Dec. 29 The Holy Innocents; Our Venerable Father Marcellus, Hegumen of the Akimetes

The holy innocents killed for Christ by Herod in Bethlehem of Judea: the impious king did this in the expectation that, with them, the infant Jesus would perish. They have been honored as martyrs from the first ages of the Church, the first-fruits of all who would pour out their blood for God and the Lamb.

Our venerable father Marcellus, hegumen of the Akimetes (the “non-sleeping ones”) fell asleep in the Lord on the Bosporus in Constantinople in 486. Day and night, without any interruption ever, he carried out the singing of psalms.

 

Troparion

O Lord who loves mankind, accept the sufferings which Your saints endured for You. As we pray, heal all our pains.

 

Troparion – Marcellus

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

 

Kontakion – Holy Innocents

When the King was born in Bethlehem, wise men from Persia came bringing gifts. They were led by the brilliant star. But Herod became exceedingly agitated, and had the infants harvested like lamenting wheat, for he sees his power suddenly coming to an end.

 

Kontakion – Marcellus

You rose in the East shining like a radiant star, O all-blessed Marcellus, and you edified with good deeds. You were a teacher to many monks, O venerable one. Therefore, you were a light to the imperial city. For this we sing to you: rejoice, O all-blessed father.

 

Epistle

Hebrews 10:35 – 11:7

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

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

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

 

Gospel

Mark 10: 17-27

At that time as Jesus was sitting out on a journey a man came running up, knelt down before him and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to share an everlasting life?” Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the Commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.’” The man replied, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my childhood.” Then Jesus looked at him with love and told him, “There is one thing more you must do. Go on sale what you have and give it to the poor; you will then have treasure in heaven. After that, come and follow me.” At these words the man’s face fell. He went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples could only marvel at his words. So Jesus repeated what he had said: “My sons, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

The disciples were completely overwhelmed at this, and exclaimed to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus fixed his gaze on them and said, “For man it is impossible but not for God. With God all things are possible.”

 

 

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

 

Dec. 28 The Twenty Thousand Martyrs of Nicomedia

The twenty-thousand martyrs of Nicomedia: During the reign of emperor Maximian Hercules, the Christian faith was brutally persecuted in Nicomedia. When the local Christians gathered in the church to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord, he ordered his soldiers to surround the church and set it on fire. Those inside were offered free passage out, as long as they betrayed Christ. They all refused, men, women, and children alike, and they were martyred. 

 

Troparion

O passion-bearers if the Lord, blessed is the earth that received your blood, and holy is the place that received your bodies. You have vanquished the enemy in battle and proclaimed Christ with courage. We pray to you to intercede with Him, the Good One, that He may save our souls. 

 

Kontakion

O saints made steadfast in soul by faith, twenty thousand accepted suffering by fire, calling out to Him Who was born of the Virgin: accept our all-consumed burnt offering as You accepted gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense from the Persian kings, O God existing from all eternity.

 

Epistle

Hebrews 10: 1-18

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

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

 

Gospel

Mark 10: 11-16

At that time the Lord said “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and the woman who divorces her husband and marries another commits adultery.”

People were bringing their little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples were scolding them for this. Jesus became indignant when he noticed it and said to them: “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them. It is to just such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I assure you that whoever does not accept the reign of God like a little child shall not take part in it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them. 

 

 

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

 

Dec. 27 The Holy Apostle, First Martyr, and Archdeacon Stephen; Our Venerable Father Theodore the Branded

The holy apostle, proto-martyr, and archdeacon Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. First of the seven deacons whom the Apostles chose to be fellow-laborers in the ministry, he was also the first of the disciples of the Lord to pour out his own blood at Jerusalem. He provided testimony for Christ Jesus, who he saw standing in glory at the right hand of the Father. He was covered over by stones while praying for his persecutors.

Our venerable father and confessor Theodore of Apamea in Bithynia was a monk of the laura of St. Sabbas in Palestine, a priest, and a martyr. In Constantinople with his brother St. Theophane the Hymnographer, he endured much in the defense of the Holy Images. He endured scourging, prisons, exile, and even brands on his forehead, for which he was called Graptus. He expired in prison in 845. 

 

Troparion – Stephen

First martyr and apostle of Christ, you fought the good fight. You convicted the tyrants of their wickedness. When you were killed by stoning at the hands of sinners, you received a crown from God’s right hand while you cried out: Lord, do not hold this sin against them.

 

Troparion – Theodore

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

 

Kontakion – Stephen

Yesterday, in human flesh the Master came to us; today, from the flesh, His servant departs. Yesterday, the King was born in flesh; today, His servant is killed by stoning. Thus, holy Stephen, the first martyr, is brought to perfection. 

 

Kontakion – Theodore

Your  mouth spoke bravely, and you shamed the haughty torturer by your great wisdom through suffering tortures: you were grievously wounded on your face for the sake of the all-honorable icon of Christ which you taught us always to honor and glorify. O Theodore, obtain great mercy for us.

 

Epistle

Acts 6:8 – 7:5a, 47-60

Stephen was a man filled with grace and power, who worked great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called “Synagogues of Roman Freedom” (that is, the Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia) would undertake to engage Stephen in debate, but they proved no match for the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke. They persuaded some men to make the charge that they had heard him speaking blasphemies against Moses and God, and in this way they incited the people, the elders, and the scribes. All together they confronted him, seized him, and led him off to the Sanhedrin. There they brought in false witnesses, who said: “This man never stops making statements against the holy place and the law. We have heard him claim that Jesus the Nazorean will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses handed down to us.” The members of the Sanhedrin who sat there stared at him intently. Throughout, Stephen’s face seemed like that of an angel.

The high priest asked whether the charges were true. To this Stephen replied: “My brothers! Fathers! Listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was still in Mesopotamia and before he settled in Haran. God said to him, Leave your country and your kinsfolk, and go to the land I will show you. So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After Abraham’s father died, God made him move from there to this land where you now dwell. God did not give him any of it as his heritage, not even a foot of land.

“It was Solomon, however, who constructed [the temple]. Yet the Most High does not dwell in buildings made by human hands, for as the prophet says: ‘The heavens are my throne, the earth is my footstool; what kind of house can you build me? asks the Lord. What is my resting-place to be like? Did not my hand make all these things?’

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are always opposing the Holy Spirit just as your fathers did before you. Was there ever any prophet whom your fathers did not persecute? In their day, they put to death those who foretold the coming of the Just One; now you in your turn have become his betrayers and murderers. You who received the law through the ministry of angels have not obeyed it.”

Those who listened to his words were stung to the heart; they ground their teeth in anger at him. Stephen meanwhile, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked to the sky above and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. “Look!” he exclaimed, “I see an opening in the sky, and the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand.” The onlookers were shouting aloud, holding their hands over their ears as they did so. Then they rushed at him as one man, dragged him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses meanwhile were oiling their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As Stephen was being stoned he could be heard praying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And with that he died. 

 

Gospel

Matthew 21: 33-42

The Lord said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, “Listen to another parable. There was a property owner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug out a vat, and erected a tower. Then he leased it out to tenant farmers and went on a journey. When vintage time arrived he dispatched his slaves to the tenants to obtain his share of the grapes. The tenants responded by seizing the slaves. They beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. A second time he dispatched even more slaves than before, but they treated them the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ When they saw the son, the tenants said to one another, ‘Here is the one who will inherit everything. Let us kill him and then we shall have his inheritance!’ With that they seized him, dragged him outside the vineyard, and killed him. What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do to those tenants when he comes?”

They replied, “He will bring that wicked crowd to a bad end and lease his vineyard out to others who will see to it that he has grapes at vintage time.” Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the keystone of the structure. It was the Lord who did this and we find it marvelous to behold’?”

 

 

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

 

Dec. 26 The Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos; Memory of the Holy and Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, David the King, and James the brother of God; The Holy Martyr Euthymius, Bishop of Sardis

The synaxis of the Theotokos: On the second day of the Christmas feast, the Church gives glory and praise to the most holy Theotokos, who bore our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Holy Prophet-King David, Saint Joseph the Betrothed, and Saint James the Brother of the Lord are commemorated on the Sunday after the Nativity. If there is no Sunday between December 25 and January 1, their commemoration is moved to Dec. 26. At an early date, some churches in the East began to commemorate certain important figures of the New Testament at the time of Theophany, and later during the Nativity season. In Syria, for example, Saint Stephen (12/27), Saints James (4/30) and John (9/26), and Saints Peter and Paul (6/29) were commemorated near the end of December. In Jerusalem, the saints mentioned above were combined with a feast that the Jews of Hebron celebrated on December 25 or 26 in honor of the Old Testament Patriarch Jacob. Later on, the Christians substituted Saint James (10/23) for Jacob, and then the commemoration of the Brother of the Lord became associated with his ancestor King David. In time, Saint Joseph was linked with Saints David and James.

The holy martyr Euthymius, Bishop of Sardis in Lydia, was forced into exile on account of his veneration of the Holy Images by the iconoclast Emperor Michael. Finally, when Theophilus was emperor, Euthymius was brutally beaten with leather thongs, and he fulfilled his martyrdom in 840.

 

Troparion – Feast

Your birth, O Christ our God, has shed upon the world the light of knowledge; for through it those who worshiped the stars have learned from a star to worship You, the Sun of Justice, and to know You, the Dawn from on High. Glory to You, O Lord!

 

Troparion – Holy Men

Joseph, proclaim the wonders you have seen to David, the forefather of God: the Virgin gives birth; you have given glory with the shepherds and worshiped with the wise men; you have been instructed by the angel. Ask Christ our God to save our souls.

 

Kontakion – Synaxis

Before the morning star, He was born of the Father without a mother; today, on earth, He has become man from you without a father. A star announces the good news to the Wise Men. The angels join with the shepherds to sing the glory of your marvelous childbearing, O Woman full of grace. 

 

Kontakion – Holy Men

Today the godly David is filled with joy; Joseph offers hymns of praise with James. Rejoicing, they take up the garland of relationship with Christ. They sing praise to Him whose birth on earth defies description and they cry out: O merciful Lord, save those who honor You.

 

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.

 

Galatians 1: 11-19

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

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

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

 

Gospel 

Matthew 2: 13-23

At that time, after the astrologers from the east had left, the angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph with the command: “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you otherwise. Herod is searching for the child to destroy him.” Joseph got up and took the child and his mother and left that night for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

Once Herod realized that he had been deceived by the astrologers, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys two years old and under in Bethlehem and its environs, making his calculations on the basis of the date he had learned from the astrologers. What was said through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “A cry was heard at Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation: Rachel bewailing her children; no comfort for her, since they are no more.”

But after Herod’s death, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt with the command: “Get up, take the child and his mother, and set out for the land of Israel. Those who had designs on the life of the child are dead.” Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and returned to the land of Israel. He heard, however, that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as king of Judea, and he was afraid to go back there. Instead, because of a warning he received in a dream, Joseph went to the region of Galilee. There he settled in a town called Nazareth. In this way what was said through the prophets was fulfilled: “He shall be called a Nazorean.” 

 

 

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

 

Dec. 25 The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ

The Nativity in the Flesh of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ: “When the fullness of time was come, God sent his only-begotten Son” (Galatians 4:4) to save the human race. Nine months after his conception in the womb of the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity was born in a stable in Bethlehem of Judea. To Him be eternal glory and praise! Amen. 

 

Troparion

Your birth, O Christ our God, has shed upon the world the light of knowledge; for through it those who worshiped the stars have learned from a star to worship You, the Sun of Justice, and to know You, the Dawn from on High. Glory to You, O Lord!

 

Kontakion

Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One; and the earth offers up a cave to the Unapproachable. The angels sing his glory with the shepherds; the wise men journey with the star. The eternal God is born for us as an infant child. 

 

Epistle

Galatians 4: 4-7

Brothers and sisters: 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. The proof that you are sons is the fact that God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of his Son which cries out “Abba!”(“Father!”) You are no longer a slave but a son! And the fact that you are a son makes you an heir, by God’s design.

 

Gospel

Matthew 2: 1-12

After the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod, astrologers from the East arrived one day in Jerusalem inquiring, “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.” At this news King Herod became greatly disturbed, and with him all Jerusalem. Summoning all of the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they informed him. “Here is what the prophet has written: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the princes of Judah, since from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Herod called the astrologers aside and found out from them the exact time of the star’s appearance. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, after having instructed them: “Go and get detailed information about the child. When you have found him, report it to me so that I may go and offer him homage too.”

After their audience with the king, they set out. The star which they had observed at its rising went ahead of them until it came to a standstill over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house, they found the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their coffers and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They received a message in a dream not to return to Herod, so they went back to their own country by another route. 

 

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

 

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

 

Sunday Bulletin 01/01/23

Christ is Born!  Glorify Him!

Christos Razdajetsja! Slavite Jeho!

(KRIS-tos Rozh-DA-yet-syah!  Sla-VEE-te YEAH-ho!)

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec. 31  –  Saturday after Christmas       

5:00 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Vespers-Divine Liturgy

Sunday, Jan. 1  –  Circumcision of Our Lord/Sunday before Theophany 

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Jan. 2  –  Sylvester, Pope         

6:30 PM          Akathist* for those suffering Addictions & Mental Illness

Wednesday, Jan. 4  –  Synaxis of the 70 Apostles    

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers

7:30 PM          Firepit Social

Thursday, Jan. 5  –  Vigil of Theophany        

6:00 PM          Vespers-Divine Liturgy with Blessing of Water

Friday, Jan. 6  –  Theophany of Our Lord            

6:00 PM          Santa Paula Divine Outreach Liturgy and Blessing of Water

Saturday, Jan. 7  –  Saturday after Theophany; Synaxis of John the Baptist      

5:00 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy       

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers

Sunday, Jan. 8  –  Sunday after Theophany         

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, All the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s

Royal Doors

The doors in the very center of the iconostasis are generally called the Royal Doors. These represent the access point to the Holy of Holies. In Hebrews 9:7 we are told that only the high priest entered the inner room of the temple, and Hebrews 7 explains that Christ is the new and permanent high priest. So only Christ, or a priest or bishop who is vested and actively serving in Christ’s place in the liturgy, can go through these doors. These doors represent the access point to the dwelling place of God, heaven itself. They often hold icons of the four Gospel writers since the Gospels, and the faith they inform and encourage, lead us to Theosis and heaven. These doors also often hold an icon of the Annunciation since this was the moment that God became man, a true meeting of heaven and earth, in the womb of the Theotokos.

Sunday Bulletin 12/25/22

Christ is Born!  Glorify Him!

Christos Razdajetsja! Slavite Jeho!

(KRIS-tos Rozh-DA-yet-syah!  Sla-VEE-te YEAH-ho!)

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec. 24  –  Vigil of Christmas       

5:00 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Vespers-Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM          Reader Christmas Vespers & Singing of Christmas Carols

7:30 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Christmas Compline

Sunday, Dec. 25  –  Christmas, the Birth of Our Lord          

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Dec. 26  –  Synaxis of the Theotokos        

6:00 PM          Akathist* for those suffering Addictions & Mental Illness

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy Mariah Hamdi from Rick White

Tuesday, Dec. 27  –  Stephen, Protomartyr        

8:30 AM          Divine Liturgy Fr. Nathan & Family from Rick White

Wednesday, Dec. 28  –  20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia   

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy +Nancy Sumandra from Paul Sumandra

7:30 PM          Firepit Social

Saturday, Dec. 31  –  Saturday after Christmas       

5:00 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Vespers-Divine Liturgy

Sunday, Jan. 1  –  Circumcision of Our Lord/Sunday before Theophany 

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Jan. 2  –  Sylvester, Pope         

6:30 PM          Akathist* for those suffering Addictions & Mental Illness

Wednesday, Jan. 4  –  Synaxis of the 70 Apostles    

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers

7:30 PM          Firepit Social

Thursday, Jan. 5  –  Vigil of Theophany        

6:00 PM          Vespers-Divine Liturgy with Blessing of Water

Friday, Jan. 6  –  Theophany of Our Lord            

6:00 PM          Santa Paula Divine Outreach Liturgy and Blessing of Water

Saturday, Jan. 7  –  Saturday after Theophany; Synaxis of John the Baptist      

5:00 PM          Santa Paula Outreach Divine Liturgy       

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers

Sunday, Jan. 8  –  Sunday after Theophany         

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, All the sick and suffering of St. Mary’s

WEEKLY DEPOSIT 12/18/22

Collection: $2,257.00; Candles: $43.00; Online: $30.00; Santa Paula: $1,342.00; Christmas: $1,100.00; Special Gift: $880.00; Coffee Social: $100.00; Retired Religious Fund: $100.00; Coffee Shop Donation: $500.00

Total: $6,352.00 / Attendance- PSM: 64; VCO: 65  

Veneration Icons

The main row on the iconostasis is composed of icons that are the most accessible to the faithful. Unlike the Pontocrator or Platytera, these icons are placed at the height where they are most easily venerated. The most prominent icon, placed to the left of the royal doors if you are facing the congregation, is that of Our Lord. To His right, on the other side of the royal doors, is the Holy Theotokos. To our Lord’s left is usually an icon of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John. This arrangement presents the heavenly banquet where Our Lord sits at the head of the table, his mother is the place of greatest honor on his right, and John, the “greatest born of woman” (Matt 11:11) on His left. Instead of John, some temples may have the saint or feast that is the patron of that parish. The icon on the right of the Theotokos is almost always Nicholas the Wonderworker, the patron of our whole Byzantine Catholic Church.

 

“When they saw the star, they were filled with tremendous joy.” The Magi followed the star to meet the newborn King, whose Nativity we gloriously celebrate. His birth brings us joy and hope for new life. Are there spiritual stars that are signs in your own life to follow him as a priest, deacon, subdeacon, monk or nun? Search your heart to see if this may be the case. Reach out to the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Dec. 24 The Holy Great Martyr Eugenia

The holy great martyr Eugenia’s father was Eparch of All Egypt. Eugenia ministered to the Christians who had been forced to flee the city of Alexandria due to persecution, and was then baptized. She assumed men’s clothing and lived in a monastery. She was betrayed to the Eparch, who then found his daughter (who he thought was dead). He was converted to the Faith. They moved back to Rome, where she was beheaded on December 25, 262. 

 

Troparion – Eugenia

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

 

Kontakion – Prefestive

Today the Virgin is coming to the cave to give birth to the eternal Word in a manner beyond expression. Let the world dance when it hears the news; with the angels and shepherds glorify the eternal God who chose to appear as a newborn child.

 

Kontakion – Eugenia

You left the passing glory of the world to follow Christ, and you kept immaculate the brilliance of your soul, O God-wise martyr, all-praised Eugenia.

 

Readings for the Day

Epistle

Galatians 3: 8-12

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

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

 

Gospel

Luke 13: 19-29

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

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

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

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

 

Readings for the Vigil of Christmas

Epistle

Hebrews 1: 1-12

In times past, God spoke in fragmentary and varied ways to our fathers through the prophets; in this, the final age, he has spoken to us through his Son, whom he has made heir to all things and through whom he first created the universe. This Son is the reflection of the Father’s glory, the exact representation of the Father’s being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

To which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my son; today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be his father, and he shall be my son”? And again, when he leads his first-born into the world, he says, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers flaming fire”; but of the Son, “You throne, O God, stands forever and ever; a righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved justice and hated wickedness, therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellow kings.” And, “Lord, of old you established the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; all of them will grow old like a garment. You will roll them us like a cloak, like a garment they will be changed; but you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

 

Gospel

Luke 2: 1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole world. This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to register, each to his own town. And so Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to David’s town of Bethlehem–because he was of the house and lineage of David–to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was with child.

While they were there the days of her confinement were completed. She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there  was no room for them in the place where travelers lodged.

There were shepherds in that locality, living in the fields and keeping night watch by turns over their flocks. The angel of the Lord appeared to them as the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very much afraid. The angel said to them: “You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you– tidings of great joy to be shared by the whole people. This day in David’s city a savior has been born to you: in a manger you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.” Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in high heavens, peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another: “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us.” They went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger; once they saw, they understood. All who heard of it were astonished at the report given them by the shepherds.

Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, in accord with what had been told them.

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

 

Dec. 23 The Holy Ten Martyrs of Crete

The Ten Holy Martyrs of Crete: Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunician, Zoticus, Pompous, Agathopus, Basilides, and Evaristus suffered for Christ during the 3rd century under the emperor Decius (249-251). The governor of Crete fiercely persecuted the Church, and arrested anyone who believed in Christ. Once, ten Christians were brought before him from various cities of Crete, who at their trial steadfastly confessed their faith in Christ and refused to worship idols. For 30 days they were subjected to cruel tortures, and with the help of God they all persevered, glorying God. Before their death they prayed that the Lord would enlighten their torturers with the light of the true Faith. Since pain did not influence the saints, they were beheaded. 

 

Troparion

We honor Crete of many wonders from which these precious flowers have shone forth, pearls of Christ and offspring of martyrs. Although these blessed only numbered ten, they overcame the idolatrous nation. Therefore, these brave souls were given crowns.

 

Kontakion

The noble struggle of the martyrs shines forth like the morning star and sheds brilliant light for us on the One who was born in a cave, to whom the Virgin has given birth without human seed. 

 

Epistle

Hebrews 7: 18-25

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

 

Gospel

Mark 9: 33-41

At that time Jesus and his disciples returned to Capernaum and Jesus, once inside the house, began to ask them, “What were you discussing on the way home?” At this they fell silent, for on the way they had been arguing about who was most important. So he sat down and called the Twelve around him and said, “If anyone wishes to rank first, he must remain the last one of all and the servant of all.” Then he took a little child, stood him in their midst, and putting his arms around the child, said to them, “Whoever welcomes a child such as this for my sake welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes, not me, but him who sent me.”

John said to him, “Teacher, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we tried to stop him because he was not of our company.” Jesus said in reply: “Do not try to stop him. No man who performs a miracle using my name can at the same time speak ill of me. Anyone who is not against us is with us. Any man who gives you a drink of water because you belong to Christ will not, I assure you, go without his reward.”  

 

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

 

Dec. 22 The Holy Great Martyr Anastasia

The holy great martyr Anastasia was born into a senatorial family in Rome, and she was a Christian from a tender age. Forced by her father to marry a pagan landowner, she refused to have marital relations with him. For this, her husband has her tortured and imprisoned. When her husband drowned during a business trip, she began to openly minister to Christians and to all the poor who needed help. She was arrested again, starved to death, and finally bound to a wheel over and open fire and killed. (304)

 

Troparion

How truthfully names are you for the Resurrection, O martyr of Christ. By enduring suffering you gained victory over the enemy for the sake of Christ your Bridegroom. Pray to Him to save our souls.

 

Kontakion

Those in temptations and afflictions hasten to your church, and receive honorable gifts of divine grace dwelling in you, O Anastasia, for you ever pour out healing on the world. 

 

Epistle

Hebrews 7: 1-6

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

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

 

Gospel

Mark 9: 9-13 

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

 

 

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