Nov. 09 The Holy Martyrs Onesiphorus and Porphyrius; Our Venerable Mother Matrona; The Venerable Theoctista of Lesbos

The holy martyrs Onesiphorus and Porphyrius of Ephesus suffered during the persecution of Christians by emperor Diocletian (284-305). They beat them and burned them. After this, they tied the saints to wild horses, which dragged them over stones, after which the martyrs died. Believers gathered the remains of the saints and reverently buried them.

Our venerable mother Matrona was from Perga in Pamphylia. She fled a horrible marriage by dressing in men’s clothing and, under the name of Babylas, lived in a monastery in Constantinople. She went from monastery to monastery to evade her husband. She lived the monastic life for seventy-five years and fell asleep in the Lord in the year 492.

The venerable Theoctista of Lesbos became a nun at the age of seventeen. Saracens descended on the island and enslaved all the people they captured. Theoctista escaped and lived in an abandoned church on the island of Paros for thirty-five years. She fell asleep in the Lord in the year 881. 

 

Troparion

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 Matrona, your soul rejoices with the angels. 

 

Kontakion

O venerable Matrona, for the love of the Lord, you rejected longing for rest; you gave light to your soul through fasting; you trampled on beasts by your might, but you destroy the wiles of satan through your prayers. 

 

Epistle

1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8

    Brothers and sisters, you know well enough that our coming among you was not without effect. Fresh from the humiliation we had suffered at Philippi – about which you know – we drew courage from our God to preach his good tidings to you in the face of great opposition. The exhortation we deliver does not spring from deceit or impure motives or any sort of trickery; rather, having met the test imposed on us by God, as men entrusted with the good tidings, we speak like those who strive to please God, “The tester of our hearts,” rather than men.

    We were not guilty, as you well know, of flattering words or greed under any pretext, as God is our witness! Neither did we seek glory from men, you or any others, even though we could have insisted on our own importance as apostles of Christ.

    On the contrary, while we were among you we were as gentle as any nursing mother fondling her little ones. So well disposed were we to you, that we wanted to share with you not only God’s tidings but our very lives, so dear had you become to us.

 

Gospel

Luke 12: 48-59

    The Lord said, “When mush has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted. I have come to light a fire on the earth. How I wish the blaze were ignited! I have a baptism to receive. What anguish I feel till it is over! Do you think I have come to establish peace on earth? I assure you, the contrary is true; I have come for division. From now on, a household of five will be divided three against two and two against three; father will be split against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

    Jesus said to the crowds: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say immediately that rain is coming–and so it does. When the wind blows from the south, you say it is going to be hot– and so it is. You hypocrites! If you can interpret the portents of earth and sky, why can you not interpret the present time? Tell me, why do you not judge for yourselves what is just? When you are going with your opponent to appear before a magistrate, try to settle with him on the way lest he turn you over to the judge, and the judge deliver you up to the jailer, and the jailer throw you into prison. I warn you, you will not be released from there until you have paid the last penny.” 

 

 

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

 

Nov. 08 The Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and all Angelic Powers

The Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and all the Angelic Powers: In the time of Pope Sylvester of Rome and Patriarch Alexander of Alexandria, this feast was established to honor Michael and Gabriel the Archangels, and all the holy bodiless powers in heaven in their nine choirs: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. 

 

Troparion

Leaders of the heavenly armies, although we are unworthy, we always beseech you to fortify us through your prayers and to shelter us beneath the wings of your sublime glory. Watch over us who bow to you and cry out fervently: Deliver us from danger, for you are the commanders of the powers on high. 

 

Kontakion

Leaders of God’s armies and ministers of divine glory, commanders of angels and guides of mortals, plead on our behalf for what we need and for great mercy; since you are the leaders of the heavenly hosts. 

 

Readings for the Feast

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.”

 

Readings for the day

Epistle

1 Thessalonians 1: 6-10

    Brothers and sisters: You became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word despite great trials, with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. Thus you became a model for all the believers of Macedonia and Achaia. The word of the Lord has echoed forth from you resoundingly. This is true not only in Macedonia and Achaia; throughout every region your faith in God is celebrated, which makes it needless for us to say anything more. The people of those parts are reporting what kind of reception we had from you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve him who is the living and true God and to await from heaven the Son he raised from the dead–Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come. 

 

Gospel

Luke 12: 42-48

    The Lord said, “Who in your opinion is that faithful, farsighted steward whom the master will set over his servants to dispense their ration of grain in season? That servant is fortunate whom his master finds busy when he returns. Assuredly, his master will put him in charge of all his property. But if the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking his time about coming,’ and begins to abuse the housemen and servant girls, to eat and drink and get drunk, that servant’s master will come back on a day when he does not expect him, at a time he does not know. The master will punish him severely and rank him among those undeserving of trust. The slave who knew his master’s wishes but did not prepare to fulfill them will get a severe beating, whereas the one who did not know them and who nonetheless deserved to be flogged will get off with fewer stripes. When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man whom more has been entrusted.”

 

 

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

 

Nov. 07 The Holy Thirty-three Martyrs at Melitene; Our Venerable Father Lazarus the Wonder-worker

The holy thirty-three martyrs at Melitene: Heiron was a devout Christian who cared diligently for his blind mother, Stratonica. He was forcibly impressed into the army, where he refused to worship idols. He was brought before the local governor with thirty-two other Christians in the year 298. They went to their death singing the psalm, “Blessed are those undefiled in their way, who walk in the Law of the Lord.”

Our venerable father Lazarus the Wonder-worker, who fasted in the hills of Galilee. He left for the Holy Land on pilgrimage and became a monk of the monastery of St. Sabbas the Sanctified. After ten years, he settled in Galilee and lived as a stylite in the 11th century. 

 

Troparion – Martyrs

Your martyrs, O Lord our God, in their struggles received incorruptible crowns from You. With Your strength, they brought down tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.

 

Troparion – Venerable

Your falling tears and prayer vigils watered the pillar, and the thoughts of your heart produced fruit a hundredfold. And you were a shepherd, obtaining forgiveness for all, our venerable father Lazarus, pray to Christ God to save our souls.

 

Kontakion – Martyrs

The radiant choir of martyrs, the light-bearing army, descends perceptibly to us. Today the Church is enlightened by wondrous ray. Therefore, we celebrate their honorable memory, beseeching from You, our Savior: Through their prayers deliver us from distress that we might sing to You: Alleluia. 

 

Kontakion – Venerable

The Church of Christ praises you with rejoicing psalms, for you have become like her largest candle stand. Therefore, do not cease praying to Christ to give remission of sins to all.

 

Epistle

1 Thessalonians 1: 1-5

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

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

 

Gospel

Luke 12: 13-15; 22-31

    At that time someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to give me my share of our inheritance.”Jesus replied, “Friend, who has set me up as your judge or arbiter?” Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Avoid greed in all its forms. A man may be wealthy, but his possessions do not guarantee him life.”

    Then Jesus said to his disciples: “That is why I warn you, Do not be concerned for your life, what you are to eat, or for your body, what you are to wear. Life is more important than food and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they do not sow, they do not reap, they have neither cellar nor barn–yet God feeds them. How much more important you are than the birds! Which of you by worrying can add a moment to his life-span? If the smallest things are beyond your power, why be anxious about the rest?

    “Or take the lilies: they do not spin, they do not weave; but I tell you, Solomon in all his splendor was not arrayed like any one of them. If God clothes in such splendor the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown on the fire tomorrow, how much more will he provide you, O weak in faith! It is not for you to be in search of what you are to eat or drink. Stop worrying. The unbelievers of this world are always running after these things. Your Father knows that you need such things. Your Father knows that you need such things. Seek out instead the kingship over you, and the rest will follow in turn.”

 

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

 

Nov. 06 Our Father among the saints, Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople

Our father Paul the Confessor, archbishop of Constantinople, was frequently exiled by the Arians because of his adherence to the Nicene faith, and was as often restored to dignity. Finally, he was sent by Constantius the emperor to Cucusum, a small village in Cappadocia. There, it is said, he was strangled in a conspiracy of the Arians in the year 351. St. Athanasius the Great, a contemporary of St. Paul, writes briefly about his exiles, “St. Paul the first time was sent by Constantine to Pontus, the second time he was fettered with chains by Constantius, and then he was locked up in Mesopotamian Syngara and from there moved to Emesus, and the fourth time to Cappadocian Cucusus in the Taurian wilderness.” 

 

Troparion

The Church sees you among her priests as another Paul because of your confession of the divine faith. The blood of Abel and Zechariah calls for you to the Lord. O venerable father, pray to Christ our God to grant great mercy to our souls.

 

Kontakion

You shone over the earth like a heavenly star, and now you enlighten the universal Church. For her sake, you suffered, shed your blood and made a gift of your soul, O Paul. And like the blood of Abel and Zechariah, your blood cried out to the Lord with might. 

 

Epistle

Galatians 6: 11-18

    Brothers and sisters: See, I write to you in my own large handwriting! Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised are making a play for human approval–with an eye to escaping persecution for the cross of Christ. The very ones who accept circumcision do not follow the law themselves. They want you to be circumcised only that they may boast about your bodily observance.

    May I never boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ! Through it, the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. It means nothing whether one is circumcised or not. All that matters is that one is created anew. Peace and mercy on all who follow this rule of life, and on the Israel of God. 

    Henceforth, let no man trouble me, for I bear the brand marks of Jesus in my body. Brethren, may the favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. 

 

Gospel

Luke 8: 41-56

    At that time a man named Jairus, who was chief of the synagogue, came up and fell at the feet of Jesus, begging that he come to his home because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus went, the crowds almost crushed him. A woman with a hemorrhage of twelve years’ duration, incurable at any doctor’s hands, came up behind him and touched the tassel of his cloak. Immediately her bleeding stopped. Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” Everyone disclaimed doing it, while Peter said, “Lord, the crowds are milling and pressing around you!” Jesus insisted, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone forth from me.” When the woman saw that her act had not gone unnoticed, she came forward trembling. Falling at his feet, she related before the whole assemblage why she had touched him and how she had been instantly cured. Jesus said to her, “Daughter, it is your faith that has cured you. Now go in peace.”

He was still speaking when a man came from the ruler’s house with the announcement, “Your daughter is dead; do not bother the Teacher further.” Jesus heard this, and his response was: “Fear is useless; what is needed is trust and her life will be spared.” Once he had arrived at the house, he permitted no one to enter with him except Peter, John, James, and the child’s parents. While everyone wept and lamented her, Jesus said, “ Stop crying for she is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, being certain she was dead. Jesus took her by the hand and spoke these words: “Get up, child.” The breath of life returned to her and she got up immediately; whereupon he told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astounded, but Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

 

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

 

The Holy Place (reverence ii)

(Part II in a series of posts encouraging reverence of the Holy things)
When the priest stands at the royal doors and blesses the altar at the end of the Little Entrance (the one where he or the deacon carries the Gospel book), he says “Blessed is the entrance into your holy of holies…”. He is identifying this space in the parish temple with the most sacred section of the Old Testament temple, the Holy of Holies. This is where the arc of the covenant was kept and where God spoke with his people. Since God had not yet taken on a body, or any lasting physical form, the arc of the covenant was the closest God’s people had to a physical space where God was present in a unique way, and could be engaged with in a specific location. In the arc were kept three physical items that God has used to manifest his presence and will. In our temple’s Holy Place and on the Holy Table, we keep the mysteries that “fulfilled” these Old Testaments manifestations. The 10 Commandments written on stone have been fulfilled by the written Word of God that is the Gospel book. The bread from heaven that was the manna has been fulfilled by the Eucharist in the tabernacle that is the Bread of Life, Christ himself, come down from heaven to dwell with us, as one of us. The Rod of Aaron that blossomed life from a dead piece of wood has been fulfilled by the hand cross, a representation of the cross of Christ that brought life through death.

Sunday Bulletin 11/06/22

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, Nov. 5  –  Galaction and Episteme, Martyrs         

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

6:30 PM          Reader Vespers

Sunday, Nov. 6  –  22nd Sunday after Pentecost         

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Nov. 7  –  33 Martyrs of Melitene          

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

5:00 PM          Akathist* for those suffering Addictions and Mental Illness

5:30 PM          Vespers

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Archangel Michael and all the Angels   For the Cantors from Rick White

Wednesday, Nov. 9  –  Onesiphorus and Pophryius, Martyrs 

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

9:30 AM          Photina Walk

6:30 PM          Divine Liturgy   For the Parish Servers from Rick White

7:30 PM          Firepit Social

Saturday, Nov. 12  –  Josaphat, Archbishop   

5:00 PM          Outreach Divine Liturgy in Santa Paula

Sunday, Nov. 13  –  23rd Sunday after Pentecost       

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

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

MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE (Confession)

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

Santa Paula: Saturdays 4:15 PM or by appointment

PRAYER REQUESTS

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

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

 

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $2,341.00; Candles: $80.00; Online: $130.00; Santa Paula: $360.00; Church Improvements: $100.00; Holydays: $10.00; Insurance Payout: $16,886.92; Charity: $260

Total: $20,167.92 / Attendance- PSM: 66 VCO: 65

 

You can pick up the October issue of the GCU Magazine and the newest issue of the Joyful Light magazine from our seminary in the narthex.

 

The Holy Place

(Part II in a series of posts encouraging reverence of the Holy things)

When the priest stands at the royal doors and blesses the altar at the end of the Little Entrance (the one where he or the deacon carries the Gospel book), he says “Blessed is the entrance into your holy of holies…”. He is identifying this space in the parish temple with the most sacred section of the Old Testament temple, the Holy of Holies. This is where the arc of the covenant was kept and where God spoke with his people. Since God had not yet taken on a body, or any lasting physical form, the arc of the covenant was the closest God’s people had to a physical space where God was present in a unique way, and could be engaged within a specific location. In the arc were kept three physical items that God has used to manifest his presence and will. In our temple’s Holy Place and on the Holy Table, we keep the mysteries that “fulfilled” these Old Testaments manifestations. The 10 Commandments written on stone have been fulfilled by the written Word of God that is the Gospel book. The bread from heaven that was the manna has been fulfilled by the Eucharist in the tabernacle that is the Bread of Life, Christ himself, come down from heaven to dwell with us, as one of us. The Rod of Aaron that blossomed life from a dead piece of wood has been fulfilled by the hand cross, a representation of the cross of Christ that brought life through death.

 

“Daughter, be of good cheer! Your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Our merciful Savior brought healing to the ill because he loves us all. By dedicating our lives to more prayer and devotion to him through a vocation to holy orders and monastic lives, this healing can be extended to the world. Is this something that may be in store for your future? Contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

Nov. 05 The Holy Martyrs Galaction and Episteme

The holy martyrs Galaction and Episteme were husband and wife who joined nearby monasteries immediately after their marriage. They did not see each other for many years, until the persecution of Christians which brought them both to court and saw them die on the same day in the year 253. 

 

Troparion

Your martyrs, O Lord our God, in their struggles received incorruptible crowns from You. With Your strength, they brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.

 

Kontakion

O glorious Galaction, you and your honorable wife and fellow-sufferer, Episteme, were numbered among the martyrs of Christ because you fought the good fight in radiant ascetical struggles. Therefore, pray unceasingly to the only God for all of us.

 

Epistle

2 Corinthians 5: 1-10

    Brothers and sisters: Indeed, we know that when the earthly tent in which we dwell is destroyed we have a dwelling provided for us by God, a dwelling in the heavens, not made by hands but to last forever. We groan while we are here, even as we yearn to have our heavenly habitation envelop us. This it will, provided we are found clothes and not naked. While we live in out present tent we groan; we are weighed down because we do not wish to be stripped naked but rather to have the heavenly dwelling envelop us, so that what is mortal may be absorbed by life. God has fashioned us for this very thing and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of it. 

    Therefore we continue to be confident. We know that while we dwell in the body we are away from the Lord. We walk by faith, not by sight. I repeat, we are full of confidence and would much rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. This being so, we make it our aim to please him whether we are with him or away from him. The lives of all of us are to be revealed before the tribunal of Christ. 

 

Gospel

Luke 9: 1-6

At that time Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them the power and authority to overcome all demons and to cure diseases. He sent them forth to proclaim the reign of God and heal the afflicted. Jesus advised them: “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking staff nor traveling bag; no bread, no money. No one is to have two coats. Stay at whatever house you enter and proceed from there. When people will not receive you, leave that town and shake its dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” So they set out and went from village to village, spreading the good news everywhere and curing diseases. 

 

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

 

Nov. 04 Our Venerable Father Joannicus the Great; The Holy Martyr Nicander, Bishop of Myra; The Priest Hermas

Our venerable father Joannicus the Great left the military after more than twenty years in arms to live as a monk and pursue solitary life in different forests of Mt. Olympus. He was accustomed to end his prayer with these words: “God my hope, Christ my refuge, Holy Spirit my protector. He fell asleep in the Lord in the coenobium of the Antidium in Bithynia in the year 846. 

The holy martyr Nicander, bishop of Myra, and the priest Hermas were both ordained by the Apostle Titus. They were distinguished by a great zeal for the Faith and for their great labors in winning pagans for Christ. Because of this, they were tortured in various ways and eventually were buried alive during the first century.

 

Troparion – Joannicus

You fought like a brave soldier against the hostile flesh, and you battled spiritual enemies by deep fasting. You vanquished legions of devils by humility and in the end have shown yourself a great conqueror. You received power to work wonders from God. O venerable Joannicus, now pray to Him to save our souls.

 

Troparion – Martyrs

Your martyrs, O Lord our God, in their struggles received incorruptible crowns from You. With Your strength, they brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls. 

 

Kontakion – Joannius

You became a brilliant star over the earth, guiding those in the fog of passions. You became the mightiest physician, for you received the grace to heal. Grant the grace of healing to us who petition you, that we may ever sing to you: Rejoice, O Father Joannicus.

 

Kontakion – Martyrs

You were enlightened with the anointing of truth, and you were illumined by the blood of martyrdom. With joy you have taken up your place among the angels, O glorious ones. Therefore, we celebrate your precious memory today O holy ones, praying to obtain purification through your prayers. 

 

Epistle

Colossians 4: 10-18

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

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

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

 

Gospel

Luke 12: 2-12

    The Lord said to his disciples: “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nothing hidden that will not be made known. Everything you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight; what you have whispered in locked rooms will be proclaimed from the rooftops. I say to you who are my friends: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and can do no more. I will show you whom you ought to fear. Fear him who has power to cast into Gehenna after he has killed. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for a few pennies? Yet not one of them is neglected by God. In very truth, even the hairs of your head are counted! Fear nothing, then. You are worth more than a flock of sparrows. 

    “I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men–the Son of Man will acknowledge him before the angels of God. But the man who has disowned me in the presence of men will be disowned in the presence of the angels of God. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. When they bring you before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. The Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment all that should be said.” 

 

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

 

Nov. 03 The Holy Martyrs Acepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Priest, and Aeithalas the Deacon; The Dedication of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr George in Lydda

The holy martyrs Acepsimas the bishop, Joseph the priest, and Aeithalas the deacon: Acepsimas was eighty years old when the Persian king Sapor began the persecution of Christians in which Acepsimas was seized. He was interrogated, thrown into prison with Joseph and Aeithalas, and were killed when they refused to worship pagan idols in the 4th century. 

The dedication of the Church of the holy great martyr George in Lydda, where his relics are kept: This is the anniversary of the translation of the relics of the Great Martyr from Nicomedia to Lydda in Palestine. In the time of the emperor Constantine the Great, a beautiful church was built to house the relics. It remains a place of great pilgrimage. 

 

Troparion – Martyrs

Your martyrs, O Lord our God, in their struggles received incorruptible crowns from You. With Your strength, they brought down the tyrants and broke the cowardly valor of demons. Through their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls. 

 

Troparion – George

O victorious Great martyr George, projector of the poor, liberator of prisoners, physician of the sick, and champion of kings, pray to Christ our God for the salvation of our souls.

 

Kontakion – Martyrs

O wise one, you offered the Holy Mysteries sinlessly, and you became an acceptable sacrifice, O God-blessed one. Since you gloriously drank from the cup of Christ, holy Acepsimas, together with your companions who suffered with you, pray unceasingly for all of us.

 

Kontakion – George

We the faithful hurry to the shelter of your certain and swift protection, and we make this petition to you, O passion-bearer of Christ: Deliver from every assault of the enemy and from dangers and evil those who sing to you. So that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O martyr George!

 

Epistle

Colossians 4: 2-9

    Brothers and sisters: Pray perseveringly, be attentive to prayer, and pray in a spirit of thanksgiving. Pray for us, too, that God may provide us with an opening to proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am a prisoner. Pray that I may speak it clearly, as I must. Be prudent in dealing with outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your speech be always gracious and in good taste, and strive to respond properly to all who address you. 

    Tychicus, our dear brother, our faithful minister and fellow slave in the Lord, will give you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this purpose, and to comfort your hearts. With him is Onesimus, our dear and faithful brother, who is one of you. They will tell you all that has happened here.

 

Gospel

Luke 11: 47-54

    The Lord said to the lawyers: “Woe to you! You build the tombs of the prophets, but it was your fathers who murdered them. You show that you stand behind the deeds of your fathers: they committed the murders and you erect the tombs. That is why the wisdom of God has said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of these they will persecute and kill’; so that this generation will have to account for the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world. Their guilt stretches from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who met his death between the altar and the sanctuary! Yes, I tell you, this generation will have to account for it. Woe to you lawyers! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves have not gained access, yet you have stopped those who wished to enter!” After he had left this gathering, the scribes and Pharisees began to manifest fierce hostility to him and to make him speak on a multitude of questions, setting traps to catch him in his speech.

 

 

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

 

Nov. 02 The Holy Martyrs Akindynos, Pegasius, Apthonius, Elpidiphor, and Anempodistus

The holy martyrs Akindynos, Pegasius, Apthonius, Elpidiphor, and Anempodistus, and very many companions in Persia were martyred under the emperor Licinius and suffered under King Shapur II. The first three were servants at the court of King Shapur II but secretly served Christ their Lord. When they were accused and brought to trial before the king, he asked them where they came from. To this they replied: “Our fatherland and our life is the Most-holy Trinity, One in Essence and undivided, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God.” Elpidiphor was one of the king’s nobles. When he revealed that he was a Christian and denounced the king for his slaughter of innocent Christians, the king condemned him to death and Elpidiphor was beheaded along with seven thousand other Christians in the year 335. 

 

Troparion

O passion-bearers of the Lord, blessed is the earth which has drunk your blood, and holy are the tombs which have received your bodies. In the furnace you conquered the foe and preached Christ. Intercede with the gracious Lord to save our souls.

 

Kontakion

The pious and God-bearing martyrs, who gave up all things on earth – Akindynos, Pegasius and Anempodistus, and with them Apthonius and Elpidiphorus – you delightfully received good things of God and into rest, O You Who alone are all-good.

 

Epistle

Colossians 3:17 – 4:1

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

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

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

 

Gospel

Luke 11: 42-46

    The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes on mint and rue and all the garden plants, while neglecting justice and the love of God. These are the things you should practice, without omitting the others. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the front seats in synagogues and marks of respect in public. Woe to you! You are like hidden tombs over which men walk unawares.” In reply one of the lawyers said to Jesus, “Teacher, in speaking this way you insult us too.” Jesus answered: “Woe to you lawyers also! You lay impossible burdens on men but will not lift a finger to lighten them.”

 

 

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