Oct. 29 The Holy Venerable Martyr Anastasia; Our Venerable Father Abraham the Hermit

The holy venerable martyr Anastasia was born in Rome to wealthy parents, but she was left as an orphan at the age of three. She was taken to a women’s monastery to live, under the guidance of Hegumena Sophia. When she was seventeen, the pagan governor summoned her to defend herself, which she did with great eloquence. She was stripped, tortured, and finally mutilated by the guards. This was during the persecution of the emperor Decius (249-251). 

Our venerable father Abraham the hermit married under pressure from his parents, but then he fled into the desert to live as a hermit. For fifty years he did so, faithfully keeping to the ascetic life which had called him. He died at the age of seventy in 360 at Edessa in Osrhoene in Mesopotamia. St. Ephraem the deacon recorded the deeds of this remarkable man. 

 

Troparion – Anastasia

Your lamb Anastasia, O Jesus, cries out in a loud voice: I love you, my Bridegroom; I seek You with painful longing; I am crucified with You; in Your baptism, I am buried with You; I suffer for You that I may reign with You; and I die for You that I may live with You. Receive me as a spotless sacrifice immolated with love for You. by her prayers, O merciful One, save our souls.

 

Troparion – Abraham

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 Abraham, your soul rejoices with the angels. 

 

Kontakion – Anastasia

O venerable Anastasia, you were purified by the waters of virginity and washed by the blood of your martyrdom. Wherefore you grant healing to those who suffer from sickness, and salvation to those who come to you with love, for it is Christ who bestows upon you this power, Christ ever-generous with His grace.

 

Kontakion – Abraham

In the body, you were like an angel on earth; and by your asceticism, you were like a tree well-planted: you grew in beauty, being watered with self-renunciation. Father Abraham, you exorcised the devil by your tears; wherefore you resembled a vessel of the Holy Spirit. 

 

Epistle

1 Thessalonians 1: 1-5

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be yours.

We keep thanking God for all of you and we remember you in our prayers, for we constantly are mindful before our God and Father of the way you are proving your faith, and laboring in love, and showing constancy of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. We know, too, brothers beloved of God, how you were chosen. Our preaching of the gospel proved not a mere matter of words for you but one of power; it was carried on in the Holy Spirit and out of complete conviction. You know as well as we do what we proved to be like when, while still among you, we acted on your behalf.

 

Gospel

Luke 11: 29-33

At that time while the crowds pressed around him, Jesus began to speak to them in these words: “This is an evil age. It seeks a sign. But no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah was a sign for the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be a sign for the present age. The queen of the South will rise at the judgment along with the men of this generation, and she will condemn them. She came from the farthest corner of the world to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, but you have a great Solomon here. At the judgment, the citizens of Nineveh will rise along with the present generation, and they will condemn it. For at the preaching of Jonah they reformed, but you have a greater than Jonah here. One who lights a lamp does not put it in the cellar or under a bushel basket, but rather on a lampstand, so that they who come in may see the light.”

 

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

Sunday Bulletin 10/29/23

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Oct.  28  –  Paraskevia, Martyr

5:00 PM Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy 

Sunday, Oct. 29  –  22nd Sunday after Pentecost

8:30 AM       Matins

9:30 AM       Divine Liturgy

Monday, Oct. 30  –  Anastasia, Venerable Martyr

8:30 AM       Morning Prayer

4:45 PM       *Akathist for those suffering Addiction & Mental Illness

5:30 PM       Vespers

6:30 PM       Divine Liturgy     +Ernest & Fachan from Marie O’Loughlin

7:30 PM       Firepit Social

Saturday, Nov.  4  –  Joannicius, Venerable      

5:00 PM       Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy 

6:30 PM        Reader Vespers

Sunday, Nov. 5  –  23rd 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: $1,949.00; Online: $155.00; Candles: $59.00; SP Outreach: $919.00; Parish Social: $114.00

Total: $3,196.00 / Attendance- PSM: 98  SPO: 70

 

Blessed Theodore Romzha – Oct. 31

Bishop Theodore G. Romzha was born of humble parentage on April 14, 1911 in Velikij Bychkiv, in the heart of the colorful district of Maramorosh, Subcarpathian Ruthenia. He was a pious and gifted young boy, and he proved himself as an all-around athlete, excelling in soccer. At his graduation, he took everybody by surprise when he announced his intention of becoming a priest; and was sent to Rome for his priestly formation.

He was ordained to the priesthood in Rome on Christmas Day, December 25, 1936.

Because of the political turmoil of the time, his bishop appointed him to a forgotten parish, where the young Father Romzha became a poor pastor among poor people.

On June 29, 1945, Subcarpathian Ruthenia was officially incorporated into Soviet Ukraine; and the young and inexperienced Bishop Romzha found himself and his flock under Soviet rule.

He was ordained a bishop September 24, 1944. Intimidation and imprisonment of Byzantine Catholic priests followed; and the official liquidation of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo was underway.

Rather than flee, Bishop Romzha decided to fight. Although the Soviet authorities confiscated his car, he traveled long distances by horse and buggy, just to reassure his faithful and to encourage them to persevere until death, saying, “They are taking from us our own priests and churches, but they will never be able to take away our faith from us.” During these extensive and dangerous visitations, Bishop Romzha tried to sustain the faith of the weak, to reassure the wavering, and to plead with those intimidated: “Faith is our greatest treasure on this earth. To preserve our faith we must even be ready to lay down our life. If we must die, then let us die as true martyrs, defending our faith. One thing is sure: that we never will abandon our faith nor betray our Church.”

Unable to intimidate Bishop Romzha, the Soviets decided to liquidate him, and staged a highway accident. The horse drawn carriage in which the Bishop was riding was rammed by a military truck. Bishop Romzha was badly injured, but survived; and passersby took him to the hospital in Mukachevo.

 The director of the hospital and a strange nurse, who had disappeared the next day, were seen entering the Bishop’s room about midnight. The Soviet authorities announced that Bishop Romzha died from injuries suffered in his highway accident; but a later investigation showed that he had, in fact, been poisoned.

Blessed Theodore Romzha was beatified by Pope John Paul II on June 27, 2001. His relics are enshrined in Holy Cross Cathedral in Uzhorod, Transcarpathia.

(Read more at https://www.eparchyofpassaic.com/romzha)

 

“Return to your house and proclaim what great things God has done for you.” Our healing Lord brings redemption and breaks the chains of sin, demonic possession and anything that may be in our way to grow in holiness. You may have a story of salvation that can be shared with the world by responding to it in the monastic or ordained life! To learn more about this, 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. 28 The Holy Martyrs Terence and Neonila; Our Holy Father Stephen the Sabbaite, Composer of Canons; The Holy Martyr Paraskevia of Iconium

The holy martyrs Terence and Neolina were husband and wife from Syria, who were martyred with their seven children for their witness to Christ.

Our holy father Stephen the Sabbaite was the author of many beautiful canons. He lived in the community of St. Sabbas the Sanctified, near Jerusalem. He later became bishop, and died peacefully in 807.

The holy martyr Paraskevia of Iconium lived during the persecution of Diocletian. Paraskevia took a vow of celibacy and lived her life doing good works for the poor and needy in the name of Christ. She was arrested and taken before the governor. He had her tortured, flogged, and then beheaded in the 4th century.

Troparion – Martyrs

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. 

Troparion – Stephen

Guide of Orthodoxy, mirror of piety snf exemplary behavior, bright star of the universe and adornment of monks, you enlightened us all by your teachings. O wise Stephen, inspired by God and lyre of the Holy Spirit, intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

Troparion – Paraskevia

Wise and all-praised martyress of Christ Paraskevia, you received masculine strength and rejected feminine infirmity, conquering the devil and shaming the torturer, crying out and saying: O come cut my body with the sword and burn it with fire, for rejoicing I go to my Groom Christ. Through these prayers, O Christ God, save our souls. 

Kontakion – Martyrs

The honorable memorial of the martyrdom of Terence and his wife comes again today, filling us with joy as we gather to celebrate the feast. These two have received grace from the Holy Spirit to cure ills and heal our souls. 

Kontakion – Stephen

You planted a garden of virtues and watered it with your tears of repentance. Since you have found the Tree of Life, O all-glorious one , by your intercession save your flock from perdition and deliver from affliction those who honor you. O wise Stephen, we have chosen you in faith and love as our great intercessor. 

Kontakion – Paraskevia

You were offered the all holy and blameless torture, for a payment to the most pure, immortal Groom Christ, you gladdened a place in the angelic choir and you conquered the demonic snares. For this reason we honor you through faith, O Much-suffering Martyress Paraskevia.

Epistle

2 Corinthians 6: 1-10

Brothers and sisters: As your fellow workers we beg you not to receive the grace from God in vain. For he says, “In an acceptable time I have heard you; on a day of salvation I have helped you.” Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation! We avoid giving anyone offense, so that our ministry may not be blamed. On the contrary, in all that we do we strive to present ourselves as ministers of God, acting with patient endurance amid trials, difficulties, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, and riots; as men familiar with hard work, sleepless nights, and fastings; conducting ourselves with innocence, knowledge, and patience, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love as men with the message of truth and the power of God; wielding the weapons of righteousness with right hand and left, whether honored or dishonored; spoken of well or ill. We are called imposters, yet we are truthful; nobodies who in fact are well known; dead, yet here we are alive; punished, but not put to death; sorrowful, though we are always rejoicing; poor, yet we enrich many. We seem to have nothing, yet everything is ours!

Gospel

Luke 8: 16-21

The Lord said to his disciples: “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. For whoever asks, receives; whoever seeks, finds’ whoever knocks, is admitted. What father among you will give his son a snake if he asks for a fish, or hand him a scorpion if he asks for an egg? If you, with all your sins, know how to give your children good things, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who seek him.”

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

Oct. 27 The Holy Martyr Nestor; The Holy Martyr Capitolina and her servant Erotheides

The holy martyr Nestor learned of Christianity from St. Demetrius the Great Martyr. Nestor was moved to defend Christians being tortured in the arena of Salonica, and defeated the brute gladiator who was killing the innocents. The emperor Maximian ordered Nestor to be beheaded in the year 306.

The holy martyr Capitolina was a noble and wealthy lady who divided all of her property among the poor, and freed her slaves. When she was arrested as a Christian and appeared before the magistrate, she confessed her faith in Christ. He ordered her to be thrown into prison, and she was beheaded the next day. Eroteis, who was Capitolina’s servant, picked up some stones and threw them at the magistrate. Outraged, he commanded his guards to beat her mercilessly with sticks. By the grace of Christ Eroteis remained unharmed. Then he ordered them to behead her with a sword. In this manner, both of these Saints, the lady and her servant, died by the sword, thereby winning imperishable crowns of glory from Christ in the year 304.

Troparion

You took up the power of the Divine Cross from the great Demetrius, O glorious one, and you set out against the giant. His awesome strength did not save him, for he was brought down by you. You were put to death for this, O martyr, but entered into the presence of Christ. O Nestor, pray for peace and mercy for us all.

Kontakion

Because you fought the good fight, you now inherited immortal glory; through the prayers of Demetrius the martyr, you became a perfect soldier of the Master. Therefore, O wise Nestor, do not cease to intercede together with Demetrius for us all.

Epistle

Colossians 4: 10-18

Brothers and sisters: Aristarchus, who is a prisoner along with me, sends you greetings. So does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. You have received instructions about him: if he comes to you, make him welcome. Jesus known also as Justus sends greetings. These are the only circumcised ones among those who are working with me for the kingdom of God. They have been a great comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, sends greetings. He is a servant of Christ Jesus who is always pleading earnestly in prayer that you stand firm, that you be perfect and have full conviction about whatever pertains to God’s will. I can certainly testify how solicitous he is for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Luke, our dear physician, sends greetings. So does Demas.

Give our best wishes to the brothers at Laodicea and to Nymphas and the assembly that meets at his house. Once this letter has been read to you, see that it is read in the assembly of the Laodiceans as well, and that you yourselves read the letter that is coming from Laodicea. To Archippus say, “Take care to discharge the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

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

Gospel

Luke 11: 23-26

The Lord said, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. When an unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it wanders through arid wastes searching for a resting-place; failing to find one, it says, ‘I will go back to where I came from.’ It then returns, to find the house swept and tidied. Next it goes out and returns with seven other spirits far worse than itself, who enter in and dwell there. The result is that the last state of the man is worse than the first.”

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

Oct. 26 The Holy and Glorious Great-Martyr Demetrius, Myroblyte and Wonderworker; Commemoration of the Great and Fearful Earthquake at Constantinople

The holy and great martyr Demetrius was born in Salonica of devout parents, and was a much-longed-for only child. Because of this he received an excellent education. Like his father, Demetrius became a soldier in the Roman army. The emperor Maximian appointed him to persecute Christians in Salonica, but Demetrius confessed his faith and preached Christ. He was cruelly martyred for his witness to the Lord. Since the 7th century a miraculous flow of fragrant myrrh has been found beneath the burial place of St. Demetrius, so he is called “the Myrrh-gusher” or Myroblyte.

The Commemoration of the great and fearful earthquake in Constantinople, 740: In the time of the emperor Leo the Armenian, there was a terrifying and long-lasting earthquake in Constantinople. The people felt that it was punishment for their sins, and entreated the most holy Mother of God and St. Demetrius to intercede for them.

Troparion

O Passion-bearer, the world has seen you as a defender of those imperiled and a conqueror of the nations. In cutting down the arrogance of Lyaeus, you bolstered Nestor by your courage. Therefore, O holy Demetrius, pray to Christ our God to grant us great mercy.

Troparion – Earthquake

O Christ our God, who look upon the earth, and it quakes: deliver us from the dreadful menace of earthquakes, and send down upon us Your rich mercies through the intercession of the Theotokos and save us.

Kontakion

With streams of your blood, O Demetrius, the God, who gives you invincible might, has dyed the Church in purple, and keeps your city unharmed, for you are its foundation. 

Epistle

2nd Timothy 2: 1-10

Timothy, my son: You must be strong in the grace which is ours in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me through many witnesses you must hand on to trustworthy men who will be able to teach others. Bear hardship along with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier becomes entangled in the affairs of civilian life; he avoids this in order to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if one takes part in an athletic contest, he cannot receive the winner’s crown unless he has kept the rules. The hardworking farmer is the one who should have the first share of the crop. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will make my meaning fully clear. 

Remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, was raised from the dead. This is the gospel I preach; in preaching it I suffer as a criminal, even to the point of being thrown into chains–but there is no chaining the word of God! Therefore I bear with all of this for the sake of those whom God has chosen, in order that they may obtain the salvation to be found in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 

Gospel

John 15:27 – 16:2

The Lord said to his disciples: “The command I give you is this, that you love one another. If you find that the world hates you, know that it has hated me before you. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own; the reason it hated you is that you do not belong to the world. But I chose you out of the world. Remember what I told you: no slave is greater than his master. They will harry you as they harried me. They will respect your words as much as they respected mine. All this they will do to you because of my name, for they know nothing of him who sent me. If I had not come to them and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; now, however, their sin cannot be excused.

“To hate me is to hate my Father. Had I not performed such works among them as no one has ever done before, they would not be guilty of sin; bit as it is, they have seen, and they go on hating me and my Father. However, this only fulfills the text in their law: ‘They hated me without cause.’ When the Paraclete comes, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father – and whom I myself will send from the Father – he will bear witness on my behalf. You must bear witness as well, for you have been with me from the beginning.

“I have told all this to keep your faith from being shaken. Not only will they expel you from synagogues; a time will come when anyone who puts you to death will claim to be serving God!”

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

Oct. 25 The Holy Martyrs and Notaries Marcian and Martyrius

The martyrs Marcian and Martyrius, Notaries of Constantinople, served in a Constantinople cathedral. Marcian was a reader and Martyrius a subdeacon. They both performed in the capacity of notaries, i.e. secretaries, for Patriarch Paul the Confessor. Arian heretics expelled and secretly executed the righteous Patriarch Paul. His throne was given to the heretic Macedonius. The heretics attempted to entice Saints Marcian and Martyrius over to their side by flattery. They offered them gold and promised to consecrate them as archbishops, but all the efforts of the Arians were in vain. Then the impious threatened to slander them before the emperor, and sought to intimidate them with torture and death. But the saints steadfastly confessed Orthodoxy, as handed down by the Fathers of the Church. Marcian and Martyrius were sentenced to death and received their martyrs’ crowns in 355.

Troparion

Two martyrs worthy of each other, Macian and Martyrius, have crushed the wickedness of Arius. Obeying Paul, teacher of truth, they taught that the Son is consubstantial with the Father and the Spirit. Thus, they died beneath the sword and were united to Christ. They intercede before Him for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion

Since childhood you have been good champions, O wise Marcian and Martyrius. You vanquished the heretic Arius and preserved the true faith by following in Paul’s footsteps; therefore you deserved to be with him in eternal life. O Defenders of the Holy Trinity. 

Epistle

Colossians 3:17 – 4:1

Brothers and sisters: Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.

You who are wives, be submissive to your husbands. Avoid any bitterness toward them. You children, obey your parents in everything as the acceptable way in the Lord. And fathers, do not nag your children lest they lose heart.

To slaves I say, obey your human masters perfectly, not with the purpose of attracting attention and pleasing men but in all sincerity and out of reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men, since you know full well you will receive an Inheritance from him as your reward. Be slaves of Christ the Lord. Whoever acts unjustly will be repaid for the wrong he has done. No favoritism will be shown. You slaveowners, deal justly and fairly with your slaves, realizing that you too have a master in heaven.

Gospel

Luke 11: 9-13

The Lord said to his disciples: “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you.’ For whoever asks, receives, whoever seeks, finds; whoever knocks, is admitted. What father among you will give his son a snake if he asks for a fish, or hand him a scorpion if he asks for an egg? If you, with all your sins, know how to give your children good things, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

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

Oct. 24 The Holy Martyr Arethas and his Companions

The holy martyr Arethas was governor of the city of Nagran in Arabia. He and his 340 companions, in 523 during the time of the emperor Justinian, gave their lives for Christ under Dhu Nuwas or Dun’an, king of the Himayarites.

 

Troparion

Opposing the unbelieving king, after the example of Christ, this holy martyr reproached his lack of faith. He acted with courage, and suffered torture and death. For this the angels praise you, O Arethas, and those who suffered with you. All generations of the faithful bless you as a sure intercessor for our souls. 

 

Kontakion

The feast of the passion-bearers comes to us today as a herald of joy. Let us celebrate it and glorify the Lord on high.

 

Epistle

Colossians 2:20 – 3:3

Brothers and sisters: If with Christ you have died to cosmic forces, why should you be bound by rules that say, “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!” as though you were still living a life bounded by this world? Such prescriptions deal with things that perish in their use. They are based on merely human precepts and doctrines. While these make a certain show of wisdom in their affected piety, humility, and bodily austerity, their chief effect is that they indulge men’s pride.

Since you have been raised up in company with Christ, set your heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God’s right hand. Be intent on things above rather than on things of earth. After all, you have died! Your life is hidden now with Christ in God. 

 

Gospel

Luke 11: 1-10

At that time Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he had finished, one of his disciples asked him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” Jesus said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins for we too forgive all who do us wrong; and subject us not to the trial.”

Jesus said to them: “If one of you knows someone who comes to him in the middle of the night and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has come in from a journey and I have nothing to offer him’; and he from inside should reply, ‘Leave me alone. The door is shut now and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to look after your needs’ – I tell you, even though he does not get up and take care of the man because of friendship, he will do so because of his persistence, and give him as much as he needs. So I say to you, ‘Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you.’ For whoever asks, receives, whoever seeks, finds; whoever knocks, is admitted.”

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

Oct. 23 The Holy Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord in the flesh

The holy apostle James, the brother of God, called the Just One, was the first to rule the Church in Jerusalem as bishop. Paul testifies that he was among the witnesses of the Resurrection (cf 1 Cor. 15:7). St. James presided over the Council of Jerusalem and his word was decisive (Acts 15). In his thirty years as bishop, St. James converted many of the Jews to Christianity. Annoyed by this, the Pharisees and the Scribes plotted together to kill St. James. They led the saint up on the pinnacle of the Jerusalem Temple and asked what he thought of Jesus. The holy Apostle began to bear witness that Christ is the Messiah, which was not the response the Pharisees were expecting. Greatly angered, the Jewish teachers threw him off the roof. The saint did not die immediately, but gathering his final strength, he prayed to the Lord for his enemies while they were stoning him. St. James’ martyrdom occurred about 63 A.D.

 

Troparion

O righteous James, as a disciple of the Lord, you received the Gospel. As a martyr, you displayed an unyielding will. As a brother of the Lord, you have special power with Him. As a hierarch, you have the right of intercession. Intercede therefore with Christ God that He may save our souls. 

Kontakion

When at the completion of time God the Word, the only-begotten Son of the Father, came down to us, He established you, divine James, as the first shepherd and teacher of Jerusalem, a faithful steward of the spiritual mysteries; therefore we all honor you, O apostle. 

Epistle

Galatians 1: 11-19

Brothers and sisters: I assure you, the gospel I proclaimed to you is no mere human invention. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I schooled in it. It came by revelation from Jesus Christ. You have heard, I know, the story of my former way of life in Judaism. You know that I went to extremes in persecuting the Church of God and tried to destroy it; I made progress in Jewish observance far beyond most of my contemporaries, in my excess of zeal to live out all the traditions of my ancestors.

But the time came when he who had set me apart before I was born and called me by his favor chose to reveal his Son to me, that I might spread among the Gentiles the good tidings concerning him. Immediately, without seeking human advisers or even going to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me, I went off to Arabia; later I returned to Damascus. Three years after that I went up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, with whom I stayed fifteen days. I did not meet any other apostles except James, the brother of the Lord. 

I declare before God that what I have just written is true. Thereafter I entered the regions of Syria and Cilicia. The communities of Christ in Judea had no idea what I looked like; they had only heard that “he who was formerly persecuting us is not preaching the faith he tried to destroy,” and they gave glory to God on my account. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 13: 54-58

At that time, Jesus went to his native place and spent his time teaching them in their synagogues. They were filled with amazement, and said to one another, “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers? Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t Mary known to be his mother and James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas his brothers? Aren’t his sisters our neighbors? Where did he get all this?” They found him altogether too much for them. Jesus said to them,” No prophet is without honor except in his native place, indeed in his own house.” And he did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith. 

 

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

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