Oct. 19 The Holy Prophet Joel; The Holy Martyr Varus

The holy prophet Joel announced the great day of the Lord and the mysterious pouring out of the Spirit on all flesh, which the divine majesty in Christ deemed fit to fulfill marvelously on the day of Pentecost.

The holy martyr Varus was a soldier, who, under Maximianus the emperor, visited and refreshed six holy hermits in a prison. When a seventh died in the wilderness, Varus wished to take his place and suffered cruel torments with them in Egypt in the year 307.

Troparion – Joel

You knew beforehand of the coming of God in the flesh and the descent of the Holy Spirit. You announced the impending judgment, O prophet Joel. Through your prayers, save those who venerate you from all sorrow.

Troparion – Martyr

You saw the army of passion-bearers suffer according to the law, and showing courage, you sought to endure it as well. You longed to die for Christ, and you received the martyr’s crown from Him, O Varus. Therefore, pray for the salvation of our souls.  

Kontakion – Martyr

Having followed Christ, O Varus, you drank from His chalice. You received the crown of martyrdom and exult forever with the angels. Never cease to intercede before the Lord for our souls.

Epistle

Colossians 1: 24-29

Brothers and sisters: Even now I find my joy in the suffering I endure for you. In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, the church. I became a minister of this church through the commission God gave me to preach among you his word in its fullness, that mystery hidden from the ages and generations past but now revealed to his holy ones. God has willed to make known to them the glory beyond price which this mystery brings to the Gentiles – the mystery of Christ in you, your hope of glory. This is the Christ we proclaim while we admonish all men to teach them in the full measure of wisdom, hoping to make every man complete in Christ. For this I work and struggle, impelled by that energy of his which is so powerful a force within me.

Gospel

Luke 9: 49-56

At that time it was the disciple John who said, “Master, we saw a man using your name to expel demons, and we tried to stop him because he is not of our company.” Jesus told him in reply, “Do not stop him, for any man who is not against you is on your side.”

As the time approached when Jesus was to be taken from this world, he firmly resolved to proceed toward Jerusalem, and sent messengers on ahead of him. These entered a Samaritan town to prepare for his passing through, but the Samaritans would not welcome him because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, would you not have us call down fire from heaven and destroy them?” He turned toward them only to reprimand them. Then they set off for another town.

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

Oct. 18 The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke

The holy apostle and evangelist Luke, as it is told, was born of a pagan family in Antioch and was a doctor by profession. He was converted to the faith, was one of the 70 apostles, and became a most-beloved companion of the blessed Apostle Paul. A scribe with the gentleness of Christ, he diligently arranged all the things which Jesus did and taught in the book of his Gospel. Likewise, in his Acts of the Apostles, he told the beginning of the life of the Church up to the time of the first visit of Paul to Rome.

Troparion

Let us praise the holy and glorious apostle Luke with sacred chants; he is the radiant writer of the Gospel of Christ and the scribe of the Acts of the Apostles, for his is a living doctor who heals human weakness, the ills of the souls and the sickness of nature, and is praying unceasingly for our souls. 

Kontakion

Let us praise the divine Luke, a star of the Church, a true preacher of piety, and the orator of the ineffable mysteries. The Word who searches all hearts chose him and the wise Paul to be teachers of the Gentiles. 

Epistle

Colossians 4: 5-9,14-15,18

Brothers and sisters: Be prudent in dealing with outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your speech be always gracious and in good taste, and strive to respond properly to all who address you. 

Tychicus, our dear brother, our faithful minister and fellow slave in the Lord, will give you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this purpose, and to comfort your hearts. With him is Onesimus, our dear and faithful; brother, who is one of you. They will tell you all that has happened here.

Luke, our dear physician, send you greetings. So does Demas. Give our best wishes to the brethren at Laodicea and to Nyphmas and the assembly that meets at his house. 

This greeting is from Paul–in my own hand! Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Gospel

Luke 10: 16-22a

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 in 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 the merest children. Yes, Father, you have graciously willed it so.”

Oct. 17 The Holy Prophet Hosea; The Holy Venerable Martyr Andrew of Crete

The holy prophet Hosea, who not only by his words but also by his manner of life showed the unfaithful people of Israel that the Lord was an ever-faithful Spouse, moved by limitless mercy.

The holy venerable martyr Andrew of Crete was a priest who defended the cult of the holy icons with great vigor during the persecution under the emperor Copronymus. He attacked the emperor publicly in church saying, “You would do better, O King, to look to the work of the army and the governing people, than to the persecuting of Christ and his servants.” He was attacked and killed by a man with an ax in 767.

Troparion – Prophet

As we celebrate the memory of Your prophet Hosea, O Lord, we implore You to save our souls through his prayers. 

Troparion – Venerable

Trained in asceticism on the mountain, you were able to defeat the devil’s assaults by the power of the Cross, O all-blessed one. With great courage, you faced the battle and crushed the emperor Copronymus with the sword of faith. O glorious venerable martyr Andrew, God crowned you for your asceticism and your good fight. 

Kontakion – Prophet

With sure steps, you followed the commands of the Lord, and you were filled with the Holy Spirit, O prophet Hosea. You received the gift of prophecy and you spoke daringly to Israel, who sought a speedy coming of Christ. You converted those who strayed from the path of justice and set them on the road to the heavenly Jerusalem. Now you stand within that city and implore the Lord, praying without ceasing for us all.

Kontakion – Venerable-Martyr

Today Constantinople, Capital of the Byzantine Empire, celebrates the brightest feast of your light-bearing memory and calls all cities and countries to participate. It rejoices in that it holds a great treasure: your body which sustained so many struggles, O holy martyr Andrew, light of Orthodoxy!

Epistle

Colossians 1: 1-2, 7-11

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the holy ones at Colossae, faithful brothers in Christ. May God our Father give you grace and peace.

You comprehended God’s gracious intention through the instructions of Epaphras, our dear fellow slave, who represents us as a faithful minister of Christ. He it was who told us of your love in the Spirit.

Ever since we heard this we have been praying for you unceasingly and asking that you may attain full knowledge of his will through perfect wisdom and spiritual insight. Then you will lead a life worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him in every way. You will multiply good works of every sort and grow in the knowledge of God. By the might of his glory you will be endowed with the strength needed to stand fast, even to endure joyfully whatever may come.

Gospel

Luke 9: 23-27

At that time Jesus said to all the people, “Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in my steps. Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit does he show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process? If a man is ashamed of me and my doctrine, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in glory and that of his Father and his holy angels. I assure you, there are some standings here who will not taste death until they see the reign of God.”

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

Oct. 16 The Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion

The holy martyr Longinus the Centurion, a Roman soldier, served in Judea under the command of the governor, Pontius Pilate. When our Savior Jesus Christ was crucified, it was the detachment of soldiers under the command of Longinus which stood watch on Golgotha, at the very foot of the holy Cross. Longinus and his soldiers were eyewitnesses of the final moments of the earthly life of the Lord, and of the great and awesome portents that appeared at His death. These events shook the centurion’s soul. Longinus believed in Christ and confessed before everyone, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Mt. 27:54). According to tradition, Longinus was the soldier who pierced the side of the Crucified Savior with a spear, and received healing from an eye affliction when blood and water poured forth from the wound.

Troparion

Your martyr Longinus, 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

The Church greatly rejoices today in commemorating the courageous ever-memorable Longinus, and it cries out, “O Christ, You are my strength and my stronghold.”

Epistle

Philippians 4: 10-23

Brothers and sisters: It gave me great joy in the Lord that your concern for me bore fruit once more. You had been concerned all along, of course, but lacked the opportunity to show it. I do not say this because I am in want, for whatever the situation I find myself in I have learned to be self sufficient. I am experienced in being brought low, yet I know what it is to have an abundance. I have learned how to cope with every circumstance – how to eat well or go hungry, to be well provided for or do without. In him who is the source of my strength I have strength for everything.

Nonetheless, it was kind of you to want to share in my hardships. You yourselves know, my dear Philippians, that at the start of my evangelizing, when I left Macedonia, not a single congregation except yourselves shared with me by giving me something for what it had received. Even when I was at Thessalonica you sent something for my needs, not once but twice. It is not that I am eager for the gift; rather, my concern is for the ever-growing balance in your account. Herewith is my receipt, which says that I have been fully paid and more. I am well supplied because of what I received from you through Epaphroditus, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 

My God in turn will supply your needs fully, in a way worthy of his magnificent riches in Christ Jesus. All glory to our God and Father for unending ages! Amen.

Give my greetings in Christ Jesus to every member of the church. My brethren here send you theirs, as do all those who believe, particularly those in Caesar’s service. May the favor of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Gospel

Luke 9: 18-22

At that time Jesus went to pray in seclusion and his disciples were with him. He put this question to them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” “John the Baptizer,” they replied, “and some say Elijah, while others claim that one of the prophets of old has returned from the dead.” Then Jesus asked them, “But you–who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Messiah of God.” Jesus strictly forbade them to tell this to anyone. “The Son of Man,” he said, “must first endure many sufferings, be rejected by the elders, the high priests and the scribes, and be put to death, and then be raised up on the third day.”

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

Oct. 15 Our Venerable Father Euthymius the Younger; The Venerable Martyr Lucian, Priest of the Great Church of Antioch

Our venerable father Euthymius the younger was born in Ancyra in 824 to Christian parents. He served in the army, married, and had one daughter. He lived for a long time in the monasteries of Plympus and then on the Holy Mountain. He entered into his rest on Mount Athos during the 9th century, and his wonder-working relics are preserved in the city of Salonica.

In his youth, the venerable martyr Lucian, priest of the great city of Antioch, was given a very wide education. After giving away his goods to the poor, he fed himself with the work of his hands. He is responsible for the correction of the Hebrew text of the Holy Scriptures. In the persecution of the emperor Maximian in 312, he was thrown into prison and died a martyr’s death. St. John Chrysostom praised him highly for his love of the poor and of the ascetic life.

Troparion – Venerable

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 Euthymius, your soul rejoices with the angels.

Troparion – Lucian

You kept your self chaste by your fasting, O priest-martyr Lucian, O pride of Antioch, intercede with Christ God for us who keep your holy memory. 

Kontakion – Euthymius

You walked through storms without getting wet, and with the arrows of your tears you slew the bodiless enemy. You received the grace to work miracles, Father Euthymius, and you heal all our passions. Pray without ceasing for us all. 

Kontakion – Lucian

We honor you with hymns of glory, O Lucian, the most radiant star. You first became illustrious by your detachment from the things of the world, then were lifted up by your struggles. Do not cease to intercede for all of us.

Epistle

Hebrews 13: 7-16

Brothers and sisters: Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you; consider how their lives ended, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good to have our hearts strengthened by the grace of God and not by foods which are useless to those who take them as a standard for living. We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. The bodies of the animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus died outside the gate, to sanctify the people by his own blood. Let us go to him outside the camp, bearing the insult which he bore. For here we have no lasting city; we are seeking one which is to come. Through him let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which acknowledge his name. Do not neglect good deeds and generosity; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.

Gospel

John 17: 1-13

At that time Jesus looked up to heaven and said: “Father, the hour has come! Give glory to your Son that your Son may give glory to you, inasmuch as you have given him authority over all mankind, that he may bestow eternal life on those you gave him. Eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and him whom you have sent, Jesus Christ. I have given glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. Do you now, Father, give me glory at your side, a glory I had with you before the world began. I have made your name known to those you gave me out of the world. These men you gave me were yours; they have kept your word. Now they realize that all you gave me comes from you. I entrusted to them the message you entrusted to me and they received it. They have known that in truth I came from you, they have believed it was you who sent me.

For these I pray–not for the world but for these you have given me, for they are really yours. Just as all that belongs to me is yours, so all that belongs to you is mine. It is in them that I have been glorified. I am in the world no more, but these are in the world as I come to you. O Father most holy, protect them with your name which you have given me that they may be one, even as we are one. As long as I was with them, I guarded them with your name which you gave me. I kept careful watch, and not one of them was lost, none but him who was destined to be lost – in fulfillment of Scripture. Now, however, I come to you; I say all this while I am still in the world that they may share my joy completely.”

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

Sunday Bulletin 10/15/23

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Oct 14  –  Paraskevia, Venerable      

5:00 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy

Sunday, Oct 15  –  Sunday of the Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council            

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Oct 16  –  Longinus, Martyr      

5:30 PM          Akathist* for those suffering Addictions & Mental Illness

Wednesday, Oct 18  –  Luke, Apostle-Evangelist 

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers

7:30 PM          Firepit Social

Saturday, Oct 21  –  Hilary the Great, Venerable        

5:00 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers

Sunday, Oct 22  –  21st Sunday after Pentecost        

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

*Add first names to this prayer service by emailing niemirick@gmail.com

MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE (Confession)

St. Mary’s: Sundays 8:45 AM or by appointment

Santa Paula: Saturdays 4:15 PM or by appointment

PRAYER REQUESTS

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

The Carlin Family, Michael Hefferon, Shirley Kunze, Michael Mina, Peter Mina, Fr. John Mina, Mila Mina, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Shannon O’Neill, Fern Bonowicz, All the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s

WEEKLY DEPOSIT:

Collection: $2,197.00; Santa Paula: $565.00; Candles: $30.80; Gift Shop: $20.00; Church Improvements: $100.00; Parish Socials: $141.63; Holydays: $90.00; Eparchial Appeal: $1,000.00

Total: $4,144.43 / Attendance – PSM: 61 VCO: 25  

  

The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke

We commemorate Luke the Evangelist on this Wednesday, October 18th.

Did you know?

-Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles.  (Act 1:1 ff)

-He was not one of the 12 Apostles, but rather a companion of St. Paul. (Philemon 24, Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:11)

-He was a Gentile. (Colossians 4:11)

-He was a physician.  (Colossians 4:14)

-He was traditionally an iconographer and wrote the first icon of the Theotokos.  He may have spent time with the Mother of God after the Resurrection, and this is how he knew enough about her to write the story of Christ’s birth and write an icon of her.  His training as a physician would also have helped him in this role as an iconographer/artist since he studied the human body. (See https://obitel-minsk.org/en/saint-luke-as-an-icon-painter)

-He wrote his Gospel with women and outcasts in mind. See https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/0

 

“Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” Our Lord teaches us the truth of our hearts and his word in today’s parable. Are we ready to have ears to hear his word with an honest and good heart, to retain it and bring forth fruit with endurance? This is the calling for all of us, and for some of us that includes a special dedication through the ordained, religious or monastic life. If this may be for you to discern, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

 

Historic Gathering of the Byzantine Catholic Church in America (Nov. 3-5)

Metropolitan Archbishop William, Bishop Kurt, and the Council of Hierarchs of the Byzantine Catholic Church invite YOU to attend the “Metropolitan Assembly” at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Hillsborough, New Jersey, on Friday, November 3 through Sunday, November 5, 2023! The theme of the Assembly is to “learn about our past and to prepare for our future. For more information, contact the Assembly coordinators, Fr. Ed Cimbala, at 212-677-0516 or Fr. Yuriy Oros at 609-394-5004.

The assembly website is https://www.byzantineassembly2023.org/and the email is byzantineassembly2023@gmail.com. Hope to see YOU there!

Oct. 14 The Holy Martyrs Nazarius, Gervase, Protasius, and Celsus; Our Venerable Mother Paraskeva of Trnovo

The holy martyrs Nazarius, Gervase(Gervasius), Protasius(Protase), and Celsus: Nazarius was a fearless Christian who visited Gervase and Protasius in prison in Milan. The governor ordered Nazarius to be whipped and driven from the city. He eventually returned to Milan with his disciple Celsus. Gervase and Protasius were still in prison, and Nero the emperor ordered all four of them to die by beheading. St. Ambrose found the relics of Gervase and Protasius on this day and had them translated with solemn rites to a new basilica he built himself. 

Our venerable mother Paraskeva of Trnovo was of Serbian birth with devout Christian parents. She left her home and went first to Constantinople and then to Jerusalem, and then to the wilderness beyond the Jordan, where she lived to old age in asceticism. At the end of her life, she returned to her birthplace of Epibata and gave her spirit to God there, sometime in the 11th century. 

 

Troparion – Martyrs

This quartet of martyrs illumines the Church like a brilliant star in the sky. Through the martyrdom of Nazarius, and the faith of Gervasius, and with the confession of Celsus and Protasius, the Church has been made to sing: Glory to God, Who has given strength to the martyrs!

 

Troparion – Venerable

You followed closely in the steps of Christ, your Spouse, loving the silent, desert life. As a young woman you took up His yoke, and armed yourself against the enemy with the cross. By fasting and prayer, by tears and penance, you utterly quenched the fires of passion. Now you stand with the wise virgins in Christ’s presence, and pray for those who honor your memory, O Paraskeva. 

 

Kontakion – Martyrs

Let us celebrate the quadruple glory of the witnesses of Christ, O faithful! Let us sing of Nazarius and Protase! In our hymn, let us acclaim Celsus and Gervase! For they fought the good fight unto the point of being beheaded. Having received the crown of immortality, they intercede for our salvation. 

 

Kontakion – Venerable

Let us all sing of Paraskeva, holy intercessor of all who are in trouble. For she rejected the corruptible and accepted the incorruptible way of life forever. Therefore discover the glory, the grace of wonders, by the command of God. 

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 1: 8-11

Brothers and sisters, we do not wish to leave you in the dark about the trouble we had in Asia; we were crushed beyond our strength, even to the point of despairing of life. We were left to feel like men condemned to death so that we might trust, not in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. He rescued us from that danger of death and will continue to do so. We have out our hope in him who will never cease to deliver us. But you must help us with your prayers, so that on our behalf God may be thanked for the gift granted us through the prayers of so many. 

 

Gospel

Luke 6: 1-10

At that time on the sabbath Jesus was walking through the standing grain. His disciples were pulling off grain-heads, shelling them with their hands, and eating them. Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is prohibited on the sabbath?” Jesus said to them: “Have you not read what David did when he and his men were hungry–how he entered God’s house and took and ate the holy bread and gave it to his men, even though only priests are allowed to eat it?” Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath.”

On another sabbath Jesus came to teach in a synagogue where there was a man whose right hand was withered. The scribes and Pharisees were on the watch to see if he would perform a cure on the sabbath so that they could find a charge against him. He knew their thoughts, however, and said to the man whose hand was withered, “Get up and stand here in front.” The man rose and remained standing. Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath–or evil? To preserve life–or destroy it?” He looked around at them all and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” The man did so and his hand was perfectly restored.

 

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

 

Oct. 13 The Holy Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, and Agathonica

The Holy Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, and Agathonica: Carpus was the bishop of Thyatira; Papylus, a deacon; Agathonica, sister of the same Papylus. There were many others at Pergamum in Asia, who were crowned with martyrdom for their blessed confession of Christ in the year 250. 

 

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

To those who live on earth, God has granted your bodies as a precious treasure, a stream from which healing flows, dispelling all manner of sickness and pouring out divine grace. Therefore, O divine martyrs Carpus, Papylus, and Agathonica, we celebrate your memory today with love. 

 

Epistle

Philippians 3: 8-19

Brothers and sisters: I have come to rate all as loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. For his sake I have forfeited everything; I have accounted all else rubbish so that Christ may be my wealth and I may be in him, not having any justice of my own based on observance of the law. The justice I possess is that which comes through faith in Christ. It has its origin in God and is based on faith. I wish to know Christ and the power flowing from his resurrection; likewise to know how to share in his sufferings by being formed into the pattern of his death. Thus I do hope that I may arrive at resurrection from the dead. 

It is not that I have reached it yet, or have already finished my course; but I am racing to grasp the prize if possible, since I have been grasped by Christ [Jesus]. Brethren, I do not think of myself as having reached the finish line. I give no thought to what lies behind but push on to what is ahead. My entire attention is on the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me – life on high in Jesus Christ. All of us who are spiritually mature must have this attitude. If you see it another way, God will clarify the difficulty for you. It is important that we continue on our course, no matter what stage we have reached.

Be imitators of me, my brethren. Take as your guide those who follow the example that we set. Unfortunately, many go about in a way which shows them to be enemies of the cross of Christ. I have often said this to you before; this time I say it with tears. Such as these will end in disaster! Their god is their belly and their glory is in their shame. I am talking about those who are set upon the things of this world.

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 12-18

As sunset approached the Twelve came and said to Jesus, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go into the villages and farms in the neighborhood and find themselves lodging and food, for this certainly is an out-of-the-way place.” Jesus answered them, “Why do you not give them something to eat yourselves?” They replied, “We have nothing but five loaves and two fish. Or shall we ourselves go and buy food for all these people?” (There were about five thousand men.) Jesus said to his disciples, “have them sit down in groups of fifty or so.” They followed his instructions and got them all seated. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus raised his eyes to heaven, pronounced a blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to his disciples for distribution to the crowd. They all ate until they had enough. What they had left, over and above, filled twelve baskets. Jesus went to pray in seclusion and his disciples were with him.

 

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

 

Oct. 12 The Holy Martyrs Probus, Tarachus, and Andronicus; Our Venerable Father Cosmas of the Holy City, Bishop of Maiuma, the Hymnographer

The holy martyrs Probus, Tarachus, and Andronicus were persecuted under the emperor Diocletian, and gave their lives confessing for Christ at Anazarbus in Cilicia in the year 292.

Our venerable father Cosmas, bishop of Maiuma, the hymnographer, was born in Jerusalem. He was a friend to St. John Damascene, whose parents took him in as an orphan and educated him. He helped St. John to compile the Ochtoechos, and he composed many canons to the saints. The canons of Christmas, Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday, and the Sunday of the Last Judgment are ascribed to him. He became bishop of the town of Maiuma, near Gaza, in Palestine and died in great old age in the 8th century. 

 

Troparion – Martyrs

The angelic powers of heaven were rapt in amazement at the successful accomplishments of these holy martyrs: for even in their mortal bodies, they vanquished the bodiless enemy by the power of the holy Cross, and they obtained a spiritual victory. Wherefore, they now intercede with the Lord that He may have mercy on our souls. 

 

Troparion – Cosmas

You were an eloquent orator in the church, and a divinely inspired musician. You were an image of life and a font of theology, for you soothed all who heard you, our Father Cosmas by your inspired words and beautiful music. 

 

Kontakion – Martyrs

The soldiers of Christ, the holy martyrs Probus, Tarachus, and Andronicus have shown us the glory of the Holy Trinity by refuting the error of their persecutors and fighting courageously for the faith. 

 

Kontakion – Cosmas

You were adorned with virtue, blessed Cosmas, and you adorned the Church of Christ with wonderful music. Pray to the Lord for our deliverance from all the snares of enemies, for we appeal to you, O Father, truly rich. 

 

Epistle

Philippians 3: 1-8

Brothers and sisters: For the rest, rejoice in the Lord. I find writing you these things no burden, and for you it is a safeguard.

Beware of unbelieving dogs. Watch out for workers of evil. Be on guard against those who mutilate. It is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus rather than putting our trust in the flesh – though I can be confident even there. If anyone thinks he has a right to put his trust in external evidence, all the more can I! I was circumcised on the eighth day, being of the stock of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrew origins; in legal observance I was a Pharisee, and so zealous that I persecuted the church. I was above reproach when it came to justice based on the law. 

But those things I used to consider gain have now reappraised as loss in the light of Christ. I have come to rate all as loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. For his sake I have forfeited everything; I have accounted all else rubbish so that Christ may be my wealth.

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 7-11

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was happening and was perplexed, for some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others said, “Elijah has appeared”; and still others said, “One of the prophets of old has risen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who is this man about whom I hear all these reports?” Herod was very curious to see Jesus.

The apostles on their return related to Jesus all they had accomplished. Taking the apostles with him, Jesus retired to a town call Bethsaida, but the crowds found this out and followed him. He received them and spoke to them of the reign of God, and he healed all who were in need of healing.

 

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

 

Oct. 11 The Holy Apostle Philip, One of the Seven Deacons; Our Venerable Father Theophane, the Branded and Composer of Canons, Bishop of Nicea

The holy apostle Philip was one of seven deacons chosen by the Apostles. He converted Samaria to the faith of Christ, baptized the eunuch of Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, and passed through cities evangelizing them all until he came to Caesarea, where it is said he rested. 

Our venerable father Theophane, the artist and hymnographer, was bishop of Nicea in the 9th century. He and his brother Theodore joined the monastery of St. Sabbas the Sanctified. They were sent by the Patriarch of Jerusalem to emperor Leo the Armenian, to explain the orthodox teaching about holy icons. He tortured them and his successor, Theophilus, had derisory words branded onto their faces. After the Iconoclastic controversy was ended, Theophane was made bishop in Nicea. 

 

Troparion – Philip

O Philip, you won apostolic favor and you astonished all Samaria. Your divinely inspired words gave the eunuch understanding so that he was baptized and gave glory to God when he comprehended the Incomprehensible. O holy apostle, obtain grace and great mercy for us from God. 

 

Troparion – Theophane

Guide to Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, luminary for the world, inspired adornment of bishops, O wise Theophane, harp of the Spirit, you enlightened all by your teachings; intercede with Christ our God to save our souls. 

 

Kontakion – Philip

Philip conversed with apostles and fished for people. He was one of the first chosen by the apostles. Today he gives a wealth of cures to the world and protects from calamity those who honor him. Therefore we sing out to him: O apostle, save all of us through your prayers. 

 

Kontakion – Theophane

You proclaimed the divine Incarnation of Christ, and you exposed the bodiless enemies, O wonderful Theophane. Because of this we perseveringly and piously call to you: Pray unceasingly for all of us.

 

Epistle

Philippians 2: 24-30

Brothers and sisters: I am confident in the Lord that I myself will be coming soon. I have decided, too, that I must send you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker, and comrade in arms, whom you sent to take care of my needs. He has been longing for all of you, and was distressed that you heard about his illness. He was, in fact, sick to the point of death, but God took pity on him; not just on him, I should say, but on me, too, so as to spare me one sorrow after another. I have been especially eager to send him so that you may renew your joy on seeing him, and my own anxieties may be lessened. Welcome him joyously in the Lord and hold me like him in esteem, for he came near to death for the sake of Christ’s work. He risked his life in an effort to render me those services you could not render.

 

Gospel

Luke 8: 22-25

At that time Jesus got into a boat with his disciples and said to them, “Let us cross over to the far side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they sailed he slept. A windstorm descended on the lake, and they began to ship water and to be in danger. They came to awaken him, saying, “Master, master, we are lost!” He awoke and rebuked the wind and the tumultuous waves. The waves subsided and it grew calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” Filled with fear and admiration, they said to one another, “What sort of man can this be who commands even the winds and the sea and they obey him?”

 

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