Aug. 20 The Holy Prophet Samuel

Fifteenth and last of the Judges of Israel, the prophet Samuel lived approximately eleven hundred years before Christ. Born in the tribe of Levi, son of Elkanah and Hannah, he was promised to the Lord by his till-then barren mother. At the age of twelve, Samuel had his first revelation from the Lord God. Samuel preached repentance to the children of Israel, and led the people to victory over the Philistines. Asked by the people to give them a king, he warned that God was the only true king of Israel, but they insisted. It was Samuel who anointed Saul son of Kish as the first king of Israel, and David son of Jesse as its second and greatest ruler. He died in Ramah and was buried there. 

 

Troparion

As we celebrate the memory of your prophet Samuel, O Lord, we implore You to save our souls through his prayers. 

 

Kontakion

Like a precious gift you were given to God before your birth and you served Him like an angel from the time of your youth. You were made worthy to look into the future, O blessed one, and so we sing to you: O Samuel, prophet and servant of God. 

 

Epistle

1 Corinthians 15: 1-11

Brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and in which you stand firm. You are being saved by it at this very moment if you hold fast to it as I preached it to you. Otherwise you have believed in vain. I handed on to you frst of all what I myself received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried and, in accordance with the Scriptures, rose on the third day; that he was seen by Cephas, then by the Twelve. After that he was seen by five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have fallen asleep. Next he was seen by me, as one born out of the normal course. I am the least of the apostles; in fact, because I persecuted the church of God, I do not even deserve the name. But by God’s favor I am what I am. This favor of his to me has not proved fruitless. Indeed, I have worked harder than all the others, not on my own but through the favor of God. In any case, whether it be I or they, this is what we preach and this is what you believed. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 19: 16-26

At that time a man came up to Jesus and said: “Teacher, what good must I do to possess everlasting life?” Jesus answered, “Why do you question me about what is good? There is One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he asked. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not kill’; ‘You shall not commit adultery’; ‘You shall not steal’; ‘You shall not bear false witness’; ‘Honor you father and your mother’; ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” The young man said to Jesus, “I have kept all these; what do I need to do further?” Jesus told him, “If you wish to seek perfection, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor. You will then have treasure in heaven. Afterwards come back and follow me.” Hearing these words, the young man went away sad, for his possessions were many.

Jesus said to his disciples: “I assure you, only with difficulty will a rich man enter into the kingdom of God. I repeat what I said: it is easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this they were completely overwhelmed, and exclaimed, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For man it is impossible; but for God all things are possible.”

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

 

Sunday Bulletin 8/20/23

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Aug 19  –  Andrew and Others, Martyrs

5:00 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers

Sunday, Aug 20  –  12th Sunday after Pentecost

8:30 AM        Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy (Tone 3)

Monday, Aug 21  –  Thaddeus, Apostle       

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

Wednesday, Aug 23  –  Lupus, Martyr   

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy

7:30 PM          Firepit Social

Saturday, Aug 26  –  Adrian and Natalie, Martyrs        

5:00 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy

Sunday, Aug 27  –  13th Sunday after Pentecost          

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

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

MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE (Confession)

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

Santa Paula: Saturdays 4:15 PM or by appointment

PRAYER REQUESTS

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

The Carlin Family, Michael Hefferon, Shirley Kunze, Michael Mina, Peter Mina, Fr. John Mina, Mila Mina, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Shannon O’Neill, Fern Bonowicz, All the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s

WEEKLY DEPOSIT for 8/6 & 8/13:

Collection: $6,372.00; Santa Paula: $1,290.10; Candles: $52.76; Church Improvements: $490.00; SP Improvements: $20.00; Holydays: $160.00; Socials: $41.00; Other: $518.95; Eparchial Appeal: $2,000.00

Total: $10,944.81 / Attendance – PSM: 87 

Eparchial Appeal 2023 – Ends Aug. 31

There is one week left to reach our goal of $29,470.53!  We need to raise $6,400.53 to meet our goal. Donations can be made directly to the Eparchy by mail or on their website: https://www.ephx.org/eparchial-appeal and then clicking on our church. Payments can also be made directly to St. Mary’s by check. If you wish to donate online, please use the Eparchy’s website found above.

Thank you to everyone who has donated already!

Alig; Alviz; Bates; Becher; Brady; Clemens; Cook; Fitzgerald; Golya; Herrera; Horey, F; Horey, M; Jimenez; Jordan; Kieselhorst; Koman-Keough; Martini; Marschner-Coyne; Matthews; Michnya; Mina; Mowery; O’Loughlin; O’Neill; Onufrak; Parrot; Petach; Reichert; Rivera; Somits; Sumandra, M.; Sumandra, N&S; Summe; Wiltz; Wiggins; Wrzesinski, A.; Zimmerman, P; Zimmerman, W

Priest’s Pectoral Cross

(Elaborating on Father Michael’s Children’s Homily from last Sunday)

Every Christian is encouraged to wear a small cross after their baptism. In some Eastern Christian traditions, parish priests, bishops, monks and nuns may also wear a larger cross outside of their clothing. Generally, a priest receives a silver cross from his bishop on the day of his ordination. A gold cross means that he has been given the honor of being an archpriest (a title usually given for exemplary service) after years of ministry. An enameled cross is a further honor, usually given to a protopriest (highest honor given to a priest, with only a few receiving this honor) or bishop. Bishops usually wear an icon of the Theotokos called a Panagia (“All Holy”) instead of a cross. A Metropolitan Archbishop (or any head bishop of a self-governing church) may wear multiple icons or crosses. Often, a priest’s pectoral cross will contain the icon of Christ “not made with hands”. This is the icon that is usually approached when partaking in the Mystery of Confession. Many priest’s pectoral cross have 1 Timothy 4:12 written on the back: “Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity”. They will kiss the cross, and be encouraged by this command before putting the cross around their neck.

Historic Gathering of the Byzantine Catholic Church in America

You are invited to Participate!
Metropolitan Archbishop William, Bishop Kurt, and the Council of Hierarchs of the Byzantine Catholic Church invite YOU to attend the “Metropolitan Assembly” at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Hillsborough, New Jersey, on Friday, November 3 through Sunday, November 5, 2023! The theme of the Assembly is to “learn about our past and to prepare for our future!” Guest speakers include Dr. Paul Magosci, noted Author and Historian; Bishop Nil Lushchak of the Eparchy of Mukachevo; Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York; as well as other clergy and lay leaders. The Assembly includes lectures, discussions, fellowship, and a gala dinner with folk music and dancing. The fee includes meals, breaks, presentations, materials, and the gala on Saturday evening. The Assembly cost is $250 for individuals and $400 for couples. The Maria Theresa Foundation will underwrite the registration fees of individuals and couples between 18 and 35. For more information, contact the Assembly coordinators, Fr. Ed Cimbala, at 212-677-0516 or Fr. Yuriy Oros at 609-394-5004. The assembly website is https://www.byzantineassembly2023.org/and the email is byzantineassembly2023@gmail.com. Hope to see YOU there!

 “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, and follow me!” These words of our Lord inspired great saints such as Anthony the Great and Francis of Assisi. While each of us may answer this calling in different ways, we see that Jesus wants all of us to follow him. Is he seeking you to follow him as a priest, deacon, monk, or nun? If this may be the case, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Aug. 19 The Holy Martyr Andrew the Centurion and his Companions

The holy martyr Andrew Stratelates was a military commander in the Roman army during the reign of the emperor Maximian (284-305). They loved him in the Roman army because of his bravery, invincibility, and sense of fairness. When a large Persian army invaded the Syrian territories, the governor entrusted St. Andrew with the command of the army, giving him the title of “Stratelates” (commander). His soldiers were pagans, and St. Andrew himself had still not accepted Baptism, but he believed in Jesus Christ. Before the conflict he persuaded the soldiers that the pagan gods were demons and could not help them in battle. He proclaimed to them Jesus Christ, omnipotent God of Heaven and earth, giving help to all who believe in Him. The soldiers went into battle, calling on the help of the Savior. The small detachment routed numerous hosts of Persians. St. Andrew returned from the campaign in glory, having gained a total victory. But jealous men denounced him to the governor, saying he was a Christian who had converted the soldiers under his command to his faith. Later they were slaughtered under Maximian in the narrows of the Taurus Mountains by the army of the governor Seleucus. 

 

Troparion

You forsook the glory of earthly prestige and inherited the kingdom of heaven. Drops of your blood gleam like rubies in the everlasting crowns which Christ gave you. You led a whole company of martyrs to Christ and found Him in the company of angelic hosts. There you join Him in the never-fading light, O Andrew, true leader and soldier. Along with all of your men, pray unceasingly for all of us.

 

Kontakion

Standing at prayer before the Lord like a star which heralds the sun, you see the treasure of the kingdom of heaven before you. Filled with joy which no one can describe, with the chorus of chanting angels, O Andrew, you sing a never-ending hymn to the Immortal King. Therefore, beg Christ to save our souls. 

 

Epistle

1 Corinthians 1: 26-31

Brothers and sisters, you are among those called. Consider your situation. Not many of you are wise, as men account wisdom; not many are influential; and surely not many are well-born. God chose those whom the world considers absurd to shame the wise; he singled out the weak of this world to shame the strong. He chose the world’s lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who were something; so that mankind can do no boasting before God. God it is who has given you life in Christ Jesus. He has made him our wisdom and also our justice, our sanctification, and our redemption. This is just as you find it written, “Let him who would blast, boast in the Lord.”

 

Gospel

Matthew 20: 29-34

At that time as Jesus and the disciples were leaving Jericho a large crowd followed them, and suddenly two blind men sitting by the roadside, who heard that Jesus was passing by, began to shout, “Lord, Son of David, have pity on us!” The crowd began to scold them in an effort to reduce them to silence, but they only shouted the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have pity on us!” Jesus then stopped and called out to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” they told him, “open our eyes!” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and immediately they could see; and they became his followers.

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

 

Aug. 18 The Holy Martyrs Florus and Laurus

The martyrs Florus and Laurus were brothers by birth not only in flesh but in spirit. They lived in the 2nd century in Byzantium, and afterwards they settled in Illyria [now Yugoslavia]. By occupation they were stone masons. The prefect of Illyria, Likaion, sent the brothers to a nearby district for work on the construction of a pagan temple. The saints toiled at the structure, distributing to the poor the money they earned, while they kept strict fast and prayed without ceasing. When the construction of the temple was completed, the brothers gathered the Christians together, and going through the temple, they smashed the idols. In the eastern part of the temple they set up the Holy Cross. They spent all night praying, illumined with heavenly light. Having learned of this, the head of the district condemned to burning the former pagan priest Mamertin and his son and 300 Christians. Florus and Laurus were sent back to the prefect Likaion and were thrown down an empty well and covered with earth. After many years, the relics of the holy martyrs were uncovered, incorrupt, and transferred to Constantinople.

 

Troparion

O faithful, let us praise the blessed Florus and Laurus, for they preached the Trinity without hesitation. Spilling their blood as a sign of their conviction, they have received laurels as God’s seal of approval. Pray to Christ our God to save our souls.

 

Kontakion

Today the world glorifies Florus and Laurus as holy and long-suffering martyrs for God. We hope to find grace and mercy from their prayers. We ask to be free from temptation, afflictions, anger, and pain on Judgment Day.

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 7: 10-16

Brothers and sisters: Indeed, sorrow for God’s sake produces a repentance without regrets, leading to salvation, whereas worldly sorrow brings death. Just look at the fruit of this sorrow which stems from God. What a measure of holy zeal it has brought you, not to speak of readiness to defend yourselves! What indignation, fear, and longing! What ardent desire to restore the balance of justice! In every way you have displayed your innocence in this matter. Therefore, my writing to you was not intended for the man who had given the offense or for the one offended, but to make plain in the sight of God the devotion you have for us. This done, we are comforted. 

Beyond this consolation, we have rejoiced even more at the joy of Titus because his mind has been set at rest by all of you. For though I had boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame. Rather, just as everything I ever said to you was true, so my boasting to Titus has been proved equally true. His heart embraces you with an expanding love as he recalls the obedience you showed to God when you received him in fear and trembling. I rejoice because I trust you utterly. 

 

Gospel

Mark 2: 18-22

At that time John’s disciples and the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus with the objection, “Why do John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees fast while yours do not?” Jesus replied: “How can the guests at a wedding fast as long as the groom is still among them? So long as the groom stays with them, they cannot fast. The day will come, however, when the groom will be taken away from them; on that day they will fast. No one sews a patch of shrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he should do so, the very thing he has used to cover the hole would pull away – the new from the old – and the tear would get worse. Similarly, no man pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does so, the wine will burst the skins, and both wine and skins will be lost. No, new wine is poured into new skins.”

 

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

 

Aug. 17 The Holy Martyr Myron

The holy martyr Myron was a priest in the town of Achaia. He was of wealthy and prominent origin, yet was kind and meek by nature- a lover of both God and man. During the reign of Emperor Decius, on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, pagans charged into the church, dragged Myron out of the service, and subjected him to torture by fire. During this torture, and angel appeared to him and encouraged him. The pagans began to peel his skin in strips from his head to his feet. The martyr grabbed one such strip of skin and struck his torturer, the judge, on his face with it. As though possessed, the judge grabbed a sword and killed himself. Finally, the pagans took Myron to the city of Cyzicus, and slew him there with the sword, in the year 250.

 

Troparion

Your martyr Myron, 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

From your tenderest years you loved Christ and kept all His commandments, O most glorious Myron. You followed Him quickly with your innocence, and it is fitting that you now keep company with angels. Seek the forgiveness of sins for those who honor you.

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 7: 1-10

Brothers and sisters: since we have these promises, beloved, let us purify ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and in the fear of God strive to fulfill our consecration perfectly. 

Make room for us in your hearts! We have injured no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. I do not condemn you. I have already said that you are in our hearts, even to the sharing of death and life together. I speak to you with utter frankness and boast much about you. I am filled with consolation, and despite my many afflictions my joy knows no bounds. 

When I arrived in Macedonia I was restless and exhausted. I was under all kinds of stress — quarrels with others and fears writhing myself. But God, who gives hearts to those who are low in spirit, gave me strength with the arrival of Titus. This he did, not only by his arrival but by the reinforcement Titus had already received from you; for he reported your longing, your grief and your ardent concern for me, so that my joy is greater still. If I saddened you by my letter I have no regrets. Or if I did feel some regret (because I understand that the letter caused you grief for a time), I am happy once again; not because you were saddened, but because your sadness led to repentance. You were filled with sorrow that came from God; thus you did not suffer any loss from us. Indeed, sorrow for God’s sake produces a repentance without regrets, leading to salvation, whereas worldly sorrow brings death. 

 

Gospel

Mark 1: 29-35

At that time immediately upon leaving the synagogue, Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay I’ll with a fever, and the first thing they did was to tell Jesus about her. Jesus went over to her and grasped her hand and helped her up, and the fever left her. She immediately began to wait on them. 

After sunset, as evening drew on, they brought to Jesus all who were ill, and those possessed by demons. Before long the whole town was gathered outside the door. Those whom he cured, who were variously afflicted, were many, and so were the demons he expelled. But he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Rising early the next morning, he went off to a lonely place in the desert; there he was absorbed in prayer. 

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

 

Priest’s Pectoral Cross

(Elaborating on Father Michael’s Children’s Homily from last Sunday)
Every Christian is encouraged to wear a small cross after their baptism. In some Eastern Christian traditions, parish priests, bishops, monks and nuns may also wear a larger cross outside of their clothing. Generally, a priest receives a silver cross from his bishop on the day of his ordination. A gold cross means that he has been given the honor of being an archpriest (a title usually given for exemplary service) after years of ministry. An enameled cross is a further honor, usually given to a protopriest (highest honor given to a priest, with only a few receiving this honor) or bishop. Bishops usually wear an icon of the Theotokos called a Panagia (“All Holy”) instead of a cross. A Metroplitan Archbishop (or any head bishop of a self-governing church) may wear multiple icons or crosses. Often, a priest’s pectoral cross will contain the icon of Christ “not made with hands”. This is the icon that is usually approached when partaking in the Mystery of Confession. Many priest’s pectoral cross have 1 Timothy 4:12 written on the back: “Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity”. They will kiss the cross, and be encouraged by this command before putting the cross around their neck.

Aug. 16 The Translation of the Icon of our Lord not made by human hands; The Holy Martyr Diomedes

The Translation of the Icon of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, the icon “not made by human hands,” from Edessa to Constantinople in 944: Tradition related that Abgar, prince of the city of Edessa, suffered from leprosy. Having heard of Jesus the healer in Palestine, he sent a portrait painter named Ananias with a letter to Jesus, asking him to come and cure his leprosy. Being unable to come, the Lord took a napkin and wiped his face, leaving the perfect reproduction of the Holy Face on it. Ananias took the napkin back to Abgar, along with the message that he would be partially cured of his disease, and later completely. The Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, preaching the Gospel, came to Abgar and healed him.

The holy martyr Diomedes was a physician from Tarsus who taught people the Christian faith as he ministered to their suffering bodies. The emperor Diocletian ordered him to be beheaded in Nicea in the year 298.

 

Troparion – Holy Veil

We bow before your sacred image, O gracious Lord, and beg forgiveness for our offenses, O Christ our God; for You, of Your own good will, ascended the cross in Your human nature to deliver from the enemy’s bondage those whom You created. Therefore we gratefully cry out to You: By your coming to save the world, O Savior, You have filled all with joy.

 

Troparion – Martyr

Your martyr, Diomedes, 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 – Holy Veil

We have come to realize the extent of your victory, the inexpressible plan of your perfect incarnation, and to recognize this miraculous and unpainted icon as a banner of that divine triumph. With hearts full of love we kiss it in homage and piety.

 

Kontakion – Martyr

You vanquished the torturer and became a champion, crowned with the laurels of victory, O Diomedes. You are an initiate in the heavenly mysteries of grace and faith and an unconquerable and faithful martyr. 

 

Readings for the Holy Veil

Epistle

Galatians 3:23 – 4:5

Brothers and sisters: Before the faith came we were under the constraint of the law, locked in until the faith that was coming should be revealed. In other words, the law was our monitor until Christ came to bring about our justification through faith. But now that faith is here, we are no longer in the monitor’s charge. Each one of you is a son of God because of your faith in Christ Jesus. All of you who have been baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with him. There does not exist among you Jew or Greek, slave or freeman, male or female. All are one in Christ Jesus. Furthermore, if you belong to Christ you are the descendants of Abraham, which means you inherit all that was promised. 

Brothers and sisters: as long as a designated heir is not of age his condition is no different from that of a slave, even though in name he is master of all his possessions; for he is under the supervision of guardians and administrators until the time set by his father. In the same way, while we were not yet of age we were like slaves subordinated to the elements of the world; but when the designated time had come, God sent forth his Son born of a woman, born under the law, to deliver from the law those who were subjected to it, so that we might receive our status as adopted sons. 

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 51-56

As the time approached when Jesus was to be taken from this world, he firmly resolved to proceed toward Jerusalem, and sent messengers on ahead of him. These entered a Samaritan town to prepare for his passing through, but the Samaritans would not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, would you have us call down fire from heaven and destroy them?” Jesus turned toward them only to reprimand them. Then they set off for another town. 

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

2 Corinthians 6: 11-16b

Men of Corinth, we have spoken to you frankly, opening our hearts wide to you. There is no lack of room for you in us; the narrowness is in you. In fair exchange, then (I speak as a father to his children), open wide your hearts!

Do not yoke yourselves in a mismatch with unbelievers. After all, what do righteousness and lawlessness have in common, or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What accord is there between Christ and Belial, what common lot between believer and unbeliever? Tell me what agreement there is between the temple of God and idols. You are the temple of the living God. 

 

Gospel

Mark 1: 23-28

At that time there appeared in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit that shrieked: “What do you want of us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him sharply: “Be quiet! Come out of the man!” At that the unclean spirit convulsed the man violently and with a loud shriek came out of him. All who looked on were amazed. They began to ask one another: “What does this mean? A completely new teaching in a spirit of authority! He gives orders to unclean spirits and they obey!” From that point on his reputation spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

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

 

Aug. 15 The Dormition of the Theotokos

The Dormition of the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary: Tradition relates that the Mother of God died in Jerusalem, after a visit with all of Christ’s apostles. They carried her coffin to the Garden of Gethsemane where it was placed into a tomb. The apostle Thomas came late and asked that the tomb be opened so that he could revere her body. When opened, the tomb was found empty except for the winding burial shroud. 

 

Troparion

O Theotokos, in giving birth you preserved virginity; and in your falling asleep you did not forsake the world. You are the Mother of Life and have been transferred to life, and through your prayers you deliver our souls from death.

 

Kontakion

The grave and death did not detain the Theotokos. She intercedes without rest and is our unfailing hope of protection; for he who dwelt in the womb of the Ever Virgin transferred to life the Mother of Life. 

 

Readings for the feast

Epistle

Philippians 2: 5-11

Brothers and sisters: Your attitude must be that of Christ: Though he was in the form of God, he did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave, and it was thus that he humbles himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross! Because of this, God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name about every other name, so that at Jesus’ name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!

 

Gospel

Luke 10: 38-42, 11: 27-28

At that time Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him to her home. She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and listened to his words. Martha, who was busy with all the details of hospitality, came to Jesus and said, “Lord, are you not concerned that my sister has left me to do the household tasks all alone? Tell her to help me.”

The Lord in reply said to her: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things; one thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it.”

While he was saying this a woman from the crowd called out, “Blest is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” Jesus replied, “Rather, blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it.”

 

Readings for the day

Epistle 

2 Corinthians 5: 15-21

Brothers and sisters: Christ died for all so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who for their sakes died and was raised up. Because of this we no longer look on anyone in terms of mere human judgment. If at one time we so regarded Christ, we no longer know him by this standard. This means that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old order has passed away; now all is new! All this has been done by God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. I mean that God, in Christ, was reconciling the world to himself, not counting men’s transgressions against them, and that he has entrusted the message of reconciliation to us. This makes us ambassadors for Christ, God as it were appealing through us. We implore you, in Christ’s name: be reconciled to God! For our sakes God made him who did not know sin, to be sin, so that in him we might become the very holiness of God. 

 

Gospel

Mark 1: 16-22

At that time as Jesus made his way along the Sea of Galilee, he observed Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me; I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately abandoned their nets and became his followers. Proceeding a little farther along, he caught sight of James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They too were in their boat putting their nets in order. Jesus summoned them on the spot. They abandoned their father, Zebedee, who was in the boat with the hired men, and went off in Jesus’ company. Shortly afterward they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and began to teach. The people were spellbound by his teaching because he taught with authority, and not like the scribes. 

 

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

 

Aug. 14 The Holy Prophet Micah; Translation of the Relics of Our Father Theodosius, Hegumen of the Monastery of the Caves; Prefestive day of the Dormition of the Theotokos

The holy prophet Micah was of the tribe of Judah and from the village of Morasth. He was a contemporary of the prophets Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea. He denounced the vices of the people, foretold the fall of Samaria, and was a seer of the coming Messiah. He named Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. He was buried in his own village, and his relics were found in the 4th century. 

St. Theodosius of the Caves was the Father of monasticism in Russia. At the age of twenty-four, he secretly left his parental home and St. Anthony at the Kiev Caves monastery blessed him to receive monastic tonsure with the name Theodosius. The saint was not afraid to denounce the mighty of this world. Those unjustly condemned always found a defender in him, and judges would review matters at the request of the igumen. He was particularly concerned for the destitute. He built a special courtyard for them at the monastery where anyone in need could receive food and drink. Sensing the approach of death, St. Theodosius peacefully fell asleep in the Lord in the year 1074. He was buried in a cave which he dug, where he secluded himself during fasting periods. The relics of the ascetic were found incorrupt in the year 1091. St. Theodosius was numbered among the saints in 1108. 

 

Troparion – Micah

As we celebrate the memory of your prophet Micah, O Lord, we implore You to save our souls through his prayers.

 

Troparion – Theodosius

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

 

Kontakion – Prefestive

Celebrating your glorious memory today, the world mystically dances for joy and cries out to you, O Theotokos: Rejoice, Virgin, Boast of Christians.

 

Kontakion – Micah

You were enlightened by the blessing of the Holy Spirit, setting forth in prophecy the pure and immaculate condescension of Christ our God, O blessed Micah, and messenger of Christ. Therefore, pray for us who worthily honor your memory. 

 

Kontakion – Theodosius

You are a successor to the fathers, O holy monk, and you followed them in your life and teachings, your character and temperance, prayer and intercession. Since you have found favor with God, obtain the remission of our sins and salvation for those who sing to you: Rejoice, O father Theodosius. 

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 5: 10-15

Brothers and sisters: The lives of all of us are to be revealed before the tribunal of Christ so that each one may receive his recompense, good or bad, according to his life in the body.

Standing in awe of the Lord we try to persuade men, but what we are is known to God. I hope that it is also known to you in your consciences. We shall not begin to recommend ourselves to you again, but we are giving you an opportunity to boast about us so that you may have something to say to those who take pride in external appearances, and not in what lies in the heart. Indeed, if we are ever caught up out of ourselves, God is the reason; and when we are brought back to our senses, it is for your sakes. The love of Christ impels us who have reached the conviction that since one died for all, all died. He died for all so that those who love might live no longer for themselves, but for him who for their sakes died and was raised up.

 

Gospel

Mark 1: 9-15

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. Immediately on coming up out of the water he saw the sky rent in two and the Spirit descending in him like a dove. Then a voice came from the heavens: “You are my beloved Son. On you my favor rests.”

At that point the Spirit sent him out toward the desert. He stayed in the wasteland forty days, put to the test there by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, and angels waited on him. 

After John’s arrest, Jesus appeared in Galilee proclaiming the good news of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand! Reform your lives and believe in the gospel.”

 

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

 

Aug. 13 Our Venerable Father Maximos the Confessor

Our venerable father Maximos the Confessor was the hegumen of Chrysopolis near Constantinople. He was notable for his teaching and zeal for the Catholic truth. When he vigorously fought against the Monothelites, he had his right hand cut off by the heretical emperor Constans. Along with two of his disciples, both named Anastasius, after a harsh imprisonment and many tortures, Maximos was exiled to the region of Lazica and rendered his spirit to God in the year 662.

 

Troparion

Guide to Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, luminary for the world, inspired adornments of monks, O wise Maximos, harp of the Spirit, you enlightened with Christ our God to save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

Taking its abode within your heart, the thrice-brilliant light made you a chosen vessel. It has revealed heavenly things in you, O blessed saint. You made deep and complicated ideas clear to us, and you preached the eternal Trinity to everyone, O Maximos. 

 

Epistle 

1 Corinthians 9: 2-12

Brothers and sisters: Although I may not be an apostle for others, I certainly am one for you. You are the very seal of my apostolate in the Lord. 

My defense against those who criticize me is this: Do  we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to marry a believing woman like the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Is it only myself and Barnabas who are forced to work for a living? What soldier in the field pays for his rations? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its yield? What shepherd does not nourish himself with the milk of his flock? You may think the reasons I am giving are merely human ones, but does not the law itself speak of these things? It is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out grain.” Is God concerned here for the oxen, or does he not rather say this for our sakes? You can be sure it was written for us, for the plowman should plow in hope and the harvester expect a share in the grain. If we have sown for you in spirit, is it too much to expect a material harvest from you? If others have this right over you, is not our right even greater? But we have not used this right. On the contrary, we put up with all sorts of hardships so as not to place any obstacles in the way of the gospel of Christ.

 

Gospel

Matthew 18: 23-35

The Lord said: “The reign of God may be said to be like a king who decided to settle accounts with his  officials. When he began his auditing, one was brought in who owed him a huge amount. As he had no way of paying it, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of his debt. At that the official prostrated himself in homage and said, ‘My lord, be patient with me and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with pity, the master let the official go and write off the debt. But when that same official went out he met a fellow servant who owed him a mere fraction of what he himself owed. He seized him and throttled him. ‘Pay back what you owe,’ he demanded. His fellow servant dropped to his knees and began to plead with him, ‘Just give me a time and I will pay you back in full.’ But he would hear none of it. Instead, he had him put in jail until he paid back what he owed. When his fellow servants saw what had happened they were badly shaken, and went to their master to report the whole incident. His master sent for him and said, ‘You worthless wretch! I canceled your entire debt when you pleaded with me. Should you not have dealt mercifully with your fellow servant, as I dealt with you?’ Then in anger the master handed him over to the torturers until he paid back all he owed. My heavenly father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.

 

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