Our venerable father Cyriacus the anchorite was born in Corinth of a Christian family, he left to go to Jerusalem and entered the monastery. He learned at the feet of saints such as Euthymius and Gerasimos. He was famous for his silence, his asceticism, and his zeal for the Orthodox faith.
You made the wilderness your dwelling, O father Cyriacus, the bearer of God. You became an angel in the flesh and a wonderworker. Through prayers, fast, and vigils, you obtained from God special graces to heal the sick and to sanctify the souls of those who come to you with trust. Glory to the One who gave you strength! Glory to the One who crowned you! Glory to the One who through your intercession grants healing to all!
The holy lavra always honors you as a powerful protector and advocate, and yearly celebrates your memory. But since you have confidence before the Lord, keep us safe from our enemies, so that we may cry out: Rejoice, O thrice-blessed Father.
Ephesians 1:22 – 2:3
Brothers and sisters: [God, the Father of glory,] has put all things under Christ’s feet and has made him, thus exalted, head of the church, which is his body: the fullness of him who fills the universe in all its parts.
You were dead because of your sins and offenses, as you gave allegiance to the present age and to the prince of the air, that spirit who is even now at work among the rebellious. All of us were once of their company; we lived at the level of the flesh, following every whim and fancy, and so by nature deserved God’s wrath like the rest.
Luke 4: 38-44
At that time Jesus left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law was in the grip of severe fever, and they interceded with Jesus for her. He stood over her and addressed himself to the fever and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them.
At sunset, all who had people sick with a variety of diseases took them to Jesus, and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons departed from many, crying out as they did so, “You are the Son of God!” He rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew he was the Messiah.
The next morning he left the town and set out into the open country. The crowds went in search of him, and when they found him they tried to keep him from leaving them. “To other towns I must announce the good news of the reign of God, because that is why I was sent.” And he continued to preach in the synagogues of Judea.
Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com
Sunday, September 28 –
