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March 29 Our Venerable Father Mark, Bishop of Arethusa; The Deacon Cyril & his Companions

Our venerable hieromartyr Mark, Bishop of Arethusa, suffered for his faith in Christ under the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363). By order of the emperor Constantine, St. Mark had once destroyed a pagan temple and built a Christian church. When Julian came to the throne, he persecuted Christians and tried to restore paganism. Some citizens of Arethusa renounced Christianity and became pagans. Then, St. Mark’s enemies decided to take revenge on him. The old bishop hid himself from the persecutors at first, but then he gave himself up when he learned that the pagans had tortured many people in their search for him. St. Gregory the Theologian describes the sufferings of St. Mark in his First Oration against Julian.

The historian Theodoritus relates that during the reign of St. Constantine the Great, St. Cyril destroyed many idols and pagan temples in Heliopolis, Phoenicia. He was put to death for this during the reign of Julian the Apostate. During this time the pagans killed many Christians in the Palestinian cities of Ascalon, and Gaza: priests, women and children who had dedicated themselves to God. The holy martyrs received crowns of victory in the Kingdom of Heaven, and the torturers also received their just recompense: eternal torment in Hell.

Troparion

O God of our ancestors, You always deal with us according to your everlasting compassion, take not your mercy away from us; but through the prayers of our ancestors, guide our lives along the ways of peace.

Kontakion

Having become a splendor of truth, you have illumuned the very ends of the earth. For this reason, we bless you, O martyred priests.

Readings for the day

Genesis 43:25 – 45:16

They made the present ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they had heard that they would dine there.

When Joseph came home, they brought him the present that they had carried into the house, and bowed to the ground before him. He inquired about their welfare, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and did obeisance. Then he looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” With that, Joseph hurried out, because he was overcome with affection for his brother, and he was about to weep. So he went into a private room and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out; and controlling himself he said, “Serve the meal.” They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. When they were seated before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth, the men looked at one another in amazement. Portions were taken to them from Joseph’s table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.

Then he commanded the steward of his house, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the top of his sack. Put my cup, the silver cup, in the top of the sack of the youngest, with his money for the grain.” And he did as Joseph told him. As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away with their donkeys. When they had gone only a short distance from the city, Joseph said to his steward, “Go, follow after the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you returned evil for good? Why have you stolen my silver cup? Is it not from this that my lord drinks? Does he not indeed use it for divination? You have done wrong in doing this.’”

When he overtook them, he repeated these words to them. They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing! Look, the money that we found at the top of our sacks, we brought back to you from the land of Canaan; why then would we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house? Should it be found with any one of your servants, let him die; moreover the rest of us will become my lord’s slaves.” He said, “Even so; in accordance with your words, let it be: he with whom it is found shall become my slave, but the rest of you shall go free.” Then each one quickly lowered his sack to the ground, and each opened his sack. He searched, beginning with the eldest and ending with the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. At this they tore their clothes. Then each one loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city.

Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house while he was still there; and they fell to the ground before him. Joseph said to them, “What deed is this that you have done? Do you not know that one such as I can practice divination?” And Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? How can we clear ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants; here we are then, my lord’s slaves, both we and also the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” But he said, “Far be it from me that I should do so! Only the one in whose possession the cup was found shall be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.”

Then Judah stepped up to him and said, “O my lord, let your servant please speak a word in my lord’s ears, and do not be angry with your servant; for you are like Pharaoh himself. My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father or a brother?’ And we said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a young brother, the child of his old age. His brother is dead; he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’ Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, so that I may set my eyes on him.’ We said to my lord, ‘The boy cannot leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’ Then you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.’ When we went back to your servant my father we told him the words of my lord. And when our father said, ‘Go again, buy us a little food,’ we said, ‘We cannot go down. Only if our youngest brother goes with us, will we go down; for we cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ Then your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons; one left me, and I said, Surely he has been torn to pieces; and I have never seen him since. If you take this one also from me, and harm comes to him, you will bring down my gray hairs in sorrow to Sheol.’ Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father and the boy is not with us, then, as his life is bound up in the boy’s life, when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die; and your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. For your servant became surety for the boy to my father, saying, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, then I will bear the blame in the sight of my father all my life.’ Now therefore, please let your servant remain as a slave to my lord in place of the boy; and let the boy go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the suffering that would come upon my father.”

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.’ And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you. You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt, and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.

When the report was heard in Pharaoh’s house, “Joseph’s brothers have come,” Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.

Proverbs 21:23 – 22:4

To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble.

The proud, haughty person, named “Scoffer,” acts with arrogant pride.

The craving of the lazy person is fatal, for lazy hands refuse to labor.

All day long the wicked covet, but the righteous give and do not hold back.

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when brought with evil intent.

A false witness will perish, but a good listener will testify successfully.

The wicked put on a bold face, but the upright give thought to their ways.

No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the Lord.

The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord is the maker of them all.

The clever see danger and hide; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.

The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

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

March 28 Our Venerable Father Hilary the Younger; The Holy Stephen the Wonder-worker

Our venerable father Hilarion (Hilary) the New, Heguman of Pelekete Monastery, from his youth devoted himself to the service of God and spent many years as a hermit. Because of his holy and blameless life he was ordained to the holy priesthood, and later he was made igumen of the Pelekete monastery, near the Dardanelles, in the eighth century. St. Hilarion was granted gifts of clairvoyance and wonderworking by the Lord.

The holy Stephen the Confessor, Hegumen of Triglia Monastery, suffered under the iconoclast emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820). From a young age, the holy ascetic dedicated his life to God and received monastic tonsure. He later became the head of the Trigla monastery near Constantinople. When the persecution again began against holy icons, the saintly hegumen was summoned for questioning, and they tried to force him to sign a document rejecting the veneration of icons. St. Stephen steadfastly refused to betray Orthodoxy and he boldly denounced the emperor for his impiety. They subjected the saint to cruel torments, after which they sent him to prison in the year 815. Weakened and sick, the holy Confessor Stephen soon died in prison from his sufferings.

Troparion

Kontakion

Having glowed like the sun, your memory gives joy to the faithful. It disperses the darkness and casts out passion. Shelter and guard us from all the trials of life. We honor your holy precious memory, O honorable Hilarion and blessed Stephen.

Readings for the day

Genesis 31: 3-16

Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your ancestors and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah into the field where his flock was, and said to them, “I see that your father does not regard me as favorably as he did before. But the God of my father has been with me. You know that I have served your father with all my strength; yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not permit him to harm me. If he said, ‘The speckled shall be your wages,’ then all the flock bore speckled; and if he said, ‘The striped shall be your wages,’ then all the flock bore striped. Thus God has taken away the livestock of your father, and given them to me.

“During the mating of the flock I once had a dream in which I looked up and saw that the male goats that leaped upon the flock were striped, speckled, and mottled. Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob,’ and I said, ‘Here I am!’ And he said, ‘Look up and see that all the goats that leap on the flock are striped, speckled, and mottled; for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and return to the land of your birth.’” Then Rachel and Leah answered him, “Is there any portion or inheritance left to us in our father’s house? Are we not regarded by him as foreigners? For he has sold us, and he has been using up the money given for us. All the property that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children; now then, do whatever God has said to you.”

Proverbs 21: 3-21

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the lamp of the wicked—are sin.

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to want.

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.

The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is right.

It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife.

The souls of the wicked desire evil; their neighbors find no mercy in their eyes.

When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wiser; when the wise are instructed, they increase in knowledge.

The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he casts the wicked down to ruin.

If you close your ear to the cry of the poor, you will cry out and not be heard.

A gift in secret averts anger; and a concealed bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.

When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.

Whoever wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.

Whoever loves pleasure will suffer want;whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich.

The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.

It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and fretful wife.

Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool devours it.

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.

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

March 27 Our Holy Mother Matrona of Thessalonica

An orphan, our holy mother Matrona was a servant in the home of a Jewish man in Thessalonica in the mid-fourth century. The wife of her master continually mocked Matrona for her faith in Christ. She tried to persuade Matrona to deny Christ and attend the synagogue. But the meek Matrona went about her work conscientiously and said nothing to her mistress. One one occasion, it was discovered that Matrona was attending church unbeknownst to her mistress. In her anger, she asked Matrona why she did not attend the synagogue rather than the church. To this Matrona replied: “Because God lives in the Christian churches, and He withdraws from the Jewish synagogues.” Furious at this bold reply, the mistress beat Matrona, locked her in a dark room, and bound her hands. The next day as Matrona was kneeling in prayer and glorifying God, her ropes fell off by the power of God. On two more occasions she was locked up again. In the end she died of starvation. The evil mistress then took the body of the holy maiden and hurled it to the ground from the roof of her home. Christians took the martyr’s body and buried it with honor. Bishop Alexander, learning of the many miraculous works of this holy martyr, erected a church over her grave.

Troparion

O Jesus, your lamb Matrona cries out to You with great love: O my Bridegroom, I long for You in great pain. I am crucified with You, and in baptism I am buried with You. I suffer for your sake in order to reign with You. I die for You in order to live in You. Accept me as an immaculate victim since I am immolated for your love. Through her intercession, O merciful One, save our souls.

Kontakion

You worked with honor for the Master and steadfastly refused to dishonor Him. You endured imprisonment and wounds and even gave your life for Him. O martyr Matrona, so wise in God, now pray for those who honor your mercy.

Readings for the day

Genesis 27: 1-41

When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called his elder son Esau and said to him, “My son”; and he answered, “Here I am.” He said, “See, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field, and hunt game for me. Then prepare for me savory food, such as I like, and bring it to me to eat, so that I may bless you before I die.”’

Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to his son Esau. So when Esau went to the field to hunt for game and bring it, Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “I heard your father say to your brother Esau, ‘Bring me game, and prepare for me savory food to eat, that I may bless you before the Lord before I die.’ Now therefore, my son, obey my word as I command you. Go to the flock, and get me two choice kids, so that I may prepare from them savory food for your father, such as he likes; and you shall take it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies.” But Jacob said to his mother Rebekah, “Look, my brother Esau is a hairy man, and I am a man of smooth skin. Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be mocking him, and bring a curse on myself and not a blessing.” His mother said to him, “Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my word, and go, get them for me.” So he went and got them and brought them to his mother; and his mother prepared savory food, such as his father loved. Then Rebekah took the best garments of her elder son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them on her younger son Jacob; and she put the skins of the kids on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. Then she handed the savory food, and the bread that she had prepared, to her son Jacob.

So he went in to his father, and said, “My father”; and he said, “Here I am; who are you, my son?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, so that you may bless me.” But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” He answered, “Because the Lord your God granted me success.” Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come near, that I may feel you, my son, to know whether you are really my son Esau or not.” So Jacob went up to his father Isaac, who felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” He did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him. He said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He answered, “I am.” Then he said, “Bring it to me, that I may eat of my son’s game and bless you.”

So he brought it to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank. Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near and kiss me, my son.” So he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his garments, and blessed him, and said,

“Ah, the smell of my son

is like the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed.

May God give you of the dew of heaven,

and of the fatness of the earth,

and plenty of grain and wine.

Let peoples serve you,

and nations bow down to you.

Be lord over your brothers,

and may your mother’s sons bow down to you.

Cursed be everyone who curses you,

and blessed be everyone who blesses you!”

As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, when Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of his father Isaac, his brother Esau came in from his hunting. He also prepared savory food, and brought it to his father. And he said to his father, “Let my father sit up and eat of his son’s game, so that you may bless me.” His father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” He answered, “I am your firstborn son, Esau.” Then Isaac trembled violently, and said, “Who was it then that hunted game and brought it to me, and I ate it all before you came, and I have blessed him?—yes, and blessed he shall be!” When Esau heard his father’s words, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me, me also, father!” But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully, and he has taken away your blessing.” Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright; and look, now he has taken away my blessing.” Then he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?” Isaac answered Esau, “I have already made him your lord, and I have given him all his brothers as servants, and with grain and wine I have sustained him. What then can I do for you, my son?” Esau said to his father, “Have you only one blessing, father? Bless me, me also, father!” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept.

Then his father Isaac answered him:

“See, away from the fatness of the earth shall your home be,

and away from the dew of heaven on high.

By your sword you shall live,

and you shall serve your brother;

but when you break loose,

you shall break his yoke from your neck.”

Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

Proverbs 19: 16-25

Those who keep the commandment will live; those who are heedless of their ways will die.

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full.

Discipline your children while there is hope; do not set your heart on their destruction.

A violent tempered person will pay the penalty; if you effect a rescue, you will only have to do it again.

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.

The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.

What is desirable in a person is loyalty, and it is better to be poor than a liar.

The fear of the Lord is life indeed; filled with it one rests secure and suffers no harm.

The lazy person buries a hand in the dish, and will not even bring it back to the mouth.

Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove the intelligent, and they will gain knowledge.

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

March 26 Synaxis of the Holy Archangel Gabriel

The holy archangel Gabriel is the herald of the Incarnation of the Son of God. He is one of the seven archangels who stand before the throne of God. He appeared to Zacharias to announce the birth of the Forerunner. Gabriel said of himself: I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God (Luke 1:19). His name Gabriel means “man-God.” The Holy Fathers, in speaking of the Annunciation, comment that an archangel with such a name was sent to signify Who He was, and what He would be like, Who would be born of the All-pure one. He would be the God-man, the mighty and powerful God. Some of the Fathers understood that this same Gabriel appeared to Joachim and Anna concerning the birth of the Virgin Mary, and that Gabriel instructed Moses in the wilderness to write the Book of Genesis. The Holy Fathers say that Gabriel belongs to the first and greatest order of heavenly powers, the Seraphim, since the Seraphim stand closest to God. He is, therefore, one of the seven Seraphim closest to God. The names of the seven are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salathiel, Jegudiel, and Barachiel. To this number some add Jeremiel. Each one has his own particular service and all are equal in honor. Why did God not send Michael? Because Michael’s service is to suppress the enemies of the Faith of God, while Gabriel’s is the mission of announcing the salvation of mankind.

Troparion

O leaders of the heavenly armies, although we are always unworthy, we beseech you that with your prayers you may encircle us with the protection of the wings of your angelic glory. Watch over us as we bow low and earnestly cry out to you: Deliver us from trouble, O princes of the heavenly armies.

Kontakion

O commander of angels, minister of holy glory and messenger of God himself, all-mysterious, and exalted Trinity. Pray that we be delivered from trials and sorrows so that we might sing: Rejoice, for you protect your servants.

Epistle

Hebrews 9: 11-14

Brothers and sisters: When Christ came as high priest of the good things which have come to be, he entered once for all into the sanctuary, passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not belonging to this creation. He entered, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, and achieved eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of a heifer’s ashes can sanctify those who are defiled so that their flesh is cleansed, how much more will the blood of Christ, who though the eternal spirit offered himself up unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God!

Gospel

Mark 10: 32b-45

At that time, taking the Twelve aside once more, Jesus began to tell them what was going to happen to him. “We are on our way up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit at him, flog him, and finally kill him. But three days later he will rise.”

Zebedee’s sons, James and John, approached him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to grant our request.” “What is it?” he asked. They replied, “See to it that we sit, one at your right and the other at your left, when you come into your glory.” Jesus told them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup I shall drink or be baptized in the same bath of pain as I?” “We can,” they told him. Jesus said in response, “From the cup I drink of you shall drink; the bath I am immersed in you shall share. But as for sitting at my right or my left, that is not mine to give; it is for those to whom it has been reserved.” The other ten, on hearing this, became indignant of James and John. Jesus called them together and said to them: “You know how among the Gentiles those who seem to exercise authority lord it over them; their great ones make their importance felt. It cannot be like that with you. Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest; whoever wants to rank first among you must serve the needs of all. The Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve–to give his life in ransom for the many.”

Readings for the Archangel

Epistle

Hebrews 2: 2-10

Brothers and sisters: If the word spoken through angels stood unchanged, and all transgressions and disobedience received its due punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore a salvation as great as ours? Announced first by the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who had heard him. God then gave witness to it by signs, miracles, varied acts of power, and distribution of the gifts of the Holy Spirit as he willed.

For he did not make the world to come–that world of which we speak– subject to angels. Somewhere this is testified to, in the passage that says: “What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? You made him for a little while a little lower than the angels: you crowned him with glory and honor, and put all things under his feet.” In subjecting all things to him, God left nothing unsubjected. At present we do not see all things thus subject, but we do see Jesus crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death: Jesus, who was made for a little while lower than the angels, that through God’s gracious will he might taste death for the sake of all men. Indeed, it was fitting that when bringing many sons to glory God, for whom and through whom all things exist, should make their leader in the work of salvation perfect through suffering.

Gospel

Luke 10: 16-22

The Lord said to his disciples: “He who hears you, hears me, He who rejects you, rejects me. And he who rejects me, rejects him who sent me.”

The seventy-two disciples returned jubilation saying, “Master, even the demons are subject to us in your name.” Jesus said in reply: “I watched Satan fall from the sky like lightning. See what I have done; I have given you power to tread on snakes and scorpions and all the forces of the enemy, and nothing shall ever injure you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice so much in the fact that the devils are subject to you as that your names are inscribed in heaven.”

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

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

Sunday Bulletin 3/26/23

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Mar. 25 – Annunciation of the Theotokos

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

5:00 PM Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy

Sunday, Mar. 26 – 5th Sunday of the Great Fast

8:30 AM Matins

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

12:00 PM Chant Class: hymns for Holy Week and Pascha

Monday, Mar. 27 – Matrona, Venerable

8:30 AM Morning Prayer

4:00 PM Evening Prayer

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

Wednesday, Mar. 29 – Mark, Cyril, and Others, Martyrs

8:30 AM Morning Prayer

6:30 PM Presanctified Divine Liturgy

7:30 PM Firepit Social

Saturday, Apr. 1 – Saturday of Lazarus

8:30 AM Divine Liturgy

5:00 PM Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM Reader Vespers

Sunday, Apr. 2 – Palm Sunday

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, Melanie Murray, Gene Francis, All the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s

WEEKLY DEPOSIT:

Collection: $1,653.00; Online: $180.00; Santa Paula: $799.00; Candles: $70.51

Total: $2,702.51 / Attendance – PSM: 57; VCO:

The newest edition of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary’s “Joyful Light” Newsletter is available in the entryway of the church.

Unique and Exceptional Vocations

Mary of Egypt, whom we always commemorate on the fifth Sunday of the Great Fast, provides an example of a unique and exceptional vocation within the Body of Christ! Christians normally discern (prayerfully listen to God’s Will) either marriage or celibacy within a church structure like a monastery or the priesthood. There are also many who are patiently listening for Our Lord’s promptings, and working towards one or the other of these helps towards holiness. Mary of Egypt, called directly by the Mother of God to a life of solitary prayer and penance, along with saints like the stylites, fools for Christ etc. found a path to holiness in celibacy that was blessed by God and His Church, but did not fit into the ordinary structure that most Christians are called to. May they intercede for those who are living unique and exceptional vocations.

(Before actively discerning a vocation like this, it is very necessary to have the blessing and guidance of a spiritual director)

“For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Our Savior walked with his disciples and shared that his ministry’s height would come through a descent, becoming the servant of all in the baptism of his Cross. Are you open to giving your life as a servant of all as a priest, deacon, monk or nun? Contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Schedule for Holy Week (4/3-4/9)

Holy Monday

8:30 AM Bridegroom Matins

5:30 PM Akathist to the Theotokos of the Inexhaustible Cup & Discussion on Addiction & Mental Illness

6:30 PM Presanctified Divine Liturgy

Holy Tuesday

8:30 AM Bridegroom Matins

6:30 PM Presanctified Divine Liturgy

Holy Wednesday

8:30 AM Bridegroom Matins

6:30 PM Presanctified Divine Liturgy

Holy Thursday

8:30 AM Matins

6:30 PM Divine Liturgy

Holy and Good Friday

12:00 PM Strasti Matins

6:00 PM Outreach Good Friday Vespers

6:30 PM Good Friday Vespers

Holy Saturday

8:30 AM Jerusalem Matins

5:00 PM Outreach Paschal Vigil Liturgy

Pascha

9:00 AM Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy

Prayers to Ones Guardian Angel

O Holy Angel, who stand by my wretched soul and my passionate life: do not abandon me, a sinner, neither depart from me because of my lack of self-control. Leave no room for the evil demon to gain control of me through the violence of this mortal body. Strengthen my weak and feeble hand, and instruct me in the path of salvation. O holy Angel of God, the guardian and protector of my wretched soul and body: forgive all the sorrows I have caused you, every day of my life. If I have sinned in this past night, protect me during this day. Keep me from every adverse temptation, that I may not anger God by any sin. Pray to the Lord for me, that He may establish me in His fear and make me, His servant, worthy of His goodness. Amen.

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O angel of God, my holy guardian, given to me from heaven, enlighten me this day, and save me from all evil. Instruct me in doing good deeds, and set me on the path of salvation. Amen.

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O angel of Christ, holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me of everything I have done to offend you every day, and protect me from all influence and temptation of the evil one. May I never offend God by my sin. Pray for me to the Lord, that He may make me worthy of the grace of the All-holy Trinity, and of the Most Blessed Theotokos, and of all the Saints. Amen.

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Child’s Prayer to Their Guardian Angel:

Angel, little angel mine, given me by God:

I am small, you make me big;

I am weak, you make me strong.

March 25 The Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

The Annunciation of the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary: When, in the city of Nazareth, the angel of the Lord announced to Mary, “Behold, you will conceive and bear a son, and he will be called Son of the Most High.” Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word.” And thus the fullness of time was accomplished, and he who before time was the only-begotten Son of God was made flesh for our sake and for our salvation, by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary became human.

Troparion

Today is the fountainhead of our salvation and the revelation of an eternal mystery: The Son of God becomes a virgin’s Son, and Gabriel announces this grace. Therefore, let us exclaim with him to the Mother of God: Hail, O woman full of grace, the Lord is with you!

Kontakion

O Mother of God, we your servants sing a hymn of thanks to you, a hymn of triumph to a valiant leader; for you have delivered us from all peril. We now exclaim to you: Hail, O Bride and Virgin ever-pure!

Epistle

Hebrews 2: 11-18

Brothers and sisters: He who consecrates and those who are consecrated have one and the same Father. Therefore he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, “I will announce your name to my brothers, I will sing your praise in the midst of the assembly”; and he says, “I will put my trust in him”; and again, “Here am I, and the children of God has given me!” Now, since the children are men of blood and flesh, Jesus likewise had a full share in ours, that by his death he might rob the devil, the prince of death, of his power, and free those who through fear of death had been slaves their whole life long. Surely he did not come to help angels, but rather the children of Abraham; therefore he had to become like his brothers in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God on their behalf, to expiate the sins of the people. Since he was himself tested through what he had suffered, he is able to help those who are tempted.

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 5th Saturday of the Great Fast

Epistle

Hebrews 9: 24-28

Brothers and sisters: Christ did not enter into a sanctuary made by hands, a mere copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself that he might appear before God now on our behalf. Not that he might offer himself there again and again, as the high priest enters year after year into the sanctuary with blood that is not his own; if that were so, he would have had to suffer death over and over from the creation of the world. But now he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sins once for all by his sacrifice. Just as it is appointed that men die once, and after death be judged, so Christ was offered up once to take away the sins of many; he will appear a second time not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.

Gospel

Mark 8: 27-31

At that time, Jesus and his disciples set out for the village around Caesarea Phillipi. On the way he asked his disciples this question: “Who do people say that I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptizer, others, Elijah, still others, one of the prophets.” “And you,” Jesus went on to ask, “who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah!” Then Jesus gave them 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, be put to death, and rise three days later.

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

March 24 Our Venerable Father Zachary; Our Holy Father Artemon, Bishop of Seleucia; Pre-festive Day of the Annunciation

Our holy father Artemon, Bishop of Seleucia, was born and lived in Seleucia of Pisidia (Asia Minor). He was pious and virtuous, therefore when the holy Apostle Paul came to Seleucia, he established St. Artemon as the first bishop of this city, since he was the most worthy. St. Artemon wisely nourished the flock entrusted to him and won glory as a comforter of the poor and oppressed. St. Artemon died in great old age.

Our venerable father Zachary was born in Egypt. His father left his family to become a monk and took Zachary with him. God gave him great gifts of grace; he was a great light among the monks in the desert, and went to his peace in the Lord at an early age.

Prefestive Troparion

Today is the prelude of joy for the whole world. Let us then anticipate the feast and celebrate, for, behold, Gabriel is on his way with the glad tidings for the Virgin. He is about to cry out in fear and amazement: Rejoice, O woman full of grace, the Lord is with you!

Prefestive Kontakion

You are the beginning of salvation for all those born on earth, O virgin Theotokos. The prince of the heavenly legions has been sent to stand before you with a message of joy. We join the chorus and call out to you: Rejoice, O Bride and Maiden ever-pure.

Readings for the day

Genesis 22: 1-18

After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; he cut the wood for the burnt offering, and set out and went to the place in the distance that God had shown him. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place far away. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there; we will worship, and then we will come back to you.” Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. Isaac said to his father Abraham, “Father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together.

When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, “By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.”

Proverbs 17:17 – 18:5

A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.

It is senseless to give a pledge, to become surety for a neighbor.

One who loves transgression loves strife; one who builds a high threshold invites broken bones.

The crooked of mind do not prosper, and the perverse of tongue fall into calamity.

The one who begets a fool gets trouble; the parent of a fool has no joy.

A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.

The wicked accept a concealed bribe to pervert the ways of justice.

The discerning person looks to wisdom, but the eyes of a fool to the ends of the earth.

Foolish children are a grief to their father and bitterness to her who bore them.

To impose a fine on the innocent is not right, or to flog the noble for their integrity.

One who spares words is knowledgeable; one who is cool in spirit has understanding.

Even fools who keep silent are considered wise; when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.

The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.

When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.

The words of the mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.

It is not right to be partial to the guilty, or to subvert the innocent in judgment.

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

Guardian Angel Prayer

March 23 The Holy Venerable-Martyr Nicon and his Companions

The monk martyr Nicon was born in Neapolis (Naples). His father was a pagan, and his mother a Christian. He was not baptized, but his mother secretly instructed him in the tenets of Christianity. Nicon was still a pagan when he reached adulthood. He served as a soldier, and showed unusual courage and strength. Once, Nicon and his military company were surrounded by enemies. In deadly peril, he remembered the Christian precepts of his mother and, signing himself with the Sign of the Cross, he prayed to God, vowing to be baptized if he were saved. Filled with unusual strengths, he killed many of the enemy, and put the rest to flight. He managed to return home, giving thanks to God for preserving his life. With the blessing of his mother, he set off in search of a priest. This was no easy thing to do in a time of persecution. St. Nicon took a ship to the island of Chios. He went up on a high mountain and spent eight days in fasting and prayer, entreating the Lord to help him. When St. Nicon had lived on the mountain for three years, an angel revealed to the bishop Theodosius that Nicon should be consecrated bishop, and should move to the province of Sicily with all the monks. Bishop Theodosius obeyed the angel, and then died after he had entrusted the 190 monks to St. Nicon. After he buried Bishop Theodosius, St. Nicon sailed to Sicily with the brethren.

Troparion

O Lord our God, your holy martyrs have deserved the crown of immortality on account of their good fight. Armed with your strength, they have vanquished their persecutors and crushed Satan’s dreadful might. Through their supplications, O Christ our God, save our souls.

Kontakion

By your holy life you assembled a choir from those who had lived humbly and had followed you before the throne of God on high. Your radiance spans the heavens like the very sun, and the rays of your pains disperse darkness and wash out deceit by the torrent of your blood.

Readings for the day

Genesis 18: 20-33

Then the Lord said, “How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin! I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me; and if not, I will know.”

So the men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham came near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will you then sweep away the place and not forgive it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake.” Abraham answered, “Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” Again he spoke to him, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” Then he said, “Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” He said, “Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” Then he said, “Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.

Proverbs 16:17 – 17:17

The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their way preserve their lives.

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the Lord.

The wise of heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.

Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly is the punishment of fools.

The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious, and adds persuasiveness to their lips.

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right, but in the end it is the way to death.

The appetite of workers works for them; their hunger urges them on.

Scoundrels concoct evil, and their speech is like a scorching fire.

A perverse person spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

The violent entice their neighbors, and lead them in a way that is not good.

One who winks the eyes plans perverse things; one who compresses the lips brings evil to pass.

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.

One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.

The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is the Lord’s alone.

Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.

A slave who deals wisely will rule over a child who acts shamefully, and will share the inheritance as one of the family.

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

An evildoer listens to wicked lips; and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue.

Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents.

Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a ruler.

A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of those who give it; wherever they turn they prosper.

One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.

A rebuke strikes deeper into a discerning person than a hundred blows into a fool.

Evil people seek only rebellion, but a cruel messenger will be sent against them.

Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs than to confront a fool immersed in folly.

Evil will not depart from the house of one who returns evil for good.

The beginning of strife is like letting out water; so stop before the quarrel breaks out.

One who justifies the wicked and one who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

Why should fools have a price in hand to buy wisdom, when they have no mind to learn?

A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.

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