessed Mary to be the Theotokos (“she who gave birth to God”). He returned the body of St. John Chrysostom from exile in a triumphal translation. His episcopate was so adorned with the blessings that the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon he was thought worthy to be called the Great. (446)

Troparion – saints

O God of our Fathers who always deal with us according to Your compassion, take not Your mercy away from us, but through their prayers, guide our life in peace. 

Troparion – Prefestive

Today Anna prepares for us a joy that dispels all sadness for she has blossomed and borne the only Ever-Virgin. Today she fulfills her vows with gladness and leads into the Temple of the Lord the one who is the true temple of God the Word and His pure Mother. 

Kontakion – Gregory

The Church recognizes you as a brilliant sun which enlightens  the world with virtues and with miracles of healing. You pleased Christ, therefore, we celebrate your precious memory and honor your struggles, O Gregory, our father wise and all-blessed.

Kontakion – Proclus

Today the most honorable of cities truly celebrates your honorable repose, O father of fathers Proclus the wise!

Kontakion – Prefestive

Filled with joy today by the auspicious feast of the Theotokos, the whole world cries out: This is the Heavenly Ark.

Epistle

1 Timothy 5:22 – 6:11

Timothy, my son: Never lay your hands hastily on anyone, or you may be sharing in the misdeeds of others. Keep yourself pure. Stop drinking water only. Take in a little wine for the good of your stomach, and because of your frequent illnesses.

Some men’s sins are flagrant and cry out for judgment now, while other men’s sins will appear only later. Similarly, some good deeds stand out clearly as such; even inconspicuous ones cannot be hidden forever.

All under the yoke of slavery must regard their masters as worthy of full respect; otherwise the name of God and the church’s teaching suffer abuse. Those slaves whose masters are brothers in the faith must not take liberties with them on that account. They must perform their tasks even more faithfully, since those who will profit from their work are believers and beloved brothers. These are the things you must teach and preach. Whoever teaches in any other way, not holding to the sound doctrines of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching proper to true religion, should be recognized as both conceited and ignorant, a sick man in his passion for polemics and controversy. From these come envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions – in a word, the bickering of men with twisted minds who have lost all sense of truth. Such men value religion only as a means of personal gain. There is, of course, great gain in religion – provided one is content with a sufficiency. We brought nothing into this world, nor have we the power to take anything out. If we have food and clothing we have all that we need. Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and a trap. They are letting themselves be captured by foolish and harmful desires which drag men down to ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all evil. Some men in their passion for it have strayed from the faith, and have come to grief amid great pains. Man of God that you are, flee from all this. 

Gospel

Luke 18: 15-17, 26-30

At that time they even brought babies to be touched by Jesus. When the disciples saw this, they scolded the people roundly; but Jesus called for the children, saying, “Let the little children come to me. Do not shut them off. The reign of God belongs to such as these. Trust me when I tell you that whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a child will not enter into it.”

His listeners asked him, “Who, then, can be saved?” to which Jesus replied, “Things that are impossible for men are possible for God.” Peter said, “We have left all we own to become your followers.” Jesus’ answer was, “I solemnly assure you, there is no one who has left home or wife or brothers, parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive a plentiful return in this age and life everlasting in the age to come.” 

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