The holy martyr Theodotus lived in Ancyra of Galatia in the third century. He was distinguished by his kindliness and concern. At the height of the persecution under Diocletian (284-305) he provided Christians with everything they needed, and gave them shelter in his home. There they secretly celebrated church services. St. Theodotus visited the Christian captives in prison, paid their bail, and reverently buried the bodies of martyrs who had been thrown to the wild beasts. Once he buried the bodies of seven holy women martyrs, who were drowned at sea (May 18). They reported this act to the governor and he was arrested. After refusing to offer sacrifice to idols, and denouncing the folly of paganism, St. Theodotus confessed Christ as God, for which they subjected him to terrible tortures and beheaded him with a sword. They wanted to burn the holy martyr’s body, but could not do so because of a storm which had arisen, so they gave his holy relics to a certain Christian for burial.
Troparion
O holy priest-martyr Theodotus, you lent yourself to the apostles’ way of life and succeeded them on their throne. Inspired by God, you found the way to contemplation through the practice of virtue. Therefore, you became the perfect teacher of truth, fighting for the faith unto the shedding of your blood. Intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls.
Kontakion
Enlightening creation with miracles and sufferings, you were truly a star of light, O blessed Theodotus. Celebrating your famous memory today, we praise Christ with a heart of joy.
Epistle
Romans 9: 6-18
Brothers and sisters: It is not that God’s word has failed. For not all Israelites are true Israelites nor are all Abraham’s descendants his children, but as Scripture says, “Through Isaac shall your descendants be called.” That means that it is not the children of the flesh who are not children of God; it is that children of the promise who are to be considered descendants. And this was the promise: “I will return at this time, and Sarah shall have a son.” Not only that; for when Rebekah had conceived twin children by one man, our father Isaac–while they were yet unborn and had done neither good nor evil, in order that God’s decree might stand fast “not by works but by the favor of him who calls” –God said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” It is just as Scripture says, “I have loved Jacob and hated Esau.” What are we to say, then? That God is unjust? Not at all! He says to Moses, “I will show mercy to whomever I choose; I will have pity on whomever I wish.” So it is not a question of man’s willing or doing but of God’s mercy. Scripture says to Pharaoh, “This is why I might be proclaimed throughout all the earth.” In other words, God has mercy on whom he wishes, and whom he wishes he makes hardhearted.
Gospel
Matthew 10: 32-36 & 11:1
The Lord said to his disciples: “Whoever acknowledges me before men I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven. Whoever disowns me before men I will disown before my Father in heaven.
“Do not suppose that my mission on earth is to spread peace. My mission is to spread, not peace, but division. I have come to set a man at odds with his father, a daughter with her mother, a daughter-in-law with her mother-in-law: in short, to make a man’s enemies those of his own household.” When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he left that locality to teach and preach in their towns.
Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com
Thursday, June 6 –
