Nov. 18 The Holy Martyrs Plato and Romanus

Born in the town of Ancyra in Galatia, the holy martyr Plato showed early and great perfection in virtue. While still a youth he left home and went through the cities preaching the Word of God to pagans. He amazed his audience with the persuasiveness and beauty of his speech and his profound knowledge of Greek learning. Because he did not hide his faith, he was called before the governor for trial. After having been cruelly tortured, he was beheaded and died in 266. 

The holy martyr Romanus was born in Palestine, and served as a deacon in Caesarea. At the time of the persecution against Christians, he was living in Antioch. Through his preaching, he encouraged the faithful to stand firm in their confession of Christ when the Eparch Asclypiades wanted to raze the church to its foundations. St. Romanus told the people that they must fight to prevent the destruction of the house of God, assuring them that even if they died in their efforts they would sing a hymn of victory in heaven. Boldly accusing the governor of idolatry, he was tortured and killed in 303. 

 

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 their souls.

 

Kontakion

Your holy memory delights the universe and brings all the faithful together in your holy temple. Since we are now gathered together in our joy, we praise your great deeds with hymns, O Plato and Romanus, as we cry out to you with faith: O holy ones, deliver our nation and your city from its enemies. 

 

Epistle

Galatians 1: 3-10

Brothers and sisters: We wish you the favor and peace of God our Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, to rescue us from the present evil age, as our God and Father willed – to him be glory for endless ages. Amen.

I am amazed that you are so soon deserting him who called you in accord with his gracious design in Christ, and are going over to another gospel. But there is no other. Some who wish to alter the gospel of Christ must have confused you. For even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel not in accord with the one we delivered to you, let a curse be upon him! I repeat what I have just said: if anyone preaches a gospel to you other than the one you have received, let a curse be upon him!

Whom would you say I am trying to please at this point – men or God? Is this how I seek to ingratiate myself with men? If I were trying to win man’s approval, I would surely not be serving Christ!

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 57-62

At that time Jesus was journeying along, someone said to him, “I will be your follower wherever you go.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have lairs, the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another Jesus said, “Come after me.” The man replied, “Let me bury my father first.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their dead; come away and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said to him, “I will be your follower, Lord, but first let me take leave of my people at home.” Jesus answered him, “Whoever puts his hand to the plow but keeps looking back is unfit for the reign of God.”

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

Nov. 17 Our Father among the saints Gregory the Wonder-worker, Bishop of Neocaesarea

Our holy father Gregory the Wonder-worker, bishop of Neocaesarea embraced the Christian faith as a youth. He progressed in both human and divine knowledge, and was ordained a bishop. He was famous for his teaching, virtue, and apostolic labors. Having received a fine education, from his youth he strove for Truth, but the philosophers of antiquity were not able to quench his thirst for knowledge. Truth was revealed to him only in the Holy Gospel, and the youth became a Christian. St. Gregory went to Alexandria to continue his studies. He attended the Alexandria Catechetical School, where the presbyter Origen taught. Origen was a famous teacher, possessing a great strength of mind and profound knowledge. St. Gregory became a student of Origen, studied with him for eight years, and was baptized by him. St. Gregory fell asleep in the Lord in the year 270, and because of the many marvels he performed, he is called Wonder-worker.

 

Troparion

You became worthy of your name through your way of life, through assiduous prayers and constant works of mercy. Therefore, Father Gregory, intercede with Christ God that He may enlighten our minds, lest we go to sleep in sin, which leads to death.

 

Kontakion

You received the power of performing many miracles and frightened the awful devils through your wonderworking and your healing of the sick. Therefore, O all-wise Gregory, your deeds entitled you to be called the Wonderworker. 

 

Epistle

2 Thessalonians 3: 6-18

Brothers and sisters: We command you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to avoid any brother who wanders from the straight path and does not follow the tradition you received from us. You know how you ought to imitate us. We did not live lives of disorder when we were among you, not depend on anyone for food. Rather, we worked day and night, laboring to the point of exhaustion so as not to impose on any of you. Not that we had no claim on you, but that we might present ourselves as an example for you to imitate. Indeed, when we were with you we used to lay down the rule that anyone who would not work should not eat. 

We hear that some of you are unruly, not keeping busy but acting like busybodies. We enjoin all such, and we urge them strongly in the Lord Jesus Christ, to earn the food they eat by working quietly. 

You must never grow weary of doing what is right, brethren. If anyone will not obey our injunction, delivered through this letter, single him out to be ostracized that he may be ashamed of his conduct. But do not treat him like an enemy; rather, correct him as you would a brother.

May he who is the Lord of peace give you continued peace in every possible way. The Lord be with you all.

This greeting is in my own hand – Paul’s. I append this signature to every letter I write. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 

 

Gospel

Luke 16: 15-18; 17: 1-4

The Lord said to the Pharisees: “You justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God reads your hearts. What man thinks important, God holds in contempt. The law and the prophets were in force until John [the Baptizer]. From this time on, the good news of God’s kingdom has been proclaimed, and people of every sort are forcing their way in. It is easier for the heavens and the earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a letter of the law to pass. Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery. The man who marries a woman divorced from her husband likewise commits adultery.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Scandals will inevitably arise, but woe to him through whom they come. He would be better off thrown into the sea with a millstone around his neck than giving scandal to one of these little ones. Be on your guard. If your brother does wrong, correct him; if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times a day, and seven times a day turns back to you saying, ‘I am sorry,’ forgive him.”

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

Nov. 16 The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew

The holy apostle and evangelist Matthew who, named Levi, was called by Jesus to follow him and leave his job of publican or tax collector. Matthew, son of Alphaeus, was called by the Lord in Capernaum and said: “Follow Me.” After that, Matthew prepared a reception for the Lord in his home and thus provided the occasion for the Lord to express several great truths about His coming to earth. After receiving the Holy Spirit, Matthew preached the Gospel to the Parthians, Medes, and Ethiopians. In Ethiopia he appointed his follower Plato as bishop, and withdrew to prayerful solitude on a mountain. Matthew baptized the wife and son of the prince of Ethiopia, at which the prince became greatly enraged and dispatched a guard to bring Matthew to him for trial. The soldiers returned to the prince saying that they had heard Matthew’s voice, but could not see him with their eyes. The prince then sent a second guard. When this guard approached the apostle, he shone with a heavenly light so powerful that the soldiers could not look at him; filled with fear, they threw down their weapons and returned. Then the prince went himself. Matthew radiated such light that the prince was instantly blinded. However, the holy apostle had a compassionate heart. He prayed to God, and the prince was given back his sight. Unfortunately, he saw only with physical eyes and not spiritual eyes. Then the apostle prayed to God and gave up his spirit. 

 

Troparion

You rose from the tax collector’s booth and you followed Christ in all earnestness. He made you a blessing for all, a chosen apostle and evangelist for the world. Therefore, we honor your sacred memory and we ask you to beg God to forgive our sins.

 

Kontakion

You cast off the yoke of gathering taxes, and you put on the yoke of justice. You became a shrewd merchant, obtaining a wealth of wisdom from heaven itself. When you preached the word of truth, you lifted up depressed spirits. You wrote of the coming hour of judgment. 

 

Epistle

1 Corinthians 4: 9-16

  Brothers and sisters: As I see it, God has put us apostles at the end of the line, like men doomed to die in the arena. We have become like a spectacle to the universe, to angels and men alike. We are fools on Christ’s account. Ah, but in Christ you are wise! We are the weak ones, you the strong! They honor you, while they sneer at us! Up to this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, poorly clad, roughly treated, wandering about homeless. We work hard at manual labor. When we are insulted we respond with a blessing. Persecution comes our way; we bear it patiently. We are slandered, and we try conciliation. We have become the world’s refuse, the scum of all; that is the present state of affairs. 

I am writing you this way not to shame you but to admonish you as my beloved children. Granted you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you have only one father. It was I who begot you in Christ Jesus through my preachings of the gospel. I beg you, be imitators of me.

 

Gospel

Matthew 9: 9-13

At that time as he moved on, Jesus saw a man named Matthew at his post where taxes were collected. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Matthew got up and followed him. Now it happened that, while Jesus was at table in Matthew’s home, many tax collectors and those known as sinners came to join Jesus and his disciples at dinner. The Pharisees saw this and complained to his disciples, “What reason can the Teacher have for eating with tax collectors and those who disregard the law?” Overhearing the remark, Jesus said: “People who are in good health do not need a doctor; sick people do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘It is mercy I desire and not sacrifice.’ I have come to call, not the self-righteous, but sinners.”

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

Nov. 15 The Holy Martyrs and Confessors Gurias, Samonas, and Habibus

The holy martyrs and confessors Gurias, an ascetic, and Samonas suffered at Edessa in Osrhoene. They were condemned to death under Diocletian the emperor after a lengthy and savage torture, they were then beheaded by sword. Habibus was a deacon who suffered for the faith later. The martyrs endured everything with firmness and Samonas uttered a prayer to the Lord, which one of the witnesses to their death wrote down: “O Lord my God, against Whose will not a single sparrow falls into the snare. It was You Who made room for David in his sorrow (Ps. 4:1).” The martyrs were buried reverently by Christians after their death. After some years, the last pagan emperor, Licinius (311-324), began a persecution against Christians. Habibus, a deacon of the Church of Edessa whom the emperor ordered to be arrested for his zealous spreading of the True Faith, presented himself before the executioners when he learned they were searching for him. The saint confessed for Christ and was sentenced to be burned alive. The martyr went willingly into the fire and with a prayer surrendered his soul to the Lord. When the fire went out, the mother and relatives of the saint found his body unharmed. They buried the martyr next to Saints Gurias and Samonas.

Troparion

You granted us the miracles of Your holy martyrs as an unshakable stronghold, O Christ God. Through their prayers, confound the snares of pagans, strengthen the scepters of the kingdom for You alone are good and love mankind.

Kontakion

Having received grace from on high O wise ones, you stood before those tempters, O all-praised ones. Therefore, like the three holy youths, you were delivered from bitter death, for in truth you are the glory of Edessa and the joy of the world. 

Epistle

2 Thessalonians 2: 1-12

Brothers and sisters: On the question of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we beg you, brethren, not to be so easily agitated or terrified, whether by an oracular utterance, or rumor, or a letter alleged to be ours, into believing that the day of the Lord is here. 

Let no one seduce you, no matter how. Since the mass apostasy has not yet occurred nor the man of lawlessness been revealed–that son of perdition and adversary who exalts himself about every so-called god proposed for worship, he who seats himself in God’s temple and even declares himself to be God – do you not remember how I used to tell you about these things when I was still with you? You know what restrains him until he shall be revealed in his own time. The secret force of lawlessness is already at work, mind you, but there is one who holds him back until that restrainer shall be taken from the scene. Thereupon the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will destroy him with the breath of his mouth and annihilate him by manifesting his own presence. This lawless one will appear as part of the workings of Satan, accompanied by all the power and signs and wonders at the disposal of falsehood–by every seduction the wicked can devise for those destined to ruin because they have not opened their hearts to the truth in order to be saved. Therefore God is sending upon them a perverse spirit which leads them to give credence to falsehood, so that all who have not believed the truth but have delighted in evildoing will be condemned.

Gospel

Luke 15: 1-10

At that time the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus, at which the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus addressed this parable to them: “Who among you, if he has a hundred sheep loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wasteland and follow the lost one until he finds it? And when he finds it, he puts it on his shoulders in jubilation. Once arrived home, he invites friends and neighbors in and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, there will likewise be more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.

“What woman, if she has ten silver pieces and loses one, does not light a lamp and sweep the house in a diligent search until she has retrieved what she lost? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors to say, ‘Rejoice with me! I have found the silver piece I lost.’ I tell you, there will be the same kind of joy before the angels of God over one repentant sinner.”

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

Nov. 14 The Holy and All-praiseworthy Apostle Philip; Our Holy Father Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica

The holy and illustrious apostle Philip, like Peter and Andrew, was from Bethsaida in Galilee. He had become a disciple of John the Baptist, and was called by the Lord to follow him. He preached in Phrygia with John the Theologian and Bartholomew. Philip was crucified there upside down on a tree. 

When our holy father Gregory Palamas, archbishop of Thessalonica, completed his secular studies, he withdrew to the Holy Mountain and became a monk of Vatopedi and then the Great Lavra. He was made Metropolitan of Salonica in 1347, and governed that church for twelve years. He is famous as both an ascetic and a theologian. 

 

Troparion

The whole world is adorned and Ethiopia sings for joy at her crown. She received light from you, and is adorned by your crown. O Philip, speaking in behalf of God, she solemnly celebrates your memory. You taught everyone to believe in Christ and you completed the course of the Gospel worthily. Therefore, Ethiopia has come to lift their hands to God. Pray to Him to grant us great mercy. 

 

Kontakion

O Lord, Your disciple and friend and imitator of Your passion, Philip, has preached You as God to the universe. Through his prayers deliver Your Church from her lawless enemies, and through the Theotokos protect every city, O Most Merciful Christ.  

 

Epistle

1 Corinthians 4: 9-16

  Brothers and sisters: As I see it, God has put us apostles at the end of the line, like men doomed to die in the arena. We have become like a spectacle to the universe, to angels and men alike. We are fools on Christ’s account. Ah, but in Christ you are wise! We are the weak ones, you the strong! They honor you, while they sneer at us! Up to this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, poorly clad, roughly treated, wandering about homeless. We work hard at manual labor. When we are insulted we respond with a blessing. Persecution comes our way; we bear it patiently. We are slandered, and we try conciliation. We have become the world’s refuse, the scum of all; that is the present state of affairs. 

I am writing you this way not to shame you but to admonish you as my beloved children. Granted you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you have only one father. It was I who begot you in Christ Jesus through my preachings of the gospel. I beg you, be imitators of me.

 

Gospel

John 1 43-51

At that time Jesus wanted to set out for Galilee, but first he came upon Philip. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him. Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter. Philip sought out Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses spoke of in the law– the prophet too– Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” Nathanael’s response to that was, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”  and Philip replied, “Come, see for yourself.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he remarked: “This man is a true Israelite. There is no guile in him.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked Jesus. “Before Philip called you,” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree.” “Rabbi,” said Nathanael, “you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” Jesus responded: “Do you believe just because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see much greater things than that.”

Jesus went on to tell them, “I solemnly assure you, you shall see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

 

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

Nov. 13 Our Father Among the Saints, John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

Our holy father John Chrysostom was born in Antioch, and was ordained to the priesthood and was found worthy of the title Chrysostom because of his golden eloquence. Chosen for the see of Constantinople, he showed himself to be the best pastor and teacher of the faith. He was forced into exile by his enemies. When he was recalled from his exile by a decree of Pope Innocent I, having suffered many evils from the accompanying soldiers, he returned his soul to God on the fourteenth of September in  Comana in Pontus in the year 407.

 

Troparion

The grace shining forth from your mouth like a torch has enlightened the universe; it has stored up in the world the treasure of disdain for wealth. It has shown us the heights of humility. Instruct us by your words, John Chrysostom, our father, and intercede with the Word, Christ God, save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

You have received divine grace from heaven and with your lips you teach all how to worship one God in the Trinity, most blessed venerable John Chrysostom. It is fitting that we praise you, for you are the teacher who reveals the divine. 

 

Epistle

Hebrews: 7:26 – 8:2

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

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

 

Gospel

John 10: 9-16

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

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

Nov. 12 Our Father among the Saints, John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria; Our Venerable Father Nilus; The Holy Priest Martyr Josaphat, Archbishop of Polotsk

Our venerable father John the Merciful, also called “the almsgiver”, died at Amathus in the island of Cyprus in the year 620. He was famous for his compassion to the poor. Filled with love toward all, he built many churches, hospitals, orphanages, and worked with great care to relieve every misfortune of the city. To this end, he gave away the goods of the Church and diligently urged the rich to help them out with their wealth. 

Our venerable father Nilus was a government official in Constantinople. He and his wife, seeing the state of morals there, joined monasteries. She in Egypt, and he on Mt. Sinai. Nilus lived the monastic life for sixty years and died at the age of 80 in 450.

The holy martyr Josaphat, Bishop of Polotsk: Josaphat Kuncewicz, bishop of the Greek Catholic church, and martyr, spurred his flock to Catholic unity by his constant effort and nurtured the Byzantine-Slavic Church by his pious love. At Vitebsk in Belarus (then part of Poland), he was cruelly seized by an angry mob and died for the unity of the Church and in defense of the Catholic truth in 1623.

 

Troparion – John

By your patience, you deserved your reward, O venerable father. You were assiduous in prayer, and you loved and helped the poor. Blessed John the Merciful, intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls. 

 

Troparion – Nilus

Your abundant tears made the wilderness sprout and bloom, and your deep sighing made your labor fruitful a hundredfold. You became a star shining over the world with miracles, holy father Nilus. Pray to Christ God that He may save our souls.

 

Troparion – Josaphat

You have become a brilliant light, O Priest-Martyr Josaphat. You gave up your life for your sheep like the Good Shepherd. You were slain by the lovers of schism, and you have entered into the Holy of Holies to rest in the company of the angels. O long-suffering saint, we make this petition to you: Beg Christ, the Prince of Shepherds, to save our souls and to number us among the sheep at His right hand. 

 

Kontakion – John

O John, most wise, by distributing all your possessions to the poor, you now received the wealth of heaven. Therefore, we honor you for the sake of all, celebrating your memory who bears the name merciful because of your charity. 

 

Kontakion – Nilus

O blessed Nilus, your vigils of prayers cut down the needs of bodily passions like a scythe. Since you have confidence before the Lord, free me from every misfortune so that I may exclaim you: rejoice, universal father. 

 

Kontakion – Josaphat

You were enlightened by a spark from the crucified Christ from the time you were a child. You were like an angel in monastic life, living in it with true holiness. You openly preached unity, and with your martyr’s blood, you calmed the hearts of those who had been tossed about with schism. Christ has crowned you and we sing to you: Rejoice, unshatterable pillar of unity. 

 

Epistle

Ephesians 2: 14-22

Brothers and sisters: It is [Christ] who is our peace, and who made the two of us one by breaking down the barrier of hostility that kept us apart. In his own flesh he abolished the law with its commands and precepts; to create in himself one new man from us who had been two and to make peace, reconciling both of us to God in one body through his cross, which put that enmity to death. He came and “announced the good news of peace to you who were far off, and to those who were near”; through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

This means that you are strangers and aliens no longer. No, you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God. You form a building which rises on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is fitted together and takes shape as a holy temple in the Lord; in him you are being built into this temple, to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.

 

Gospel

Luke 10: 25-37

At that time a lawyer stood up to pose this problem to Jesus: “Teacher, what must I do to inherit everlasting life?” Jesus answered him: “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” The lawyer replied: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

Jesus said, “You have answered correctly. Do this and you shall live.” But because the lawyer wished to justify himself he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “There was a man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho who fell prey to robbers.

They stripped him, beat him, and then went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road; he saw him but continued on. Likewise there was a Levite who came the same way; he saw him and went on. But a Samaritan who was journeying along came on him and was moved to pity at the sight. He approached him and dressed his wounds, pouring in oil and wine. He then hoisted him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, where he cared for him. The next day he took out two silver pieces and gave them to the innkeeper with the request: ‘Look after him, and if there is any further expense I will repay you on my way back.’

“Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the man who fell in with the robbers?” The answer came, “The one who treated him with compassion.” Jesus said to the lawyer, “Then go and do the same.”

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

Sunday Bulletin 11/12/23

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Nov.  11  –  Means, Victor, and Vincent, Martyrs

5:00 PM        Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy 

Sunday, Nov. 12  –  24th Sunday after Pentecost

8:30 AM        Matins

9:30 AM        Divine Liturgy 

12:00 PM        Chant Class 

Monday, Nov. 13  –  John Chrysostom, Archbishop

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

Wednesday, Nov. 15  –  Gurias, Samonas, and Habib, Martyrs

6:30 PM        Divine Liturgy

7:30 PM        Firepit Social

Saturday, Nov.  18  –  Plato and Roman, Martyrs

5:00 PM        Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy 

6:30 PM        Reader Vespers

Sunday, Nov. 19  –  25th Sunday after Pentecost 

8:30 AM        Matins

9:30 AM        Divine Liturgy  

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

MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE

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

Santa Paula: Saturdays 4:15 PM or by appointment

PRAYER REQUESTS

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

Please remember the following people in your prayers: The Carlin Family, Michael Hefferon, Shirely 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: $3,327.00; Online: $455.00; Candles: $43.00; SP Outreach: $898.00; Parish Social: $41.00; Church Improvements: $440.00; SP Outreach Improvements: $20.00 

Total: $5,224.00 / Attendance- PSM: 59 SPO: 75

 

The Phillip’s Fast Nov. 14

According to the forty-day tradition, the Phillip’s Fast in preparation for Christmas begins on Monday. During this fast it was custom to observe a strict abstinence on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and a lesser abstinence (mitigation for wine and oil) on Tuesday and Thursday. The fast is observed more strictly from December 10 (in some traditions) or from December 20 (in other traditions), with daily strict abstinence, and a mitigated abstinence (wine and oil) on Saturday and Sunday (cf. the Great Fast and the Dormition Fast). The Ruthenian Metropolia has identified this period as a penitential season. This fast may be observed voluntarily, partially or in its entirety. 

From the Typicon of the Metropolia of Pittsburgh

Christ our Keeper

The parable of the Good Samaritan, according to the Fathers of the Church: The man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho is Adam, Jerusalem is heaven or paradise, and Jericho is hell. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho goes downhill, and in the same way man has gone steadily downhill since being cast out of paradise. The thieves who attack him are the demons. They remove his clothes (the gifts of the Holy Spirit) and leave him covered in wounds (the fallen passions) and half-dead spiritually. The priest who passed by was incapable of helping him because before the Coming of Christ all men, even the righteous ones of the Old Testament, were themselves wounded by sin. The Levite, who knew the Law of Moses, was also helpless. Even the great Moses, to whom God gave the Law, could not keep it and was not saved by it.

Then the Lord mentions the Samaritan. The word “Samaritan” means “keeper”. The Good Samaritan, the true Keeper of our souls and bodies, is Christ Himself. He has compassion on fallen man, and through the sacraments (the oil of Holy Chrismation, the wine of the Holy Eucharist) He cleanses and heals our nature, covering its sins with the badges of forgiveness. Then He sets man on His own animal, that is, His own human nature, and takes him to the inn, that is, His Church. The next day He departs (ascends into heaven), but gives the innkeeper (the priesthood of the Church) two denarii (the Old and New Testaments) with which  to look after fallen man. He also says that He will return (at the Second Coming in glory) and repay them then.

Christ tells us to “do likewise”, that is, have compassion on wounded souls and bring them to the only place that can truly heal them –the Church. First we talk about Christ to them, and then when they respond we lead them to the Church.    

 –Fr. Stephen Washko

“Go and do likewise.” Our Lord teaches the rich young man that showing mercy to all is the way to best fulfill the two greatest commandments, of loving God and loving our neighbor. For each of us, to “go and do likewise” will look different based on our unique gifts from God. Some of us are called to show mercy by serving the Church as priests, deacons, subdeacons, monks and nuns. If that may be your calling, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Nov. 11 The Holy Martyrs Menas, Victor, and Vincent; The Holy Martyr Stephanis; Our Venerable Father and Confessor Theodore the Studite

The holy martyr Menas was a soldier from Egypt. When ordered to worship pagan idols and arrest and persecute Christians, St. Menas refused and left the army to go into the wilderness and live an ascetic life. At the age of fifty, St. Menas had a vision that he regarded as a sign to follow the path to martyrdom. He sought out a pagan festival and disrupted it, confessing the One True God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. He was arrested, tortured, and eventually beheaded in 304. His relics were gathered and hidden until the persecution was over. They were brought to Egypt and placed in a church dedicated to the saint where they continue to work miracles for those who entreat him with faith and love. 

The holy martyr Victor was a soldier, during the reign of the emperor Marcus Aurelius the Philosopher (161-180). He was tortured, but he came through all the torments unharmed. Through St. Victor’s prayers, blind soldiers suddenly received their sight. The torturer ordered that the holy Martyr Victor be beheaded. Hearing the commander’s order, St. Victor told his executioners that they would all die in 12 days, and that the commander would be captured by the enemy in 24 days. As he foretold, so it came to pass. 

The holy martyr Vincent was a deacon ordained by Bishop Valerian of Augustopolis (now Saragossa, Spain). He was an eloquent orator, and preached in church and among the people. St. Vincent was arrested with his bishop during the persecution under the emperor Diolcatian. The holy deacon underwent many torments, but came through all of them, and exhausted his torturers. After the tortures they threw the martyr back into prison. That night the astonished guard heard him singing Psalms, and saw an unearthly radiant light in the prison. The next morning the holy martyr was condemned to be burned on a gridiron. Christians took the saint’s body and buried it with reverence. This occurred in the year 304.

The holy martyr Stephanis was the young Christian wife of one of the tortures of the holy martyr Vincent. After she witnessed the miracles worked by the Lord through St. Vincent, Stephanis openly glorified Christ, for which she was condemned to a cruel death. She was 15 years old. 

Our venerable father and confessor Theodore the Studite was hegumen of that monastery in Constantinople who suffered greatly for his defense of the cult of the holy icons. He was a wise organizer of monastic life, an inspired teacher of the Orthodox faith, and a great ascetic. He died in Constantinople in the year 826 and the age of 68. 

 

Troparion – Martyrs

O Lord, You have made those martyrs who shared in Your passion ornaments of glory for the world. Therefore, we have in them an invincible advocate.

 

Troparion – Theodore

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

 

Kontakion – Menas

Christ our God summoned you from an earthly army, and enlisted you in the army of heaven, O martyr Menas. You have been given the untarnishing crown of the martyrs.

 

Kontakion – Theodore

You surrounded yourself with every ascetic practice in order to protect your angelic life. With the grace of God you became like the angels. Together with them, O Theodore, never cease to intercede with Christ our God for the sake of all of us.

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 11: 1-6

 Brothers and sisters: You must endure a little of my folly. Put up with me, I beg you! I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God himself, since I have given you in marriage to one husband, presenting you as a chaste virgin to Christ. My fear is that, just as the serpent seduced Eve by his cunning, your thoughts may be corrupted and you may fall away from your sincere and complete devotion to Christ. I say this because, when someone comes preaching another Jesus than the one we preached, or when you receive a different spirit than the one you have received, or a gospel other than the gospel you accepted, you seem to endure it quite well. I consider myself inferior to the “super-apostles” in nothing. I may be unskilled in speech but I know that I am not lacking in knowledge. We have made this evident to you in every conceivable way. 

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 37-43

At that time Jesus and the disciples came down from the mountain and a large crowd met them. Suddenly a man from the crowd exclaimed: “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. A spirit has possession of him and with a sudden cry throws him into a convulsion and makes him foam at the mouth, then abandons him in his shattered condition. I asked your disciples to cast out the spirit but they could not.” Jesus said in reply: “What an unbelieving and perverse lot you are! How long must I remain with you? How long can I endure you? Bring your son here to me.” As he was being brought, the spirit threw him into convulsions on the ground. Jesus then rebuked the unclean spirit, cured the boy, and restored him to his father. And all who saw it marveled at the greatness of God.

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

Nov. 10 The Holy Apostles Erastus, Olympas, Rodion, and their Companions

The holy apostles Erastus, Sosipater, Olympas, Rodion, Quartus, and Tertius were disciples of St. Paul. They all lived during the first century. The Apostle to the Gentiles speaks of them in the Epistle to the Romans, “And Erastus, the city treasurer, greets you, and Quartus, a brother” (Rom 16:23). St. Sosipater, a native of Achaia, was Bishop of Iconium, where he also died. St. Paul mentions him in Romans 16:21. St. Olympas was mentioned by the holy apostle Paul (Rom 16:15). He was also a companion of the Apostle Peter. St. Rodion (Herodion), was a kinsman of the Apostle Paul (Rom 16:11), and left the bishop’s throne at Patras to go to Rome with apostle Peter. Saints Rodion and Olympas were beheaded on the very day and hour when St. Peter was crucified. St. Quartus endured much suffering for his piety and converted many pagans to Christ, dying peacefully as a bishop in the city of Beirut. St. Tertius is mentioned in the Epistle to the Romans, “I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord” (Rom 16:22). St. Tertius, to whom St. Paul dictated the Epistle to the Romans, was the second Bishop of Iconium, where he also died. 

 

Troparion

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

 

Kontakion

You enlightened your mind with light divine. You destroyed deceptive arguments with true wisdom, and having fished for all the Gentiles, O glorious apostles, you brought them to the Master, teaching them to glorify the Divine Trinity.

 

Epistle

1 Thessalonians 5: 9-13; 24-28

Brothers and sisters: God has not destined us for wrath but for acquiring salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us, that all of us, whether awake or asleep, together might live with him. Therefore, comfort and upbuild one another, as indeed you are doing.

We beg you, brethren, respect those among you whose task it is to exercise authority in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them with the greatest love because of their work. Remain at peace with one another. 

He who calls us is trustworthy, therefore he will do it. Brethren, pray for us too. Greet all the brothers with a holy embrace. I adjure you by the Lord that this letter be read to them all. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

 

Gospel

Luke 13: 31-35

At that time certain Pharisees came to Jesus. They said, “Go on your way! Leave this place! Herod is trying to kill you.” Jesus answered: “Go tell that fox, ‘Today and tomorrow I cast out devils and perform cures, and on the third day my purpose is accomplished. For all that, I must proceed on course today, tomorrow, and the day after, since no prophet can be allowed to die anywhere except in Jerusalem.’

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you slay the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often have I wanted to gather your children together as a mother bird collects her young under her wings, and you refused me! Your temple will be abandoned. I say to you, you shall not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

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