Oct. 22 The Holy Bishop Abercius of Hieropolis, Equal to the Apostles, Wonder-worker; The Holy Seven Children of Ephesus

The holy bishop Abercius, equal to the Apostles and wonder-worker lived in the 2nd century in Hieropolis in Phrygia. St. Abercius prayed to the Lord for the conversion of all the pagans living in the city. He was visited by an angel that told him to destroy the idols in the pagan temple. St. Abercius then went out and denounced the failings of pagans. There, the pagan tried to seize him. There were 3 youths possessed by demons among the crowd, and St. Abercius expelled them by his prayers. This amazed the crowd, and they asked him to instruct them on the Christian faith. After this the saint went to the surrounding cities and villages, healing the sick and preaching the Kingdom of God. For many years he guarded the Church against heretics, he confirmed Christians in the Faith, he set the prodigal upon the righteous path, he healed the sick and proclaimed the glory of Christ. Because of his great works, St. Abercius is termed “Equal of the Apostles.” St. Abercius returned home to Hieropolis, where he soon rested from his labors. After his death, many miracles took place at his tomb.

The seven holy children of Ephesus: During the persecution of the emperor Decius, even young soldiers refused to sacrifice to idols. Tradition says that their names were: Maximilian, Iamblichus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodianus, and Antoninus. In the year 250 they concealed themselves in caves outside Ephesus, and the emperor had them sealed into the cave to kill them. In the reign of the Christian emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450), there arose a dispute about the veracity of the Christian teaching on the resurrection of the dead. The youths awoke, testified to the true teaching, and one week later died in the year 45. 

 

Troparion – Abercius

You became a preacher of truth and a worker of miracles, a father of orphans and a support of the poor, a brave shepherd for your flock and a scourge to the demons. Protect those who cry out to you: O our father Abercius, pray to Christ our God that He may save our souls!

 

Troparion – Martyrs

The young men who were resplendent at Ephesus, numbering seven in the radiance of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, have transcended corruption throughout long years, despite death, in a manner that surpasses our understanding. They confirm our faith in the resurrection of all so clearly that the faithful cry aloud, “Glory to Him who kept you incorrupt! Glory to Him who raised you! Glory to Him who overthrew contrary things through your example!

 

Kontakion – Abercius

The Church of all the faithful honors you, Abercius, as a great priest, equal to the Apostles. Through your intercessions, keep this Church unconquered, undisturbed from all heresy and undefiled, O blessed father whom we praise for your countless miracles. 

 

Kontakion – Martyrs

You glorified Your saints on earth, O Christ, before Your second and awesome Coming. By raising the youths so gloriously, You manifested the resurrection to those who did not know it. Revealing the flesh and clothing incorrupt, You moved the emperor to cry aloud, “You are indeed the Resurrection of the dead!”

 

Epistle

Galatians 2: 16-20

Brothers and sisters: Knowing that a man is not justified by legal observance but by faith in Jesus Christ, we too have believed in him in order to be justified by faith in Christ, not by observance of the law; for by works of the law no one will be justified. But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we are shown to be sinners, does that mean that Christ is encouraging sin? Unthinkable! If, however, I were to build up the very things I had demolished, I should then indeed be a transgressor. It was through the law that I died to the law, to live for God. I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me. I still live my human life, but it is a life of faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 

Gospel

 

 

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

Sunday Bulletin 10/22/23

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Oct. 21  –  Hilary the Great, Martyr

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

Monday, Oct. 23  –  James, Apostle and Brother of the Lord

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

Wednesday, Oct. 25  –  Marcian and Martyrius, Martyrs

6:30 PM       Divine Liturgy        Mother Natalia from Rick White 

7:30 PM       Firepit Social

Saturday, Oct.  28  –  Paraskevia

5:00 PM Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy 

Sunday, Oct. 29  –  22nd 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: $1,394.00; Candles: $53.50; SP Outreach: $976.00

Total: $2,423.50 / Attendance- PSM: 65  SPO: 60

 

James- “Brother of the Lord”- Oct. 23

St. James was the son of Joseph the Betrothed, born of the wife that Joseph had before he was betrothed to the Ever-virgin Mary. Hence he was the brother of the Lord. However, some say that he was a nephew of Joseph, and the son of his brother Cleopas and his wife Mary, who was the first cousin of the Theotokos. But even according to this genealogy, he was still called, according to the idiom of the scriptures, the Lord’s brother because of their kinship.

This James is called the less (Mark 15:40) by the Evangelists to distinguish him from James, the son of Zebedee, who was called the Great. He was the first Bishop of Jerusalem, elevated to this Episcopal rank by the Apostles, according to Eusebius (Eccl. Hist., Book II:23) and was called Obliah, that is, the Just, because of his great holiness and righteousness. St James presided over the Council of Jerusalem at a time in which a major dispute between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile converts was settled.

St James was known as a man of prayer. In fact he spent so much time on his knees that they became calloused. He was fondly referred to as “camel-kneed.” Having ascended the crest of the Temple on the day of the Passover at the prompting of all, he bore testimony from there concerning his belief in Jesus, and he proclaimed with a great voice that Jesus sits at the right hand of the great power of God and shall come again upon the clouds of heaven. On hearing this testimony many of those present cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” But the Scribes and Pharisees cried, “So, even the just one hath been led astray,” and at the command of Ananias the high priest, St. James was cast down headlong from thence, then was stoned , and while he prayed for his slayers, his head was crushed by the wooden club wielded by a certain scribe. The first of the Catholic (General) Epistles written to the Jews in the Diaspora who believed in Christ was written by this St. James.

From: The Great Horologion

 

“If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone rises from the dead.” Abraham spoke to the rich man to emphasize to him and to us that we have many words of truth that show us the right way to live our lives. In his mercy, Our Lord calls servants  to be those modern day prophets by living as priests, deacons, subdeacons, monks and nuns. Is this something the Lord may be doing in your life? If so, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org 

 

The October issue of the GCU Magazine is now available in the back of the church

Oct. 21 Our Venerable Father Hilarion the Great

Our venerable father Hilarion the Great followed in the footsteps of St. Anthony , first leading a solitary life near Gaza. Then in this province of Cyprus, he was an outstanding founder and example of eremitical life. He fell asleep in the Lord in the year 372.

 

Troparion

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

 

Kontakion

We gather today to sing hymns in your honor, O brilliant star who make shine the grace of God in our hearts. You were a Light to those in darkness and lifted up to heaven those who cry out, “Joy to you, Hilarion, model of hermits!”

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 3: 12-18

Brothers and sisters: Our hope being [the glory that endures], we act with full confidence. We are not like Moses, who used to hide his face with a veil so that the Israelites could not see the final fading of that glory. Their minds, or course, were dulled. To this very day, when the old covenant is read the veil remains unlifted; it is only in Christ that it is taken away. Even now, when Moses is read a veil covers their understanding. “But whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil will be removed.” The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. All of us, gazing on the Lord’s glory with unveiled faces, are being transformed from glory to glory into his very image by the Lord who is the Spirit.

 

Gospel

Luke 7: 1-10

At that time Jesus entered Capernaum. A centurion had a servant he held in high regard, who was at that moment sick to the point of death. When he heard about Jesus he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and save the life of his servant. Upon approaching Jesus they petitioned him earnestly. They said, “He deserves this favor from you because he loves our people, and even built a synagogue for us.” Jesus set out with them. When he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him: “Sir, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter my house. That is why I did not presume to come to you myself. Just give the order and my servant will be cured. I too am a man who knows the meaning of an order, having soldiers under my command. I say to one, ‘On your way,’ and off he goes; to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” Jesus showed amazement to the crowd which was following him to say, “I tell you, I have never found so much faith among the Israelites.: When the deputation returned to the house, they found the servant in perfect health.

 

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

Oct. 20 The Holy Great Martyr Artemius

The holy great martyr Artemius was Egyptian by birth. He was the commander-in-chief of the army of the emperor St. Constantine the Great. When the cross of the Lord appeared in the sky to the emperor, Artemius also saw it and came to faith. He was eventually appointed governor in Egypt. During the reign of the emperor Julian the Apostate, he was stripped of his rank and thrown into prison. The emperor had him cruelly killed in the year 392.

Troparion

Preserved in Christ by true belief, O passion-bearer, you overcame the tyrant king and his idol offerings. Because you rebuked that king, the Great King granted you a shining crown of victory and wondrous miracles of healing with which you cure all those who have recourse to you: O Artemius, pray to Christ our God to save our souls. 

Kontakion

Let us gather to sing worthy hymns in honor of Artemius, the pious and crown-bearing martyr who defeated his enemies: for he is great among the martyrs and generous in performing miracles, and prays to the Lord for all of us. 

Epistle

Colossians 2: 1-7

Brothers and sisters: I want you to know how hard I am struggling for you and for the Laodiceans and the many others who have never seen me in the flesh. I wish their hearts to be strengthened and themselves to be closely united in love, enriched with full assurance by their knowledge of the mystery of God – namely Christ – in whom every treasure of wisdom and knowledge is hidden.

I tell you all this so that no one may delude you with specious arguments. I may be absent in body but I am with you in spirit, happy to see good order among you and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Continue, therefore, to live in Christ Jesus the Lord, in the spirit in which you received him. Be rooted in him and built up in him, growing ever stronger in faith, as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.

Gospel

Luke 10: 1-15

At that time the Lord appointed a further seventy-two and sent them in pairs before him to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them: “The harvest is rich but the workers are few; therefore, ask the harvest-master to send workers to his harvest. Be on your way, and remember: I am sending you as lambs in the midst of wolves. Do not carry a walking staff or traveling bag; wear no sandals and greet no one along the way. On entering any house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If there is a peaceable man there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the one house eating and drinking what they have, for the laborer is worth his wage. Do not move from house to house.

“Into whatever city you go, after they welcome you, eat what they set before you, and cure the sick there. Say to them, ‘The reign of God is at hand.’ If the people of any town you enter do not welcome you, go into its streets and say, ‘We shake the dust of this town from our feet as testimony against you. But know that the reign of God is near.’ I assure you, on that day the fate of Sodom will be less severe than that of such a town. It will go ill with you, Chorazin! And just as ill with you, Bethsaida! If the miracles worked in your midst had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have reformed in sackcloth and ashes. It will go easier on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Are you to be exalted to the skies? You shall be hurled down to the realm of death!’”

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

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!