The holy great martyr Catherine, was an Alexandrian and a martyr, filled with sharpness of mind and wisdom no less than with strength of soul. Her body is honored in pious veneration in a famous coenobium on Mt. Sinai. (310)
The holy great martyr Mercury was an Armenian soldier in the army of the emperor Decius. In a battle, an angel of the Lord appeared to Mercury and steeled him for combat. After this victory, he was made a commander by the emperor, but was denounced to him as a Christians by jealous soldiers. He was beheaded in Cappadocia sometime between 251 and 259.
You enlightened pagan philosophers with the light of your works. You were like a full moon for those who travel at night. You overcame the darkness and converted the queen. You stood up to the torturer, O blessed Catherine, chosen by God. On your wishes you were carried to the heavenly bridal chamber of your splendid Bridegroom Christ. You were espoused to him with a regal crown, O bride chosen by God. In the company of the angels, pray for us who keep your memory.
O martyr Mercury, you were led to the struggle of your martyrdom like a true soldier standing before the Immortal King. You have gone confidently and were welcomed into the ranks of the passion-bearers. Hasten to give help to the faithful who hold fast to your memory
Let us who love the divine martyr now raise up an honorable choir honoring the all-wise Catherine. For this she preached Christ in the arena, and trampled down the serpents, disposing the wisdom of the long-winded orators.
Let us praise and bless Mercury in song. He is an invincible warrior in battle and a sure defender in trouble. He delivers from all danger and tribulation those who venerate him.
Ephesians 6: 10-17
Brothers and sisters: Draw your strength from the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above.You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires, and hold your ground. Stand fast, with the truth as the belts around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and zeal to propagate the gospel of peace as your footgear. In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, the word of God.
Luke 13: 10-17
At that time on a sabbath day Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues. There was a woman there who for eighteen years had been possessed by a spirit which drained her strength. She was badly stooped–quite incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called her to him and said, “Woman, you are free of your infirmity.” He laid his hand on her, and immediately she stood up straight and began thanking God.
The chief of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus should have healed on the sabbath, said to the congregation, “There are six days for working. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath.” The Lord said in reply, “O you hypocrites! Which of you does not let his ox or ass out of the stall on the sabbath to water it? Should not this daughter of Abraham here who has been in the bondage of Satan for eighteen years have been released from her shackles on the sabbath?” At these words, his opponents were covered with confusion; meanwhile, everyone else rejoiced at the marvels Jesus was accomplishing.
Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com
Saturday, November 23 –
