The synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel: the primary feast of the Archangel is March 26. On this day is commemorated all his appearances and marvels throughout the history of salvation. This feast was instituted on Mt. Athos in 982. 

Our venerable father Stephen of the Monastery of St. Sabbas, who suffered death  in 784 during the reign of the emperor Severus. He was the nephew of St. John Damascene, and lived the monastic life in the Sabaite monastery near Jerusalem. 

Our holy father Julian, Bishop of Kenoman at Le Mans, Cenomanus in Latin, in Galia Lugdunesis, a Roman province that is now France. He is considered  the first bishop of that city. 

Troparion – Archangel

O people, with a candlelight assembly let us sing the praises of the leader of heaven’s hosts. He is the servant of light sent from the Light divine to enlighten all who sing with love: O Gabriel, leader of the angels, rejoice with all the power of heaven.

Troparion – Venerable Father

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

Kontakion – Archangel

Having beheld the glory of God in heaven and having brought grace to earth from on high, save and protect those who sing to you: O prince of angels and wise Gabriel, minister of God’s glory and heavenly defender of the world, always protect us and never abandon us. 

Kontakion – Venerable Father

You sought the very depth of wisdom, O Stephen, and great was your joy when you found that precious pearl. You found understanding in your infirmities, most blessed Stephen.

Readings for the Archangel

Epistle

Hebrews 2: 2-10

Brothers and sisters: If the word spoken through angels stood unchanged, and all transgressions and disobedience received its due punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore a salvation as great as ours? Announced first by the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who had heard him. God then gave witness to it by signs, miracles, varied acts of power, and distribution of the gifts of the Holy Spirit as he willed. 

For he did not make the world to come–that world of which we speak– subject to angels. Somewhere this is testified to, in the passage that says: “What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? You made him for a little while a little lower than the angels: you crowned him with glory and honor, and put all things under his feet.” In subjecting all things to him, God left nothing unsubjected. At present we do not see all things thus subject, but we do see Jesus crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death: Jesus, who was made for a little while lower than the angels, that through God’s gracious will he might taste death for the sake of all men. Indeed, it was fitting that when bringing many sons to glory God, for whom and through whom all things exist, should make their leader in the work of salvation perfect through suffering.

Gospel 

Luke 10: 16-22

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

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

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

Readings for the day

Epistle

Romans 13: 1-10

Brothers and sisters: Let everyone obey the authorities that are over him, for there is no authority except from God, and all authority that exists is established by God. As a consequence, the man who opposes authority rebels against the ordinance of God; those who resist thus shall draw condemnation down upon themselves. Rulers cause no fear when a man does what is right but only when his conduct is evil. Do you wish to be free from the fear of authority? Do what is right and you will gain its approval, for the ruler is God’s servant to work for your good. Only if you do wrong ought you to be afraid. It is not without purpose that the ruler carries the sword; he is God’s servant, to inflict his avenging wrath upon the wrongdoer. You must obey, then, not only to escape punishment but also for conscience’ sake. You pay taxes for the same reason, magistrates being God’s ministers who devote themselves to his service with unremitting care. Pay each one his due: taxes to whom taxes are due; toll to whom toll is due; respect and honor everyone who deserves them.

Owe no debt to anyone except the debt that binds us to love one another. He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not murder; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,” and any other commandment there may be are all summed up in this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Lover never wrongs the neighbor, hence love is the fulfillment of the law. 

Gospel

Matthew 12: 30-37

The Lord said: “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. That, I assure you, is why every sin, every blasphemy, will be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever says anything against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever says anything against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. Declare a tree good and its fruit good or declare a tree rotten and its fruit rotten, one or the other, for you can tell a tree by its fruit. How can you utter anything good, you brood of vipers, when you are so evil? The mouth speaks whatever fills the mind. A good man produces good from his store of goodness; an evil man produces evil from his evil store. I assure you, on judgment day people will be held accountable for every unguarded word they speak. By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

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

The holy martyrs Proclus and Hilary (Hilarion) were arrested for being Christians during the reign of the emperor Trajan (98-117). Proclus was the uncle of Hilary. Proclus said to the tortures, “When you are afraid to transgress the Emperor’s commands and risk falling into temporal punishment, how much more do we Christians fear to transgress against God’s commands and fall into eternal torment!”

Our venerable father Michael of Malein was a wealthy man of noble birth who gave away all his goods and became a hermit on Mt. Kyminas in Bithynia. He had many disciples, of whom the best-known is St. Athanasius the Athonite. He lived during the 3rd century. 

Troparion – Martyrs

The angels looked down and were amazed by your sufferings. By your flesh you vanquished the spirit foes, O holy ones, and spread him by the power of the cross. Pray for us in our need, O Proclus and Hilarion, that we too may conquer the enemy and save our souls.

Troparion – Venerable Father

Having soared on mental wings to a vision of God, you left behind all the noises of the world, O blessed saint. You despised all the explanations according to the flesh, but sought the wisdom from on high. You present yourself as a model for all of us, saying; It is a good thing to live with God.

Kontakion – Martyrs

The sufferings of these martyrs shine with the brilliance of miracles like morning stars. Therefore, we celebrate their memory and beg Christ to save our souls.

Kontakion – Venerable Father

O Michael, you purified your flesh with good works, and you plumbed the spirit of mediation. You are clearly revealed to us as a home of the Trinity. O Michael, pray unceasingly for all of us. 

Epistle

1 Corinthians 11: 8-22

Brothers and sisters: Man was not made from woman but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman but woman for man. For this reason a woman ought to have a sign of submission on her head, because of the angels. Yet, in the Lord, woman is not independent of man nor man independent of woman. In the same way that woman was made from man, so man is born of a woman; and all is from God. I will let you judge for yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God unveiled? Does not nature itself teach you that it is dishonorable for a man to wear his hair long, while the long hair of a woman is her glory? Her hair has been given her for a covering. If anyone wants to argue about this, remember that neither we nor the churches of God recognize any other usage.

What I now have to say is not said in praise, because your meetings are not profitable but harmful. First of all, I hear that when you gather for a meeting there are divisions among you, and I am inclined to believe it. There may even have to be factions among you for the tried and true to stand out clearly. When you assemble it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper, for everyone is in haste to eat his own supper. One person goes hungry while another gets drunk. Do you not have homes where you can eat and drink? Would you show contempt for the church of God, and embarrass those who have nothing? What can I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this manner!

Gospel

Matthew 17: 10-18

At that time the disciples put this question to Jesus: “Why do the scribes claim that Elijah must come first?” In reply he said: “Elijah is indeed coming, and he will restore everything. I assure you, though, that Elijah has already come, but they do not recognize him and they did as they pleased with him. The Son of Man will suffer at their hands in the same way.” The disciples then realized that he had been speaking to them about John the Baptizer. 

As they approached the crowd, a man came up to Jesus and knelt before him. “Lord,” he said, “take pity on my son who is demented and in a serious condition. For example, he often falls into the fire and frequently into the water. I have brought him to your disciples but they could not cure him.” In reply Jesus said: “What an unbelieving and perverse lot you are! How long must I remain with you? How long can I endure you? Bring him here to me!” Then Jesus reprimanded the demon and it came out of the boy. That very moment the boy was cured.

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

The holy martyr Euphemia the Illustrious was handed over to the beasts after various tortures under the emperor Diolcetian. Her passing is kept on Sept. 16; today is the day that her holy relics confirmed the orthodox faith at the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon.

The passing of Olga, princess of Kiev, baptized Helen, at Kiev in Rus. She was the grandmother of St. Vladimir, the first of the Rurik dynasty to receive baptism. She prepared the way to Christ for all the peoples of Rus. 

Troparion – Euphemia

Lighting your lamp, you loved your Spouse. You were radiant from your virtues, O praiseworthy one, and because of this you pledged yourself to Christ. You received a crown of suffering from Him. From troubles deliver us who venerate your memory in faith, O Euphemia. 

Troparion – Olga 

Raising your mind on the wings of theology, you soared far above visible creation. Seeking the God and Creator of all things being rewarded by finding Him, you were born again to Christ in baptism. Receiving delight from the Tree of Life, you remain incorrupt for all ages, O glorious Olga. 

Kontakion – Euphemia

You took part in the struggle with great valor, defending faith in Christ your beloved Savior. Through the powerful intercession of the Mother of God, intercede with Christ that He may wipe out all false teachings and humiliate the pride of the enemy. From the six hundred and thirty Fathers of the Council, you have received the definition of the faith and preserved it faithfully, O Euphemia worthy of all praise. 

Kontakion – Olga

Let us sing hymns to the Benefactor of the world who exalted the God-wise Olga in the land of Rus. May He forgive our sins by her prayers. 

Readings for Euphemia

Epistle

2 Corinthians 6: 1-10

Brothers and sisters: As your fellow workers we beg you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In an acceptable time I have heard you; on a day of salvation I have helped you.” Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation! We avoid giving anyone offense, so that our ministry may not be blamed. On the contrary, in all that we do we strive to present ourselves as ministers of God, acting with patient endurance amid trials, difficulties, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, and riots; as men familiar with hard work, sleepless nights, and fastings; conducting ourselves with innocence, knowledge, and patience, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love as men with the message of truth and the power of God; wielding the weapons of righteousness with right hand and left, whether honored or dishonored, spoken of well or ill. We are called imposters, yet we are truthful; nobodies who in fact are well known; dead, yet here we are alive; punished, but not put to death; sorrowful, though we are always rejoicing; poor, yet we enrich many. We seem to have nothing, yet everything is ours! 

Gospel

Luke 7: 36-50

At that time there was a certain Pharisee who invited Jesus to dine with him. Jesus went to the Pharisee’s home and reclined to eat. A woman known in the town to be a sinner learned that he was dining in the Pharisee’s home. She brought in a vase of perfumed oil and stood behind him at his feet, weeping so that her tears fell upon his feet. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissing them and perfuming them with the oil. When his host, the Pharisee, saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet he would know who and what sort of woman this is that touched him–that she is a sinner.” In answer to his thoughts, Jesus said to him, “Simon, I have something to propose to you.” “Teacher,” he said, “speak.”

Jesus said, “Two men owed money to a certain money-lender; one owed a total of five hundred coins, the other fifty. Since neither was able to repay, he wrote off both debts. Which of them was more grateful to him?” Simon answered, “He, I presume, to whom he remitted the larger sum.” Jesus said to him, “You are right.”

Turning then to the woman, Jesus said to Simon: “You see this woman? I came to your home and you provided me with no water for my feet. She has washed my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since I entered. You did not anoint my feet with perfume. I tell you, that is why her many sins are forgiven–because of her great love. Little is forgiven the one whose love is small.”

Jesus said to her then, “Your sins are forgiven”; at which his fellow guests began to ask among themselves, “Who is this that he even forgives sins?” Meanwhile Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has been your salvation. Now go in peace.”

Readings for the day

Epistle

1 Corinthians 10:28 – 11:7

Brothers and sisters: If someone should say to you, “This was offered in idol worship,” do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who called attention to it on account of the conscience issue – not your own conscience but your neighbor’s. You may ask, why should my liberty be restricted by another man’s conscience? And why is it, if I partake thankfully, that I should be blamed for the food over which I gave thanks?

The fact is that whether you eat or drink – whatever you do – you should do all for the glory of God. Give no offense to Jew or Greek or to the church of God, just as I try to please all in any way I can by seeking, not my own advantage, but that of the many, that they may be saved. Imitate me as I imitate Christ.

I praise you because you always remember me and are holding fast to the traditions just as I handed them on to you. I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ; the head of a woman is her husband; and the head of Christ is the Father. Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame on his head. Similarly, any woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered brings shame upon her head. It is as if she had had her head shaved. Indeed, if a woman will not wear a veil, she ought to cut off her hair. If it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, it is clear that she ought to wear a veil. A man, on the other hand, ought not to cover his head, because he is the image of God and the reflection of his glory. Woman, in turn, is the reflection of man’s glory. Man was not made from woman but woman from man. 

Gospel

Matthew 16: 24-28

The Lord said to his disciples: “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps. Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would a man show if he were to gain the whole world and destroy himself in the process? What can a man offer in exchange for his very self? The Son of Man will come with his Father’s glory accompanied by his angels. When he does, he will repay each man according to his conduct. I assure you, among those standing here there are some who will not experience death before they see the Son of Man in his kingship.”

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

The holy forty-five martyrs in Nicopolis in Armenia: Of saints Leontius, Mauritius, Daniel, Antonius, Anicetus, Sisinnus, and others, who under the emperor Licinius and the governor Lysias were tortured in many ways in the year 319. 

Our venerable father Anthony of Kiev was a hermit, who in the lavra called “the Caves”, followed the monastic life which he learned on Mt. Athos. He was the founder of Russian monasticism in the eleventh century. 

The holy Maronite Franciscan brothers: Francis, Mutius and Raphael, Massabki, and eight others with them, killed in Damascus in 1860. They were deceitfully handed over to the enemy by a traitor and afflicted with various humiliations on account of their faith, they ended their lives with the glorious death of martyrs. 

Troparion

You renounced and left the world  following Christ in the spirit of the Gospel. Living a life of an angel, you settled in the peaceful shelter of Mount Athos. After that you came to the mountains of Kiev with the blessing of the fathers. You ended your life of labor there, casting light over all your homeland. Showing the path of the kingdom to all monks, you led them on to Christ. Now beg Him to save our souls, O venerable Anthony.

Kontakion

From childhood you loved God with all your heart and lovingly followed Him, O venerable father. Scorning this passing world as a trifle, you took up residence in a cave. There you fought the army of invisible demons, and you were like the sun over the world. Now you stand before the throne with the angels, so remember us who honor you that we may sing: Rejoice, O father Anthony.

Readings for the venerable father

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 burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 

Gospel

Luke 6: 17-23

At that time, coming down the mountain with the Twelve, Jesus stopped at a level stretch where there were many of his disciples; a large crowd of people was with them from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coast of Tyre and Sidon, people who came to hear him and be healed of their diseases. Those who were troubles with unclean spirits were cured; indeed, the whole crowd was trying to touch him because power went out from him which cured all. Then, raising his eyes to his disciples, he said: “Blest are you poor; the reign of God is yours. Blest are you who hunger; you shall be filled. Blest are you who are weeping; you shall laugh. Blest shall you be when men hate you, when they ostracize you and insult you and proscribe your names as evil because of the Son of Man. On the day they do so, rejoice and exult, for your reward shall be great in heaven.”

Readings for the day

Epistle

1 Corinthians 10: 12-22

Brothers and sisters: Let anyone who thinks he is standing upright watch out lest he fall! No test has been sent you that does not come to all men. Besides, God keeps his promise. He will not let you be tested beyond your strength. Along with the test he will give you a way out of it so that you may be able to endure it.

I am telling you, whom I love, to shun the worship of idols, and I address you as one addresses sensible people. You may judge for yourselves what I am saying. Is not the cup of blessing we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, many though we are, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

Look at Israel according to the flesh and see if those who eat the sacrifices do not share in the altar! What am I saying – that meat offered to an idol is really offered to that idol, or that an idol is a reality? No, I mean that the Gentiles sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to become sharers with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and also the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and likewise the table of demons. Do we mean to provoke the Lord to jealous anger? Surely we are not stronger than he! 

Gospel

Matthew 16: 20-24

At that time Jesus strictly ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. From then on Jesus [the Messiah] started to indicate to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly there at the hands of the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and to be put to death, and raised up on the third day. At this, Peter took him aside and began to remonstrate with him. “May you be spared, Master! God forbid that any such thing ever happen to you!” Jesus turned on Peter and said, “Get out of my sight, you satan! You are trying to make me trip and fall. You are not judging by God’s standards but by man’s.” Jesus then said to his disciples: “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps.”

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

The hieromartyr Pancratius, Bishop of Taormina, was born when our Lord Jesus Christ yet lived upon the earth. The parents of Pancratius were natives of Antioch. Hearing the good news of Jesus Christ, Pancratius’ father took his young son with him to Jerusalem to see the greater Teacher for himself. It was during this period that the young Pancratius got to know the Apostle Peter. After the Ascension of our Lord, one of the apostles came to Antioch and baptized the parents of Pancratius together with all the household. When his parents died, Pancratius left behind his inherited possessions and went to Pontus and began living in a cave. He spent his days in prayer and deep contemplation. The holy Apostle Peter, while passing through those parts, visited Pancratius at Pontus. He took him along to Antioch, and then to Sicily, where the holy Apostle Paul then was. There, Saints Peter and Paul made St. Pancratius the bishop of Taormina in Sicily.  

Troparion

Like an arrow on fire, you were aimed at Taormina to kill the godless and to bring light to the faithful. You strengthened them in the faith by your preaching, and you finished your work by spilling your blood. O martyred priest Pancratius, pray for your flock and for all who cherish your memory. 

Kontakion

You appeared to the people of Taormina as a star, and you became a priest-martyr for Christ, O Pancratius. As you stand before Him, pray for us who love you. 

Epistle

1st Corinthians 10: 5-12

Brothers and sisters: We know that God was not pleased with most of [our fathers], for “they were struck down in the desert.”

These things happened as an example to keep us from wicked desires such as theirs. Do not become idolators, as some of them did. Scripture says, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and arose to take their pleasure.” let us not indulge in lewdness as some of them did, so that in one day twenty-three thousand perished. Let us not test the Lord as some of them did, only to be destroyed by snakes. Nor are you to grumble as some of them did, to be killed by the destroying angel. The things that happened to them serve as an example. They have been written as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come. For all these reasons, let anyone who thinks he is standing upright watch out lest he fall!

Gospel 

Matthew 16: 6-12

The Lord said to his disciples: “Be on the lookout against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They could think only, “This is because we have brought no bread.” Jesus knew their thoughts and said, “Why do you suppose it is because you have no bread? How weak your faith is! Do you still not understand? Do you not remember the five loaves among the five thousand and how many baskets-full you picked up? Or the seven loaves among the four thousand and how many hampers-full you retrieved? Why is it you do not see that I was not speaking about bread at all but warning you against the yeast of the Pharisees?” They finally realized he was not issuing a warning against yeast used for bread but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 

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

The holy great martyr Procopius was born Neanius, raised by his pagan mother, and worked in service of the emperor Diocletian. He was sent to Alexandria to persecute the Church of God. On his way there he had a vision, similar to that of Saul on his voyage to Damascus, and the Lord Jesus appeared asking him, “Why do you persecute Me?” At that moment a radiant Cross appeared in the air. Neanius felt an inexpressible joy and spiritual happiness in his heart and he was transformed from being a persecutor into a zealous follower of Christ. When it was discovered that Neanius was no longer worshiping pagan idols, he was brought before a judge and handed the decree of Diocletian which the saint read through and tore to pieces in front of the court. He was sent in chains to Caesarea in Palestine. There he was tortured and thrown into a dark prison cell. On his first night there, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself came to him again and baptized the suffering confessor, and gave him the name Procopius. Procopius suffered greatly as he was tormented, but he refused to renounce Christ. He was beheaded in the year 303. 

Troparion

Receiving heaven’s invitation, O holy one, you turned from the errors of your ancestors and their ancient ways to being zealous for Christ like Paul. You endured many tortures and wounds, and you have been repaid with a crown of glory. Therefore, pray to Christ to save us, O great martyr Procopius. 

Kontakion

Inflamed with a heavenly zeal for Christ and protected by the might of the Cross, you leveled the rages and bitterness of the foe. You raised up the Church, O Procopius, by the strength of your faith. You enlightened us by your example.

Readings for the saint

Epistle

2nd Timothy 2: 1-10

Timothy, my son: You must be strong in the grace which is ours in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me through many witnesses you must hand on to trustworthy men who will be able to teach others. Bear hardship along with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier becomes entangled in the affairs of civilian life; he avoids this in order to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if one takes part in an athletic contest, he cannot receive the winner’s crown unless he has kept the rules. The hardworking farmer is the one who should have the first share of the crop. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will make my meaning fully clear. 

Remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, was raised from the dead. This is the gospel I preach; in preaching it I suffer as a criminal, even to the point of being thrown into chains–but there is no chaining the word of God! Therefore I bear with all of this for the sake of those whom God has chosen, in order that they may obtain the salvation to be found in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 

Gospel

Matthew 10:37 – 11:1

The Lord said to his disciples: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive the prophet’s reward, and whoever receives the righteous man because he is righteous will receive the righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”

When Jesus finished giving these commands to his twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and preach in other towns. 

Readings for the day

Epistle

1 Corinthians 9: 13-18

Brothers and sisters: Do you not realize that those who work in the temple are supported by the temple, and those who minister at the altar share the offerings of the altar? Likewise the Lord himself ordered that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel. 

As for me, I have not used any of these rights, nor do I write this now to see to it that anything should be done for me. I would rather die than let anyone rob me of my boast! Yet preaching the gospel is not the subject of a boast; I am under compulsion and have no choice. I am ruined if I do not preach it! If I do it willingly, I have my recompense; if unwillingly, I am nonetheless entrusted with a charge. And this recompense of mine? It is simply this, that when preaching I offer the gospel free of charge and do not make full use of the authority the gospel gives me. 

Gospel

Matthew 16: 1-6

At that time the Pharisees and Sadducees came along, and as a test asked Jesus to show them some sign in the sky. He gave them this reply: “In the evening you say, ‘Red sky at night, the day will be bright’; but in the morning, ‘Sky red and gloomy, the day will be stormy.’ If you know how to interpret the look of the sky, can you not read the signs of the times? An evil, faithless age is eager for a sign, but no sign will be given it except that of Jonah.” With that he left them abruptly.

The disciples discovered when they arrived at the other side of the lake that they had forgotten to bring any bread along. Jesus said to them, “Be on lookout against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

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

Our venerable father Thomasof Maleum was a 10th century general famed for courage and wealth. He was a huge man, a source of fear for his enemies. He came to know Christ, and left his worldly life behind to go into the desert. When people heard of this, they came to him, and St. Thomas cured their diseases. 

Our venerable father Acacius of Sinai lived during the 6th century and was a novice at a monastery in Sinai. The humble monk distinguished himself by his patient and unquestioning obedience to his Elder, a harsh and dissolute man. He forced his disciple to toil excessively, starved him with hunger, and beat him without mercy. Despite such treatment, Acacius meekly endured the affliction. He died after suffering these torments for nine years.

Troparion

Thomas is radiant in his miracles, and Acacius has become famous for his obedience. They shine as lights for the world and guiding stars for monks. We have recourse to you as favorites of God to defend us in battle by your prayers so that we might ask Christ to forgive our sins since we honor your memory. 

Kontakion – Thomas

With courage you pushed on to victory, having been inflamed with divine love. You offended the mortal king and spurned the beauties of this earth. Ending your days on the mountain of Maleum, you stepped up from it into heaven itself. O Thomas, pray unceasingly for all of us. 

Kontakion – Acacius

From childhood, most wide and venerable Acacius, you followed after Christ, forsaking the world. Imitating his willing meekness, you overcame the proud torturer. Now pray unceasingly for all of us. 

Epistle

Romans 15: 1-7

Brothers and sisters: We who are strong in faith should be patient with the scruples of those whose faith is weak; we must not be selfish. Each should please his neighbor so as to do him good by building up his spirit. Thus, in accord with Scripture, Christ did not please himself: “The reproaches they uttered against you fell on me.” Everything written before our time was written for our instruction, that we might derive hope from the lessons of patience and the words of encouragement in the Scriptures. May God, the source of all patience and encouragement, enable you to live in perfect harmony with one another according to the spirit of Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and voice you may glorify God, the Father of our lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, as Christ accepted you, for the glory of God. 

Gospel

Matthew 9: 27-35

At that time Jesus moved on from there, two blind men came after him crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he got to the house, the blind men caught up with him. Jesus said to them, “Are you confident I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they told him. At that he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith it shall be done to you”; and they recovered their sight. Then Jesus warned them sternly, “See to it that no one knows of this.” But they went off and spread the word of him through the whole area. 

As they were leaving, suddenly some people brought him a mute who was possessed by a demon. Once the demon was expelled the mute began to speak, to the great surprise of the crowds. “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!” they exclaimed. But the Pharisees were saying, “He casts out demons through the prince of demons.”

Jesus continued his tour of all the towns and villages.  He taught in their synagogues, he proclaimed the good news of God’s reign, and he cured every sickness and disease. 

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

Our venerable father Sisoes the Great was a 5th century hermit in Egypt and was very remarkable in the exercise of the monastic life. Many of his “words” are recorded in the Apophthegmata Patrum (Sayings of the Desert Fathers). A brother once told him that he could not hold the wise sayings in his head and quote them to others, and Sisoes replied, “It is not necessary. That which is necessary is to acquire purity of mind and speak from this purity, placing one’s hope in God.” 

Troparion

You made the wilderness your dwelling, O father Sisoes, the bearer of God. You became an angel in the flesh and a wonderworker. Through fast, vigil, and prayers, 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

You appeared on earth as an angel in the flesh, O venerable Sisoes, and you enlightened the faithful with your divine miracles. Therefore, we glorify you in faith. 

Epistle

Romans 12: 1-3

Brothers and sisters, I beg you through the mercy of God to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God’s will, what is good, pleasing and perfect.

Thus, in virtue of the favor given to me, I warn each of you not to think more highly of himself than he ought. Let him estimate himself soberly, in keeping with the measure of faith that God has apportioned him. 

Gospel

Matthew 10:37 – 11:1

The Lord said: “whoever loves father or mother, son or daughter, more than me is not worthy of me. He who will not take up his cross and come after me is not worthy of me. He who seeks only himself brings himself to ruin, whereas he who brings himself to nought for me discovers who he is.

“He who welcomes you welcomes me, and he who welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. He who welcomes a prophet because he bears the name of prophet receives a prophet’s reward; he who welcomes a holy man because he is known to be holy receives a holy man’s reward. And I promise you that whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of these lowly ones because he is a disciple will not want for his reward.”

When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he left that locality to teach and preach in their towns. 

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

Our venerable father Athanasius of Mt. Athos, hegumen, humble and peaceful, who founded the cenobitic way of living in the Great Lavra. Despite many trials, he was father to many monks who followed his ascetic model. He lived during the end of the 10th century. 

Troparion

The angels in heaven marveled at your life on earth, for you occupied your flesh as a spirit from on high. You disarmed legions of demons, O glorious saint, and Christ rewarded you with bountiful gifts. Because of this, O Father, we ask you now to pray for the salvation of all.

Kontakion

Your flock invokes you as a man of special sight and a zealous preacher of God, O inspired saint. Do not cease praying for your servants that they may be delivered from attacks and assaults. We cry to you: Rejoice, O father Athanasius.

Readings for the saint

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 Jesus Christ 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 burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 

Gospel

Luke 6: 17-23

The Lord said to his disciples: “everything has been given over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son but the Father, and no one knows the Father but the Son– and anyone whom the Son wished to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.”

Readings for the day

Epistle

1 Corinthians 7:35 – 8:7

Brothers and sisters: I am going into this [advice] for your own good. I have no desire to place restrictions on you, but I want to promote what is good, what will help you devote yourselves entirely to the Lord. 

If anyone thinks he is behaving dishonorably toward his virgin because a certain critical moment has come and it seems that something should be done, let him do as he wishes. He commits no sin if there is a marriage. The man, however, who stands firm in his resolve, who while without constraint and free to carry out his will, makes up his mind to keep his virgin, also acts rightly. To sum up: the man who marries his virgin acts fittingly; the one who does not, will do better.

A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies she is free to marry, but on one condition, that it be in the Lord. She will be happier, though, in my opinion, if she stays unmarried. I am persuaded that in this I have the Spirit of God. 

Now about meats that have been offered to idols. Of course we all “know” about that. But whereas “knowledge” inflates, love upbuilds. If a man thinks he knows something, that means he has never really known it as he ought. But if anyone loves God, that man is known by him. So then, about this matter of eating meats that have been offered to idols: we know that an idol is really nothing, and that there is no God but one. Even though there are so-called gods in the heavens and on the earth – there are, to be sure, many such “gods” and “lords” – for us there is one God, the Father, from whom all things come and for whom we live; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom everything was made and through whom we live. 

Not all, of course, possess this “knowledge.” Because some were so recently devoted to idols, they eat meat, fully aware that it has been sacrificed, and because their conscience is weak, it is defiled by the eating.

Gospel

Matthew  15: 29-31

At that time Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee. He went up onto the mountainside and sat down there. Large crowds of people came to him bringing with them cripples, the deformed, the blind, the mute, and many others besides. They laid them at his feet and he cured them. The result was great astonishment in the crowds as they beheld the mute speaking, the deformed made sound, cripples walking about, and the blind seeing. They glorified the God of Israel. 

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