Our venerable father Spiridon the Wonderworker was a shepherd who had a wife and children. He used all his substance for the needs of his neighbors and the homeless, for which the Lord rewarded him with the gift of wonderworking. He healed those who were incurably sick, and cast out demons. After the death of his wife, during the reign of Constantine the Great (306-337), he was made Bishop of Tremithus, Cyprus. As a bishop, the saint did not alter his manner of life, but combined pastoral service with deeds of charity. According to the witness of Church historians, St. Spiridon participated in the sessions of the First Ecumenical Council in the year 325. At the Council, the saint entered into a dispute with a Greek philosopher who was defending the Arian heresy. The power of St. Spiridon’s plain and direct speech showed everyone the importance of human wisdom before God’s Wisdom. 

Our Lady of Guadalupe first appeared on December 9, 1591 in Mexico to St. Juan Diego, and bestowed on him an icon “not made with human hands,” requesting that a church be built in her honor on that mountain. Her shrine there is one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage in the Americas. Pope John Paul II named her the Patroness of the Americas. 

 

Troparion – Spiridon

You were revealed as a champion of the First Council, and a wonderworker, our God-bearing father Spiridon; for you called out to the woman dead in the tomb and you transformed the serpent into gold. And when you sang your holy prayers, you had angels serving with you, O most holy one. Glory to Him who gave you strength. Glory to Him who granted a crown to you! Glory to Him who through you grants healing to all. 

 

Troparion – Our Lady of Guadalupe

When you appeared in the New World, O Mother of God, you fixed your image on Juan Diego’s rose-laden tilma. All the poor, hungry, and oppressed seek you, Lady of Guadalupe. We gaze upon your miraculous icon and find hope, crying out to your Son concealed in your womb: Hear our plea for justice, O Most merciful Lord.

 

Kontakion – Spiridon

Inspired by the love of Christ, O Most Sacred One, and giving wings to your mind through the radiance of the Spirit! You found divine vision through your deeds, O God-pleasing One, becoming a divine oblation, asking Divine Illumination for all.

 

Kontakion – Our Lady of Guadalupe

No longer shall the New World lie wounded in useless blood sacrifice, for she who is clothed with the sun has revealed the Son to us. O Mother of the Americas, imprint his name upon our hearts, just as you wove your image into the cactus cloth. Teach your children to cry out: O Christ God, our hope, glory to you. 

 

Readings for Our Lady of Guadalupe

Epistle

Hebrews 9: 1-7

Brothers and sisters: The first covenant had regulations and an earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was constructed, the outer one, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the showbread; this was called the holy place. Behind the second veil was the tabernacle called the holy of holies, in which were the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant entirely covered with gold. In the ark were the golden jars containing manna, the rod of Aaron which had blossomed, and the tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the place of expiation. We cannot speak now of each of these in detail. These were the arrangements for worship. In performing their service the priests used to go into the inner one, and that but once a year, with the blood which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people. 

 

Gospel

Luke 1: 39-49, 56

In those days Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice: “Blest are you among women and blest is the fruit of your womb. But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby leapt in my womb for joy. Blest is she who trusted that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled.”

Then Mary said: “My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior, for he has looked upon his servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call me blessed. God who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is his name.”

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home. 

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

Hebrews 10: 35 – 11: 7

Brothers and sisters: Do not, then, surrender your confidence; it will have great reward. You need patience to do God’s will and receive what he has promised.

For just a brief moment, and he who is to come will come; he will not delay. My just man will live by faith and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him. We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and live.

Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see. Because of faith the men of old were approved by God. Through faith we perceive that the worlds were created by the word of God, and that what is visible came into being through the invisible. By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice greater than Cain’s. Because of this he was attested to be just, God himself having borne witness to him on account of his gifts; therefore, although Abel is dead, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away without dying, and “he was seen no more because God took him.” Scripture testifies that, before he was taken up, he was pleasing to God – but without faith, it is impossible to please him. Anyone who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, warned about things not yet seen, revered God and built an ark that his household might be saved. He thereby condemned the world and inherited the justice which comes through faith. 

 

Gospel

Mark 9: 9-13 

At that time Jesus and the disciples were coming down the mountain, Jesus strictly enjoined them not to tell anyone what they had seen, before the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept this word of his to themselves, though they continued to discuss what “rise from the dead” meant. Finally they put to him this question: “Why do the scribes claim that Elijah must come first?” Jesus told them: “Elijah will indeed come first and restore everything. Yet why does Scripture say of the Son of Man that he must suffer much and be despised? Let me assure you, Elijah has already come. They did entirely as they pleased with him, as Scriptures say of him.”

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

Our venerable father Daniel the Stylite was born in the village of Bethara, near the city of Samosata in Mesopotamia. His mother Martha was childless for a long while and in her prayers she vowed that if she had a child, she would dedicate him to the Lord. Her prayers were heard, and Martha soon gave birth to a son, who was without a name until he was five years old. Transported by the manner and example of St. Simeon, Daniel stood on a column, not subdued by force of cold or heat or wind, for thirty-three years and three months. St. Daniel also possessed the gift of gracious words. He guided many onto the path of correcting their lives as a priest of Constantinople. The monk reposed in his eightieth year in 489.

 

Troparion

You became a column of endurance and rivaled the forefathers, O venerable one, becoming like Job in your sufferings and like Joseph in your trials, and like the bodiless angels though you lived in the flesh. O Daniel our father, intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

Having ascended the pillar like a radiant star, O blessed One, you illumined the world with your venerable deeds, and dispelled the darkness of deception, O Father, therefore we pray you: shine forth even now the never setting light of understanding into the hearts of your servants. 

 

Epistle

Hebrews 10:1-18

Brothers and sisters: Since the law had only a shadow of the good things to come, and no real image of them, it was never able to perfect the worshipers by the same sacrifices offered continually year after year. Were matters otherwise, the priests would have stopped offering them, for the worshipers, once cleansed, would have had no sin on their conscience. But through those sacrifices there came only a yearly recalling of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take sins away. Wherefore, on coming into the world, Jesus said, “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you have prepared for me; holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight in. Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the book, I have come to do your will, O God.’” First Jesus says, “Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.” (These are offered according to the prescription of the law.) Then he says, “I have come to do your will.” In other words, Jesus takes away the first covenant to establish the second.

By this “will,” we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. Every other priest stands ministering day by day, and offering again and again those same sacrifices for sins and can never take away sins.  But Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are placed beneath his feet. By one offering he has forever perfected those who are being sanctified. The Holy Spirit attests this to us, for after saying, “This is the covenant I will make with them after those days says the Lord: I will out my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds,” he also says, “Their sins and their transgressions I will remember no more.” Once these have been forgiven, there is no further offering for sin.

 

Gospel

Mark 8: 30-34

At that time Jesus gave the disciples strict orders not to tell anyone about him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man had to suffer much, be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, but put to death, and ride three days later. He said these things quite openly. Peter then took Jesus aside to remonstrate him. At this Jesus turned around and, eyeing the disciple, reprimanded Peter. “Get out of my sight, you satan! You are not judging by God’s standards but by man’s!” Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them: “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and follow in my steps.” 

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

The holy martyrs Menas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus: Menas and Hermogenes were born in Athens and moved to Constantinople in the 4th century. Both were pagans. Menas was sent by Emperor Maximian to calm the strife between pagans and Christians in Alexandria. While there, he became a Christian. The emperor sent Hermogenes to Alexandria to punish Menas. After a miracle that occurred during Menas’s trial, Hermogenes became a Christian. Then the emperor himself came to Egypt and put forth both men to harsh torture. Upon seeing their valor, Eugraphus, who was Menas’s secretary, denounced himself to the emperor. Maximian had them all beheaded. 

 

Troparion

Having mortified the fiery visions and movements of the passions by abstinence, the martyrs of Christ received grace to dispel the ailments of the infirm, and to live even after death to work wonders. O truly most glorious wonder, that naked bones pour forth healing. Glory to the One God and Creator. 

 

Kontakion

Let us all honor with sweet singing Menas the wonderful, Hermogenes the divine, and Eugraphus dedicated together, for they honored the Lord and suffered honorably for Him, and are worthy to be numbered with the bodiless choir in heaven; and they are bountiful wonders.

 

Epistle

Hebrews 9: 8-10; 15-23

Brothers and sisters: The Holy Spirit was showing thereby that while the first tabernacle was still standing, the way into the sanctuary had not yet been revealed. This is a symbol of the present time, in which gifts and sacrifices are offered that can never make perfect the conscience of the worshiper, but can only cleanse in matters of food and drink and various ritual washings: regulations concerning the flesh, imposed until the time of the new order. 

This is why Christ is mediator of a new covenant: since his death has taken place for deliverance from transgressions committed under the first covenant, those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance. Where there is a testament, it is necessary that the death of the testator be confirmed. For a testament comes into force only in the case of death; it has no force while the testator is alive. Hence, not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. When Moses had read all the commandments of the law to the people, he took the blood of goats and calves, together with water and crimson wool and hyssop, and sprinkled the book and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has enjoined upon you.” He also sprinkled the tabernacle and all the vessels of worship with blood. According to the law almost everything is purified by blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. It was necessary that the copies of the heavenly models be purified in this way, but the heavenly realities themselves called for better sacrifices. 

 

Gospel

Mark 8:22-26

At that time when Jesus arrived in Bethsaida, some people brought him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. Jesus took the blind man’s hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle in the man’s eyes Jesus laid his hands on the man and asked, “Can you see anything?” The man opened his eyes and said, “I can see people but they look like walking trees!” Then a second time Jesus laid hands on the man’s eyes, and he saw perfectly; his sight was restored and he could see everything clearly. Jesus sent him home with the admonition, “Do not even go into the village.”

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

 

Our venerable father Patapius was born at Thebes into a pious Christian family. Reaching the age of maturity, he scorned the vanities of the world and so went into the Egyptian desert where he became known for his ascetic deeds. Though he wished to dwell in silence, people began to come to him for advice. He went eventually to Constantinople, where he obtained a cell at the city wall, near the Blachernae church. But here, too, he quickly became known. The sick began to throng about, and he, having been granted the gift of healing, began to help all the needy. After a life adorned with virtue and miracles, St. Patapius fell asleep in the Lord and was buried in the church of St. John the Baptist in the 7th century. 

 

Troparion

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 Patapius, your soul rejoices with the angels. 

 

Kontakion

The people who come to your temple with reverence, O Holy One, as a place of spiritual healing, ask to receive healing of their infirmities and forgiveness of sins which they have committed in their lives. For you are revealed, O venerable Patapius, as an intercessor for all in need. 

 

Epistle

Hebrews 8: 7-13

Brothers and sisters: If that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no place for a second one. But God, finding fault with them, says, “Days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers the day I took them forth from the land of Egypt; for they broke my covenant and I grew weary of them, says the Lord. But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will place my laws in their minds and I will write them upon their hearts; I will be their God and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach their fellow citizens or their brothers, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know me, from least to greatest. I will forgive their evildoing, and their sins I will remember no more.”

When he says, “a new covenant,” he declares the first one obsolete. And what has become obsolete and has grown old is close to disappearing. 

 

Gospel

Mark 8:11-21

At that time the Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus. They were looking for some heavenly sign from him as a test. With a sigh from the depths of his spirit Jesus said: “Why does this age seek a sign? I assure you, no such sign will be given it!” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

They had forgotten to bring any bread along; except for one loaf they had none with them in the boat. So when Jesus instructed them, “Keep your eyes open! Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod,” they concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. Aware of this Jesus said to them, “Why do you suppose that it is because you have no bread? Do you still not see or comprehend? Are your minds completely blinded? Have you eyes but no sight? Ears but no hearing? Do you remember when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets of fragments did you collect?” They answered, “Seven.” He said to them again, “Do you still not understand?”

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

 

The Feast of the Maternity of the Holy Anna, mother of Our Blessed Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary: According to tradition, Joachim and Anna were childless for fifty years of their married life. In their old age, they were promised that a daughter would be born to them. After nine months, St. Anna bore a daughter, blessed by God and by all subsequent generations of humanity: the most holy Theotokos, the ever-virgin Mary. St. Anna was the youngest daughter of the priest Nathan from Bethlehem, descended from the tribe of Levi. She married St. Joachim, who was a native of Galilee. The Conception of the Virgin Mary by St. Anna took place in Jerusalem. In the icon for this feast, saints Joachim and Anna are usually depicted with hands folded in prayer; their eyes are also directed upward and they contemplate the Mother of God, who stands in the air with outstretched hands; under her feet is an orb encircled by a serpent (symbolizing the devil), which strives to conquer all the universe by its power. There are also icons in which St. Anna holds the Theotokos on her left arm as an infant. On St. Anna’s face is a look of reverence. Traditionally, this Feast is especially venerated by pregnant women. 

 

Troparion

Today the bonds of barrenness are loosed, for God has heard the prayers of Joachim and Anna. He promised beyond all hope, the birth of their godly daughter. The Indescribable, Himself, born of her as a mortal, commanded us through the angel to sing to her: Rejoice, O woman full of grace, the Lord is with you.

 

Kontakion

Today the whole world celebrates how Anna became a mother by the power of God. She conceived the woman whose conception of the Word is beyond our words. 

 

Readings for the feast

Epistle

Galatians 4: 22-31

Brothers and sisters: Abraham had two sons, one by the slave girl, the other by his freeborn wife. The son of the slave girl had been begotten in the course of nature, but the son of the free woman was the fruit of the promise. All this is an allegory: the two women stand for the two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, and brought forth children to slavery: this is Hagar. The mountain Sinai [Hagar] is in Arabia and corresponds to the Jerusalem of our time, which is likewise in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem on high is freeborn, and it is she who is our mother. That is why Scripture says: “Rejoice, you barren one who bear no children; break into song, you stranger to the pains of childbirth! For many are the children of the wife deserted-far more that of her who has a husband!” You, my brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, as Issac was. But just as in those days sons born in nature’s course persecuted the one whose birth was in the realm of the spirit, so do we find it now. What does Scripture say on the point? “Cast out slave girls and son together; for the slave girl’s son shall never be an heir on equal terms with the son” of the one born free. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, we are not children of a slave girl but of a mother who is free. 

 

Gospel

Luke 1: 24-38

At that time. Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, conceived. She went into seclusion for five months, saying: “In these days the Lord is acting on my behalf; he has seen fit to remove my reproach among men.”

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. Upon arriving, the angel said to her: “Rejoice, O highly favored daughter! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.” Mary was deeply troubled by his words, and wondered what his greeting meant. The angel went on to say to her: “Do not fear, Mary. You have found favor with God. You shall conceive and bear a son and give him the name Jesus. Great will be his dignity and he will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever and his reign will be without end.”

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be since I do not know man?” The angel answered her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; hence, the holy offspring to be born will be called Son of God. Know that Elizabeth your kinswoman has conceived a son in her old age; she who was thought to be sterile is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible with God.”

Mary said: “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say,” With that the angel left her. 

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

Colossians 3: 12-16

Brothers and sisters: Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another; forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you. Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect. Christ’s peace must reign in your hearts, since as members of the one body you have been called to that peace. Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness. Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you. In wisdom made perfect, instruct and admonish one another. Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns, and inspired songs.

 

Gospel

Luke 17: 12-19

At that time as Jesus was entering a village, ten lepers met him. Keeping their distance, they raised their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he responded, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” On their way there they were cured. One of them, realizing that he had been cured, came back praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself on his face at the feet of Jesus and spoke his praises. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus took the occasion to say, “Were not all ten made whole? Where are the other nine? Was there no one to return and give thanks to God except this foreigner?” He said to the man, “Stand up and go your way; your faith has been your salvation.”

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

Our holy father Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, who on April 4th, on the holy day of Pascha, fell asleep in the Lord in 397. His memory is celebrated today on which, while still a catechumen, he undertook ruling the famous See of Milan in 373, while he was exercising the office of prefect of the city. A true pastor and teacher of the faithful, he exercised great charity towards all, defended strenuously the freedom of the Church and the doctrine of the orthodox faith against the Arians. By his commentaries and his musical hymns, he piously catechized the people. 

 

Troparion

Your life has shown you to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of gentleness, and a teacher of moderation. You acquired greatness through humility and wealth through poverty. O father and archbishop Ambrose, intercede with Christ our God to save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

Shining with divine teachings, you darkened the delusion of Arius, O Priest of the Mysteries and Shepherd, Ambrose. Working wonders by the power of the Spirit, you worked wonders and healed diverse passions, O father and archbishop, pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls. 

 

Epistle

Ephesians 2: 11-13

Brothers and sisters: You men of Gentile stock — called “ uncircumcised” by those who, in virtue of a hand-executed right on their flash, call themselves “circumcised” — remember that, informer times, you had no part in Christ, and were excluded from the community of Israel. You were strangers to the covenant and its promise; you were without hope, and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off, have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

 

Gospel

Luke 13: 19-29

The Lord told this parable: “The reign of God is like a mustard seed which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a large shrub and the birds of the sir nested in its branches.”

Jesus went on: “To what shall I compare the reign of God? It is like yeast which a woman took to knead into three measures of flour until the whole mass of dough began to rise.”

He went through cities and towns teaching– all the while making his way toward Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, are they few in number who are to be saved?” Jesus replied: “Try to come in through the narrow door. Many, I tell you, will try to enter and be unable. When once the master of the house has risen to lock the door and you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Sir, open for us,’ he will say in reply, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your company. You taught in our streets.’ But he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Away from me, you evil-doers!’

“There will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets safe in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves rejected. People will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and will take their place at the feast in the kingdom of God.”

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

 

Our Holy father Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonder-Worker. A native of Lycia, he lived in the time of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. After having led the monastic life for a while, he was promoted to the episcopal dignity for his exceptional and eminent virtue. Because he defended the interests of Christians and courageously preached the true religion, he was seized by the city’s magistrates and thrown into prison in company with other Christians, after he was overpowered by assaults and inflicted with all kinds of tortures. When the great and pious Constantine took possession of the Roman Empire by a Providential decree, all the prisoners in fetters were released. Thus set at liberty, Saint Nicholas returned to Myra and took part in the Council of Nicaea held sometime after by Emperor Constantine in 325. He died at a very old age leaving his holy body to the faithful as a source of balm and healing. He remains as if living after his death, having received from heaven the gift of miracles. His relics are preserved in Bari, Italy. His power as a wonderworker gave birth to a marvelous legend which is the origin of traditional children’s festivals in the East as well as the West.

 

Troparion

Your life has shown you to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of gentleness, and a teacher of moderation. You acquired greatness through humility and wealth through poverty. O father and archbishop Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God to save our souls.

 

Kontakion

You were renowned as a priest in Myra, O holy Nicholas; for you fulfilled the Gospel of Christ, O venerable father. You risked your life for your people and saved the innocent from death. Thereby you have been initiated into the mysteries of the grace of God. 

 

Readings for the saint

Epistle 

Hebrews 13: 17-21

Brothers and sisters: Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over you as men who must render an account. So act that they may fulfill their task with joy, not with sorrow, for that would be harmful to you. Pray for us; we are confident that we have a good conscience, wishing, as we do, to act rightly in every respect. I especially ask your prayers that I may be restored to you very soon. May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will. Through Jesus Christ may he carry out in you all that is pleasing to him. To Christ be the glory forever! Amen. 

 

Gospel

Luke 6:17-23

At that time, coming down the mountain with the twelve, Jesus stopped at a level stretch where there were many of his disciples; a large crowd of people was with them from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coast of Tyre and Sidon, people who came to hear him and be healed of this diseases. Those who were troubles with unclean spirits were cured; indeed, the whole crowd was trying to touch him because power went out from him which cured all. 

Then, raising his eyes to his disciples, he said: “Blest are you poor, the reign of God is yours. Blest are you who hunger; you shall be filled. Blest are you who are weeping; you shall laugh. Blest shall you be when men hate you, and proscribe your name as evil because of the Son of Man. On the day they do so, rejoice and exult, for your reward shall be great in heaven.”

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

Hebrews 7: 18-25

Brothers and sisters: The former commandment [concerning the levitical priesthood and the law it serves] has been annulled because of its weakness and uselessness, for the law brought nothing to perfection. But a better hope has supervened, and through it we draw near to God. This has been confirmed by an oath. The priests of the old covenant became priests without an oath, unlike Jesus to whom God said: “The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent: ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’” Thus has Jesus become the guarantee of a better covenant. Under the old covenant there were many priests because they were prevented by death from remaining in office; but Jesus, because he remains forever, has a priesthood which does not pass away. Therefore he is always able to save these who approach God through him, since he forever lives to make intercession for them. 

 

Gospel

Luke 21: 37-38, 22: 1-8

At that time Jesus would teach in the temple by day, and leave the city to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. At daybreak all the people came to hear him in the temple.

The feast of Unleavened Bread known as the Passover was drawing near, and the high priests and scribes began to look for some way to dispose of Jesus; but they were afraid of the people. Then Satan took possession of Judas, the one called Iscariot, a member of the twelve. He went off to confer with the chief priests and officers about a way to hand Jesus over to them. They were delighted, and agreed to give him money. Judas accepted, then kept looking for an opportunity to hand Jesus over without creating a disturbance.

The day of Unleavened Bread arrived on which it was appointed to sacrifice the paschal lamb. Accordingly, Jesus sent Peter and John off with the instruction, “Go and prepare our Passover supper for us.”

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

Our venerable father Sabbas the Consecrated was born in Cappadocia. He arrived at the desert of Judea and instituted a new sort of eremetical life in seven monasteries, which were called “laurae.” He gathered solitaries under one overseer (hegumen). In the great laura, which afterward was adorned with his name, he dwelt for many years, a shining example of sanctity. He strove assiduously for the faith taught at the Council of Chalcedon. (532)

 

Troparion

Your abundant tears made the wilderness bloom, and your suffering made your labors fruitful a hundred-fold; you became a shining torch over the world. O venerable father Sabbas, pray to Christ our God that He may save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

You were offered up by your virtues, becoming a Gardener of Piety, being a chaste offering to God from your youth, O Blessed Sabbas. Therefore, you were the enrichment of monastics, and a praiseworthy citizen of the desert. Therefore, we cry out to you: Rejoice, truly wealthy Sabbas. 

 

Readings for the saint

Epistle

Galatians 5:22 – 6:2

Brothers and sisters: The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness and chastity. Against such there is no law! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the spirit, let us follow the spirit’s lead. Let us never be boastful, or challenging, or jealous toward one another.

Brothers and sisters, if someone is detected in sin, you who live by the spirit should gently set him right, each of you trying to avoid falling into temptation himself. Help carry one another’s burden; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

 

Gospel

Matthew 11: 27-30

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

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

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

Hebrews 7: 1-6

Brothers and sisters: This Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from his defeat of the kings and blessed him. And Abraham apportioned to him one tenth of all his booty. His name means “king of justice”’ he was also king of Salem, that is, “king of peace.” Without father, mother or ancestry, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.

See the greatness of this man to whom Abraham the patriarch gave one tenth of his booty! The law provides that the priests of the tribe of Levi should receive tithes from the people, their brother Israelites, even though all of them are descendants of Abraham; but Melchizedek, who was not of their ancestry, received tithes of Abraham and blessed him who had received God’s promise. 

 

Gospel

Luke 21: 28-33

The Lord said to his disciples, “When you see the great signs of the coming of the Son of Man, stand erect and hold your heads high, for your deliverance is near at hand.” Then Jesus told them a parable: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. You observe them when they are budding, and know for yourselves that summer is neat. Likewise when you see all the things happening of which I speak, know that the reign of God is near. Let me tell you this: the present generation will not pass away until all this takes place. The heavens and the earth will pass away, but my words will not pass.”

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

The holy great martyr Barbara was raised by her pagan father who shut her away from the world because of her great beauty. Barbara came to realize that the soulless idols her father worshiped could not be responsible for the inexpressible beauty of the world outside her window. She decided to live her life as a virgin, dedicated to the Lord whom she learned about from other Christian maidens when her father at last gave her some freedom. When Barbara confessed herself a Christian, her father beat her and turned her over to the prefect of the city. Barbara was tortured mercilessly, and in the end, earned her crown of martyrdom after she was beheaded by her own father in the year 306.

Our venerable father John of Damascus was a priest celebrated for his holiness and learning. He strove diligently by his word and writings in favor of the veneration of Holy Images against the Emperor Leo III, the Isaurian. Having been made a monk in the monastery of St. Sabbas near Jerusalem, he composed sacred hymns and there reposed in the Lord. His body was buried on this day in 749.  

 

Troparion – Barbara

Let us praise the honorable Barbara. She thwarted the power of the enemy and through the might and the strength of the cross, she was made free in her flight to God.

 

Troparion – John

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

 

Kontakion – Barbara

O honorable and triumphant Barbara, you believed in the Holy Trinity and renounced the multiplicity of pagan deities. You fought for your faith with great courage and were not frightened by the threats of your persecutors, but instead declared in a clear voice: I adore one God in three Divine Persons. 

 

Kontakion – John

Let us praise John the hymnographer with song. He is an effective preacher and a teacher for the Church. Behind the armor of the cross he exposed the lies of heresy, and standing before God he obtains remission of sins for us. 

 

Epistle

Hebrews 5:11 – 6:8

Brothers and sisters: About the priesthood we have much to say, and it is difficult to explain, for you have become deaf. Although by this time you should be teaching others, you need to have someone teach you again the basic elements of the oracles of God; you need milk, not solid food. Everyone whose food is milk alone is ignorant of the word that sanctifies, for he is a child. Solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties are trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.

Let us, then, go beyond the initial teaching about Christ and advance to maturity, not laying the foundation all over again: repentance from dead works, faith in God, instruction about baptisms and laying-on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And, God permitting, we shall advance!

For when men have once been enlightened and have tasted the heavenly gift and become sharers in the Holy Spirit, when they have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to make them repent again, since they are crucifying the Son of God for themselves and holding him up to contempt. Ground which drinks in the rain falling on it again and again, and brings forth vegetation useful to those whom it is cultivated, receives the blessing of God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless; it is soon cursed, and finally burned. 

 

Gospel

Luke 21: 5-8, 10-11, 20-24

At that time some disciples were speaking of how the temple was adorned with precious stones and votive offerings. Jesus said, “These things you are contemplating – the day will come when not one stone will be left on another, but it will all be torn down.” They asked him, “When will this be, Teacher? And what will be the sign that it is going to happen?” Jesus said, “Take care not to be misled. Many will come in my name saying, ‘I am he’ and ‘The time is at hand.’ Do not follow them. 

Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, plagues, and famines in various places–and in the sky fearful omens and great signs. When you see Jerusalem encircled by soldiers, know that its devastation is near. Those in Judea at the time must flee to the mountains; those in the heart of the city must escape it; those in the country must not return. These indeed will be days of retribution, when all that is written must be fulfilled.

“The women who are pregnant or nursing at the breast will fare badly in those days! The distress in the land and the wrath against this people will be great. The people will fall before the sword; they will be led captive in the midst of the Gentiles. Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

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