The Holy Prophet Malachi, who after the return from the Babylonian Captivity announced the great day of the Lord and his coming to his temple, and that always and everywhere a pure offering should be made to his name.
The Holy Martyr Gordius, praised in the writings of St. Basil the Great, a centurion who suffered during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian (304).
O divinely inspired Malachi, you announced the coming of Christ, and you spoke of the dignity of the Law. How clearly you informed us: The Lord is surely coming; Whom we have joyfully sought in the Temple. Beg Him now to save our souls.
Your martyr Gordius, O Lord our God, in his struggle received an incorruptible crown from You. With Your strength, he brought down the tyrants and broke cowardly valor of demons. Through his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
O Prophet, by bestowing rich prophecies, you clearly predicted the coming of Christ and the salvation of the world. He enlightened the world by His radiance.
O holy Gordius, your sweat has soaked the earth, and your precious blood has made the universe rejoice. Through your intercession, save those who sing your glory with faith and honor you fittingly, O divinely minded and glorious martyr worthy of all praise.
Royal Hours are celebrated instead of Divine Liturgy on the eve of the Theophany. Therefore, there are no daily readings for today.
Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications– ecpubs.com
Thursday, January 2 –
