Nov. 30 The Holy and Glorious Apostle Andrew, the First-Called

The holy and glorious apostle Andrew, the first-Called: Born in Bethsaida, he was the brother of Simon Peter and a fisherman with him. He was called first from the disciples of John the Baptist at the Jordan by the Lord Jesus. Andrew followed him and even brought his brother to the Lord. After Pentecost it is said that he preached the Gospel in Achaia and at Patrae was tied to a cross. The Church in Constantinople considers him their praiseworthy and remarkable patron. 

 

Troparion

Andrew, as the first-called of the apostles and brother Peter their leader, pray to the Master of All that He grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls. 

 

Kontakion

Let us praise Andrew the theologian, the namesake of courage, the first apostle, and follower of his brother Peter, their leader. For, as he called him in times of old, so now he calls us: Come, we have found the One Whom the world desires.

 

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: 35-42

At that time John was present with two of his disciples. As he watched Jesus walk by he said, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard what he said, and followed Jesus. When Jesus turned around and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi (which means teacher), where do you stay?” “Come and see,” he answered. So they went to see where he was lodged, and stayed with him that day. (It was about four in the afternoon.)

One of the two who had followed Jesus after hearing John was Simon Peter’s brother Andrew. The first thing he did was seek out his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah!” (This term means the Anointed.) Andrew brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at Simon and said, “You are Simon, son of John; your name shall be Cephas (which is rendered to Peter).”

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

Nov. 29 The Holy Martyr Paramon; The Holy Martyr Philemon; Our Venerable Father Acacius

The holy martyr Paramon was martyred in Bithynia in Asia Minor along with 370 other Christians during the persecution of the governor Aquilinus in the year 250.

The holy martyr Philemon was martyred at Ancyra in Galatia. It is said that in the persecution of Aurlian the emperor Philemon was taken to the fire. Then his feet and head were pierced with nails leading to his martyrdom.

Our venerable father Acacius, mentioned in “The Ladder”, was a novice living under an evil Elder. Through all of the abuse the Elder gave, Acacius was patiently trusting that the Lord would bring good out of evil. He died an early death and testified from the grave against the elder, who repented.

Troparion

Your martyrs, O Lord our God, in their struggle 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

You washed your soul clean from all impurity by following the divine mandates. This is how you endured your martyrdom. You refused to offer sacrifice to any idols; therefore, they pierced you with a spear. This is how you followed Christ. O all-blessed Paramon, pray for the world.

Epistle

1 Timothy 5:22 – 6:11

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

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

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

Gospel

Luke 20: 1-8

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

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

Nov. 28 The Holy Venerable Martyr Stephen The Younger; The Holy Martyr Irenarchus

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

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

Troparion – Stephen

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

Troparion – Irenarchus

Your martyr, Irenarchus, O Lord our God, in his struggle received an incorruptible crown from You. With Your strength, he brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.

Kontakion – Stephen

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

Kontakion – Irenarchus

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

Epistle

1 Timothy 5: 11-21

Timothy, my son: Refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions estrange them from Christ they will want to marry. This will bring them condemnation for breaking their first pledge. Besides, they learn to be ladies of leisure, who go about from house to house–becoming not only time-wasters but gossips and busybodies as well, talking about things they ought not. That is why I should like to see the younger ones marry, have children, keep house, and in general give our enemies no occasion to speak ill of us. Already, some have turned away to follow Satan. If a woman church member has relatives who are widows, she must assist them. She should not let them become a burden to the church, which ought to be free to give help to the widows who are really in need.

Presbyters who do well as leaders deserve to be paid double, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. The Scripture says,” You shall not put a muzzle on an ox when he is threshing the grain,” and also, “The worker deserves his wages.”

Pay no attention to an accusation against a presbyter unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. The ones who do commit sin, however, are to be publicly reprimanded, so that the rest may fear to offend. I charge you before God, Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels: apply these rules without prejudice, act with complete impartiality!

Gospel

Luke 19: 45-48

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

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

Nov. 27 The Holy Martyr James the Persian; Our Venerable Father Palladius

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

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

 

Troparion – James

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

 

Troparion – Palladius

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

 

Kontakion – James

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

 

Kontakion – Palladius

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

 

Epistle

1 Timothy 5: 1-10

Timothy, my son: Never censure an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. You should treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 

Honor the claims of widows who are real widows – that is, who are alone and bereft. If a widow has any children or grandchildren, let these learn that piety begins at home and that they should fittingly support their parents and grandparents; this is the way God wants it to be. The real widow, left destitute, is one who has set her hope on God and continues night and day in supplications and prayers. A widow who givers herself up to selfish indulgence, however, leads a life of living death.

Make the following rules about widows, so that no one may incur blame. If anyone does not provide for his own relatives and especially for members of his immediate family, he has denied the faith; he is worse than an unbeliever. To be on the church’s roll of widows, a widow should be not less than sixty years of age. She must have been married only once. Her good character will be attested to by her good deeds. Has she brought up children? Has she been hospitable to strangers? Has she washed the feet of Christian visitors? Has she given help to those in distress? In a word, has she been eager to do every possible good work?

 

Gospel

Luke 19: 37-44

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

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

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

 

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

Nov. 26 Our Venerable Father Alypius the Stylite; The Commemoration of the Consecration of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr George in Kiev

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

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

 

Troparion – Alypius

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

 

Troparion – George

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

 

Kontakion – Alypius

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

 

Kontakion – George

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

 

Epistle

Ephesians 5: 8b-19

Brothers and sisters: Live as children of light. Light produces every kind of goodness and justice and truth. Be correct in your judgment of what pleases the Lord. Take no part in vain deeds done in darkness; rather, condemn them. It is shameful even to mention the things these people do in secret; but when such deeds are condemned they are seen in the light of day, and all that then appears is light. That is why we read: “Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

Keep careful watch over your conduct. Do not act like fools, but like thoughtful men. Make the most of the present opportunity, for these are evil days. Do not continue in ignorance, but try to discern the will of the Lord. Avoid getting drunk on wine; that leads to debauchery. Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and inspired songs. Sing praise to the Lord with all your hearts.

 

Gospel

Luke 13: 10-17

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

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

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

Sunday Bulletin 11/26/23

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Nov 25  –  Clement and Peter, Pope and Bishop        

5:00 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy

Sunday, Nov 26  –  26th Sunday after Pentecost   

8:30 AM      Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Nov 27  –  James the Persian, Martyr       

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

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

Wednesday, Nov 29  –  Paramon and Philemon, Martyrs  

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Emmanuel Moleben

7:30 PM          Firepit Social

Thursday, Nov 30  –  Andrew Apostle      

6:30 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy

Saturday, Dec 2  –  Habakkuk, Prophet         

5:00 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy

5:30 PM          Reader Vespers

Sunday, Dec 3  –  27th Sunday after Pentecost           

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy: 27th Sunday after Pentecost

12:00 PM        Chant Class: St. Nicholas Day & Christmas Hymns

*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: $1,872.00; Santa Paula: $910.00; Candles: $33.00; Online: $755.00; Property Rental: $600.00; Parish Socials: $51.00; Travel Reimbursement: $366.90

Total: $4,587.90 / Attendance – PSM: 77   

Saint Nicholas Day Potluck (Dec. 10)

We will celebrate St. Nicholas day Sunday December 10 with a Potluck Luncheon and a visit from St. Nicholas! Sign-up sheets are in the small hall. Please sign up so we know how many people, especially children, will be in attendance.

The Physician of Our Souls

In the gospel story today, Jesus cures a crippled woman on the Sabbath. She had, for eighteen years, been suffering from a back infirmity. She then gave thanks to God and proclaimed his glory throughout the town. We also must remember to be thankful to our Lord. We should give gratitude to our Lord who has given us many gifts and blessings.

Yet, in the world today, there are many people who never give thanks to God. Even in the gospel stories we see many thankless people. For instance, the Gospel of Matthew records that Jesus cured ten lepers. But out of the ten persons, only one returned to Jesus and gave him thanks for his cure. Jesus then said to him, “Where are the others?” It seems like the others just used Jesus for their own selfish ends. We of course should never imitate these ungrateful lepers.

Another important point in the gospel story is that the synagogue official was not healed of his bent heart. He got very angry at Jesus when he cured the woman on the Sabbath. The Lord, in turn, called him a hypocrite. He was so self-righteous to himself that he did not recognize that he had defects. For one thing, he did not show any compassion to the crippled woman. He just wanted to glorify himself in front of the people. Do we sometimes in life repeat the same actions of this cold Pharisee? Maybe we are too quick to judge other persons in their faults, but do not see our own sins.

The Lord has told us that all judgment shall be done by him at the day of reckoning. People who harshly condemn others need to have their hearts cured by the healer of souls, Jesus Christ. The Lord has instituted the sacrament of penance for this reason. No matter how much evil we have done in this life, the Lord will always forgive and be merciful to you.

So, let us today, seek the physician of souls, our Lord God Jesus Christ.

 

“Woman, you are freed from your infirmity!” As the Physician of souls and bodies, our Lord shows mercy to the woman who had an infirmity for eighteen years. His healing can restore any brokenness, and the life in Christ allows us to bring his healing to the world. Are you being called to do so through the priestly, diaconal, monastic or religious life? Contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Nov. 25 Our Holy Fathers and Martyrs Clement, Pope of Rome and Peter, Bishop of Alexandria

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

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

 

Troparion

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

 

Kontakion

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

 

Epistle

Galatians 3: 8-12

Brothers and sisters: Because Scripture saw in advance that God’s way of justifying the Gentiles would be through faith, it foretold this good news to Abraham: “All nations shall be blessed in you.” Thus it is that all who believe are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

All who depend on observance of the law, on the other hand, are under a curse. It is written, “Cursed is he who does not abide by everything written in the book of the law and carry it out.” It should be obvious that no one is justified in God’s sight by the law, for “the just man shall live by faith.” But the law does not depend on faith. Its terms are: “Whoever does these things shall live by them.”

 

Gospel

Luke 10: 19-22a

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

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

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

Nov. 24 The Great Martyr Catherine; The Holy Great Martyr Mercury

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

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

 

Troparion – Catherine

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

 

Troparion – Mercury

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

 

Kontakion – Catherine

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

 

Kontakion – Mercury

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

 

Epistle

1 Timothy 4: 4-8, 16

Timothy, my son: Everything God created is good, nothing is to be rejected when it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by God’s word and by prayer.

If you put these instructions before the brotherhood you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, reared in the words of faith and the sound doctrine you have faithfully followed. Have nothing to do with profane myths or old wives’ tales. Train yourself for the life of piety, for while physical training is to some extent valuable, the discipline of religion is incalculably more so, with its promise of life here and hereafter. 

Watch yourself and watch your teaching. Persevere at both tasks. By doing so you will bring to salvation yourself and all who hear you.

 

Gospel

Luke 19: 12-28

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

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

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

Nov. 23 Our Fathers among the saints, Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium and Gregory, Bishop of Agrigento

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

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

 

Troparion

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

 

Kontakion – Amphilochius

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

 

Kontakion – Gregory

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

 

Epistle

1 Timothy 3: 1-13

Timothy, my son: You can depend on this: whoever wants to be a bishop aspires to a noble task. A bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, of even temper, self-controlled, modest, and hospitable. He should be a good teacher. He must not be addicted to drink. He ought not to be contentious but, rather, gentle, a man of peace. Nor can he be someone who loves money. He must be a good manager of his own household, keeping his children under control without sacrificing his dignity; for if a man does not know how to manage his own house, how can he take care of the church of God? He should not be a new convert, lest he become conceited and thus incur the punishment once meted out to the devil. He must also be well thought of by those outside the church, to ensure that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap. In the same way, deacons must be serious, straightforward, and truthful. They may not overindulge in drink or give in to greed. They must hold fast to the divinely revealed faith with a clear conscience. They should be put on probation first; then, if there is nothing against them, they may serve as deacons. The women, similarly, should be serious, not slanderous gossips. They should be temperate and entirely trustworthy. Deacons may be married but once and must be good managers of their children and their households. Those who serve well as deacons gain a worthy place for themselves and much assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. 

 

Gospel

Luke 18: 31-34

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

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

Nov. 22 The Holy Apostle Philemon and his Companions; The Holy Martyrs Cecilia, Valerian, Tiburtius, and Maximus

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

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

 

Troparion 

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

 

Kontakion

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

 

Epistle

1 Timothy 1: 18-20; 2: 8-15

Timothy, my son, I have a solemn charge to give you. This charge is in accordance with the prophecies made in your regard, and I give it to you so that under the inspiration of these prophecies you may fight the good fight, and hold fast to faith and good conscience. Some men, by rejecting the guidance of conscience, have made shipwreck of their faith, among them Hymenaeus and Alexander; these I have turned over to Satan so that they may learn not to blaspheme. 

It is my wish, then, that in every place the men shall offer prayers with blameless hands held aloft, and be free from anger and dissension. Similarly, the women must deport themselves properly. They should dress modestly and Quietly, and not be decked out in fancy hairstyles, gold ornaments, pearls, or costly clothing; rather, as becomes women who profess to be religious, their adornment should be good deeds. A woman must learn in silence and be completely submissive. I do not permit a woman to act as teacher, or in any way to have authority over a man; she must be Quiet. For Adam was created first, Eve afterward; moreover, it was not Adam who was deceived but the woman. It was she who was led astray and fell into sin. She will be saved through childbearing, provided she continues in faith and love and holiness – her chastity being taken for granted. 

 

Gospel

Luke 18: 15-17, 26-30

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

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

 

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