Daily Propers

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

🕀 The Circumcision of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ; Our Father Among the Saints Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia.

Feast of our Lord. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 1: You are seated on high on a fiery throne,* with Your Father who is without beginning and Your divine Spirit.* Yet You willed, O Jesus, to be born of a virgin maiden, Your Mother,* as a man, You were circumcised on the eighth day.* Glory to Your all-gracious will,* glory to Your providence,* glory to Your condescension, O You who alone love mankind.

Troparion, Tone 1: Your message has spread through all the earth:* it accepted the word with which you taught in a manner befitting God.* You explained the nature of things and ordered human conduct.* O namesake of the royal priesthood, venerable Father Basil,* pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Kontakion, Tone 4: You have appeared as a firm foundation for the Church,* maintaining its authority as a sure refuge for mortals,* sealing it by your doctrine,* O venerable Basil,* revealer of heaven.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: The Lord of all submits to circumcision* and in His love cuts off the failings of mortals;* today He gives the world salvation.* While in the highest there rejoices* Basil the hierarch of the Creator and bearer of Light,* and the divine initiate of Christ.

Prokeimenon, Tone 6

Save Your people, O Lord and bless Your inheritance.

verse: Unto You I will cry, O Lord my God, lest You turn from me in silence. (Psalm 27:9,1)

Epistle

Colossians 2:8-12; Hebrews 7:26-8:2

Brothers and Sisters, beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Brothers and Sisters, such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.

Alleluia, Tone 8

verse: Give heed, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like sheep. (Psalm 79:2)

verse: The mouth of the righteous shall declaim wisdom, and his tongue shall speak justice. (Psalm 36:30)

Gospel

Luke 2:20-21, 40-52; Luke 6:17-23

At that time, the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

At that time, Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:

“Blessed are you poor,
For yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
For you shall be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
For you shall laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man’s sake.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

Hymn to the Mother of God

In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices: the angelic ranks and all the human race. Sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, virgins’ pride and boast, from whom God is made flesh and became a little Child; and He who is our God before all ages, He made your womb a throne, and He made it wider that all the heavens. In you, O Full of Grace, all creation rejoices. Glory be to you.

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear. (Psalm 111:6-7)* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Our Holy Father Sylvester, Pope of Rome.

Pre-feast of Theophany.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: Make ready, O Zebulon,* and prepare yourself, O Nephtali;* O river Jordan, stop and receive with joy* the Master coming to be baptized.* O Adam, rejoice with the first mother, Eve,* and do not hide yourselves as before in paradise.* For having seen you unclothed* Christ has appeared to clothe you with the first robe:* He has appeared to renew all creation.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Today the Lord stood in Jordan’s current telling John:* Do not be afraid to baptize Me,* for I have come to save Adam, the first man.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1

My mouth shall speak wisdom and the meditation of my heart understanding.

verse: Hear these things, all you nations; give ear all you inhabitants of the world. (Psalm 28:4,2)

Epistle

Titus 1:5-2:1

Titus, my son, I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.

Alleluia, Tone 2

verse: The mouth of the just man shall meditate wisdom and his tongue shall speak judgment.

verse: The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps will not falter. (Psalm 36:30,31)

Gospel

Luke 20:9-18

The Lord told this parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent a third; and they wounded him also and cast him out.

“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect him when they see him.’ But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’ So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard to others.”

And when they heard it they said, “Certainly not!”

Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written:

‘The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone’?

Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”

Communion Hymn

The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Friday, January 3, 2025

The Holy Prophet Malachi; The Holy Martyr Gordius.

Pre-feast of Theophany. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today. The Royal Hours for Theophany are sung in the morning.

Troparia and Kontakia

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Today the Lord stood in Jordan’s current telling John:* Do not be afraid to baptize Me,* for I have come to save Adam, the first man.

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Saturday before Theophany; Synaxis of the Seventy Holy Apostles; Our Venerable Father Theoctistus, Hegumen of the Cucomo Monastery in Sicily.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 2: Apostles, prophets, martyrs,* bishops, venerable and righteous ones,* having finished the fight well and having kept the faith,* you now have free approach to the Saviour.* For our sake, we beseech you, entreat Him in His goodness to save our souls.

Troparion, Tone 2: Remember Your servants, O Lord, because of Your goodness,* and forgive all the sins they committed in life,* for no one is sinless but You,* Who alone can give rest to the departed.

Kontakion, Tone 8: To the souls of Your servants, O Christ,* grant rest among the saints,* where there is no pain, no sorrow, no mourning,* but only life without end.

Kontakion, Tone 8: O Lord, Maker of nature,* the world offers You the godly martyrs as the first-fruits of nature.* By their supplications, through the Mother of God,* preserve Your Church and Your people in profound peace,* O most Merciful One.

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you just.

verse: Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. (Psalm 32:11,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 6

Their souls shall dwell amidst good things. (Psalm 25:13)

Epistle

1 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Timothy, my son, these things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: The just cried out and the Lord heard them, and delivered them out of all their afflictions.

verse: The afflictions of the just are many, but out of them all will the Lord deliver them. (Psalm 34:18,20)

verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and taken to Yourself, O Lord, and their memory be from generation to generation. (Psalm 65:5)

Gospel

Matthew 3:1-11

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.’”

Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Hymn to the Mother of God

Communion Hymn

Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 33:1)* Blessed are they whom You have chosen and taken to Yourself, O Lord;* and their memory be from generation to generation. (Psalm 65:5)* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Sunday before and Eve of Theophany; Octoechos Tone 8; The Holy Martyrs Theopemptus and Theonas; The Venerable Syncletica.

Resurrectional Gospel 11. Strict Fast. Abstention from meat and eggs (and, traditionally, dairy) and foods that contain these ingredients.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 8: You came down from on high, O Merciful One,* and accepted three days of burial* to free us from our sufferings.* O Lord, our life and our resurrection,* glory be to You.

Troparion, Tone 4: After Elijah had gone up to heaven,* Elisha threw his mantle in the Jordan River which parted,* opening a way, a dry path between two walls of water, where he could pass,* a true symbol of our baptism by which we pass through this fleeting life.* Christ has been seen at the Jordan River* to sanctify the waters.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: O most compassionate Christ Who absolves our sins in the depth of your mercy,* you came to be baptized with the water of the Jordan.* You robed me in splendour* replacing my ancient garment of evil.

Prokeimenon, Tone 6

Save Your people, O Lord,* and bless Your inheritance.

verse: Unto You I will cry, O Lord my God, lest You turn from me in silence. (Psalm 27:9,1)

Epistle

2 Timothy 4:5-8

Timothy, my son, be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Alleluia, Tone 8

verse: God, be merciful to us and bless us.

verse: Make the light of Your face shine upon us and have mercy on us. (Psalm 66:2)

Gospel

Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets:

“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,

Who will prepare Your way before You.”

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the LORD;

Make His paths straight.’ “

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 148:1)

Monday, January 6, 2025

🕀 The Holy Theophany of Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Feast of our Lord. Holy Day of obligation.

Antiphon 1

When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.

Troparion, Tone 1: When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,* worship of the Trinity was revealed;* the voice of the Father bore witness to You,* naming You the beloved Son,* and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the word’s certainty.* Glory to You, O Christ God,* who appeared and enlightened the world.

Therefore, let the house of Israel say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.

Therefore, let the house of Aaron say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.

Let all who fear the Lord say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.

Entrance

Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord, we bless you from the house of the Lord; the Lord is God and has appeared to us.

Troparia and Kontakia

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Today, You have appeared to the world* and Your light, O Lord, has been signed on us,* who with knowledge sing Your praises.* You have come, You have appeared, O unapproachable Light.

Instead of Holy God:

All you who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia! (3)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,* now and for ever and ever. Amen.

You have put on Christ! Alleluia!

All you who have been baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.

verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 117:26-27,1)

Epistle

Titus 2:11-15; 3:4-7

Titus, my son, it is the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.

verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters. (Psalm 28:1,3)

Gospel

Matthew 3:13-17

At that time, Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”

But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.

and the Irmos: Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is your due, O Mother of God. Even a spirit from above is filled with dizziness when seeking to sing your praises. But since you are good accept our faith, for you know well our love inspired by God. For it is you who protect all Christians; therefore, we magnify you.

Communion Hymn

The grace of God has appeared* bringing salvation to all.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Titus 2:11)

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

🕃 Synaxis of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John.

Post-feast of Theophany. Great Doxology.

Antiphon 1

When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 2: The just man is remembered with praises,* but for you the Lord’s testimony suffices, O Forerunner,* for you truly became more honourable than the prophets* and were deemed worthy to baptize the One foretold.* Then you suffered for the truth and joyfully announced to those in Hades* that God appeared in the flesh taking away the sin of the world* and offering us great mercy.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Kontakion, Tone 3: She who once was barren gives birth today to the Forerunner of Christ,* who will fulfil every prophecy.* In the Jordan he placed his hand upon the One Whom the prophets foretold,* and thus was shown to be the prophet, the herald,* and the Forerunner of the Word of God.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

The just man shall be glad in the Lord and shall hope in Him.

verse: Hear, O God, my voice when I make my petition to You. (Psalm 63:11,2)

Epistle

Acts 19:1-8

In those days, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”

And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”

So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”

Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all.

And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.

Alleluia, Tone 5

verse: Light shines forth for the just and joy for the upright of heart.

verse: Rejoice, you just, in the Lord; give glory to his holy name. (Psalm 96:11-12)

Gospel

John 1:29-34

At that time, John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.”

And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.

Communion Hymn

The grace of God has appeared* bringing salvation to all. (Titus 2:11)* The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Our Venerable Father George the Chosebite; Holy Emilian the Confessor. Our Venerable Mother Dominica.

Post-feast of Theophany.

Antiphon 1

When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.

verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 117:26-27,1)

Epistle

Hebrews 5:11-6:8

Brothers and Sisters, about the high priesthood we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.

verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters. (Psalm 28:1,3)

Gospel

Luke 21:5-7, 10-11, 20-24

At that time, when some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?”

Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.

Communion Hymn

The grace of God has appeared* bringing salvation to all.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Titus 2:11)

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)

Thursday, January 9, 2025

The Holy Martyr Polyeuctus.

Post-feast of Theophany.

Antiphon 1

When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.

verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 117:26-27,1)

Epistle

Hebrews 7:1-6

Brothers and Sisters, Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,” without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.

Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.

verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters. (Psalm 28:1,3)

Gospel

Luke 21:28-33

The Lord said to His disciples, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.

Communion Hymn

The grace of God has appeared* bringing salvation to all.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Titus 2:11)

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)

Friday, January 10, 2025

Our Holy Father Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa; The Venerable Dometian, Bishop of Miletene; The Venerable Marcian, Presbyter and Econome of the Great Church.

Post-feast of Theophany. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.

Antiphon 1

When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.

verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 117:26-27,1)

Epistle

Hebrews 7:18-25

Brothers and Sisters, on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him:

“The Lord has sworn
And will not relent,
‘You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek’”),

by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.

Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.

verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters. (Psalm 28:1,3)

Gospel

Luke 21:37-22:8

At that time, Jesus was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet. Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people.

Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.

Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.

Communion Hymn

The grace of God has appeared* bringing salvation to all.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Titus 2:11)

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)

Saturday, January 11, 2205

Saturday after Theophany; 🕂 Our Venerable Father Theodosius, Founder of the Cenoebitic Monastic Life;.

Polyeleos Feast. Post-feast of Theophany.

Antiphon 1

When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 8: With the streams of your tears you cultivated the barren desert,* with deep sighs your toils bore fruit a hundredfold.* You became a beacon, shining throughout the world by your wonders,* our venerable father, Theodosius.* Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion: Tone 8: Planted in the courts of your Lord,* you blossomed beautifully with godly virtues* and multiplied your children in the desert* watering it with the streams of your tears.* O leader of God’s divine sheepfolds,* we cry out to you: Rejoice, O Father Theodosius.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.

verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 117:26-27,1)

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.

Epistle

Ephesians 6:10-17; 2 Corinthians 4:6-15

Brothers and Sisters, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Brothers and Sisters, it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.

And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.

verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters. (Psalm 28:1,3)

verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments. (Psalm 111:1)

Gospel

Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 11:27-30

Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ “

Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’

and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ “

Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ “

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ “

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

The Lord said to His disciples, “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.

Communion Hymn

The grace of God has appeared* bringing salvation to all.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Titus 2:11)

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Sunday after Theophany; Octoechos Tone 1; The Holy Martyr Tatiana.

Resurrectional Gospel 1.

Antiphon 1

When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 1: Though the stone was sealed by the Judeans,* and soldiers guarded Your most pure body,* You arose, O Saviour, on the third day,* and gave life to the world.* And so the heavenly powers cried out to You, O Giver of Life:* Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ!* Glory to Your kingdom!* Glory to Your saving plan,* O only Lover of mankind.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us* as we have hoped in you.

verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O you just; praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:2,1)

Epistle

Ephesians 4:7-13

Brothers and Sisters, to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says:

“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”

(Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Alleluia, Tone 5

verse: Your mercies, O Lord, I will sing for ever; from generation to generation I will announce Your truth with my mouth.

verse: For You have said: Mercy shall be built up for ever; in the heavens Your truth shall be prepared. (Psalm 88:2,3)

Gospel

Matthew 4:12-17

At that time, Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:

“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles:
The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death
Light has dawned.”

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.

Communion Hymn

The grace of God has appeared* bringing salvation to all. (Titus 2:11)* Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 148:1)

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)

Monday, January 13, 2025

The Holy Martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus.

Post-feast of Theophany.

Antiphon 1

When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.

verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 117:26-27,1)

Epistle

Hebrews 8:7-13

Brothers and Sisters, if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.

verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters. (Psalm 28:1,3)

Gospel

Mark 8:11-21

At that time, the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”

And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.”

But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”

They said to Him, “Twelve.”

“Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?”

And they said, “Seven.”

So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.

Communion Hymn

The grace of God has appeared* bringing salvation to all.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Titus 2:11)

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Our Venerable Fathers Massacred in Sinai and Rhaithu; Repose of the Holy Equal-to-the Apostles Nina, Enlightener of Georgia.

Leave-taking of Theophany.

Antiphon 1

When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?

Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…

Antiphon 3

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Saviour.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Let us come before His face with praise, and acclaim Him in psalms.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

For God is the great Lord, and the great king over all the earth.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Entrance

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ.

Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Troparia and Kontakia

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.

verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 117:26-27,1)

Epistle

Hebrews 9:8-10,15-23

Brothers and Sisters, the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience— concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.

Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.

verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters. (Psalm 28:1,3)

Gospel

Mark 8:22-26

At that time, Jesus came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything.

And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.”

Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. Then He sent him away to his house, saying, “Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town.”

Hymn to the Mother of God

O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan.

Communion Hymn

The grace of God has appeared* bringing salvation to all.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Titus 2:11)

Instead of “We have seen the true light…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan.

Instead of “May our mouths…” and “Blessed be the Name…” we sing:

All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is baptized in the Jordan. (3)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

🕃 Our Venerable Fathers Paul of Thebes and John the Hut-Dweller.

Saint with Six Stichera.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 8: The divine image was faithfully preserved in you, O fathers,* for taking up the Cross you followed Christ.* By your deeds you have taught us to see beyond flesh, which passes,* and care for the soul, a thing immortal.* and so, O Venerable Paul and John,* your spirits rejoices with the angels.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: Divinely armed with purity of spirit* and mightily wielding the lance of unceasing prayers,* you overcame the powers of demons,* Venerable Paul and John, pray without ceasing for all of us.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.

verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all the things He has rendered to me? (Psalm 115:15,12)

Epistle

Hebrews 10:1-18

Brothers and Sisters, since the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,
But a body You have prepared for Me.
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
You had no pleasure.
Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—
In the volume of the book it is written of Me—
To do Your will, O God.’”

Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before,

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

Alleluia, Tone 6

verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.

verse: His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth. (Psalm 111:1,2)

Gospel

Mark 8:30-34

At that time, Jesus strictly warned His disciples that they should tell no one about Him.

And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Communion Hymn

The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Thursday, January 16, 2025

🕃 The Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy and All-praiseworthy Apostle Peter.

Saint with Six Stichera.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: You came to us without leaving Rome* by the precious chains which you wore.* First-enthroned of the apostles* we bow down to them in faith and pray:* By your prayers to God grant us great mercy.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: Christ the rock, who greatly glorified the first among apostles,* calling him Peter, the rock of faith,* calls us now to honor the miracles wrought through Peter’s chains,* that He may grant us forgiveness of our sins.

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hands. (Psalm 18:5,2)

Epistle

Hebrews 10:35-11:7

Brothers and Sisters, do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

“For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”

But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: The heavens shall confess our wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints.

verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints. (Psalm 88:6,8)

Gospel

Mark 9:10-16

At that time, the disciples kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.

And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”

And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”

Communion Hymn

Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their words unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

Friday, January 17, 2025

🕂 Our Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great.

Polyeleos Feast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: By your life you imitated the zealous Elias* and by following straight paths you emulated the Baptist, John.* O Father Anthony,* you peopled the desert and strengthened the world by your prayers;* intercede with Christ God to save our souls.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: You rejected earthly worries* and finished your life in silence imitating the Baptist in every way* and so with him we honour you,* O Anthony, most venerable, first of the Fathers.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.

verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all the things He has rendered to me? (Psalm 115:15,12)

Epistle

Hebrews 13:17-21

Brothers and Sisters, obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia, Tone 6

verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.

verse: His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth. (Psalm 111:1,2)

Gospel

Luke 6:17-23

Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:

Hymn to the Mother of God

Communion Hymn

The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Saturday, January 18, 2025

🕃 Our Holy Fathers and Archbishops of Alexandria Athanasius and Cyril.

Saint with Six Stichera.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: God of our fathers, You always treat us fairly.* Deprive us not of Your mercy,* but by their prayers direct our lives in peace.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 8: As teachers of virtue and the adornment of hierarchs,* the church sings your praises:* By your prayers grant to those who venerate you with love* the achievement of virtues and deliverance from temptations,* for you are invincible.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.

verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all the things He has rendered to me? (Psalm 115:15,12)

Epistle

Ephesians 5:1-8

Brothers and Sisters, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.

Alleluia, Tone 2

verse: Your priests shall clothe themselves with justice, and Your venerable ones shall rejoice.

verse: For the Lord has chosen Sion; he has chosen it for His dwelling. (Psalm 131:9,13)

Gospel

Luke 14:1-11

At that time, as Jesus went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they watched Him closely. And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy. And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”

But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. Then He answered them, saying, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” And they could not answer Him regarding these things.

So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Communion Hymn

The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Sunday, January 19, 2025

35th Sunday after Pentecost; Octoechos Tone 2; 🕃 Our Venerable Father Macarius of Egypt.

Resurrectional Gospel 2. Saint with Six Stichera.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 2: When You went down to death, O Life Immortal,* You struck Hades dead with the blazing light of Your divinity.* When You raised the dead from the nether world,* all the powers of heaven cried out:* “O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory be to You!”

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Kontakion, Tone 2: You rose from the tomb, O almighty Saviour;* and Hades, seeing this wonder, was stricken with fear; and the dead arose.* Creation saw and rejoices with You, and Adam exults.* And the world, my Saviour, sings Your praises for ever.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 2: The tomb and death could not hold the Mother of God,* unceasing in her intercession and an unfailing hope of patronage,* for as the Mother of Life she was transferred to life* by Him Who had dwelt in her ever-virgin womb.

Prokeimenon, Tone 2

The Lord is my strength and my song of praise, and He has become my salvation.

verse: The Lord has indeed chastised me, but He has not delivered me to death. (Psalm 117:14,18)

Epistle

Colossians 3:12-16

Brothers and Sisters, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Alleluia, Tone 2

verse: The Lord will hear you in the day of tribulation; the name of the God of Jacob will shield you.

verse: Lord, grant victory to the king and hear us in the day that we shall call upon You. (Psalm 19:2,10)

Gospel

Luke 18:18-27

At that time, a certain ruler asked Jesus, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ “

And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.”

So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.

And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?”

But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

Monday, January 20, 2025

🕂 Our Venerable and God-bearing Father Euthemius the Great.

Polyeleos Feast.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: Be glad, O barren desert;* take heart, you who have never known labour.* For a man of the desires of the Spirit* has multiplied your children.* He planted them in godliness* and reared them with self-mastery to perfection in virtues.* By his prayers, Christ God, grant peace to our lives.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 8: Creation found joy in your precious birth* and in your divine memorial it takes courage from your many miracles.* Grant a rich share of your wonders to our souls, O Venerable Father,* and cleanse the stains of sin that we may sing: Alleluia.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.

verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all the things He has rendered to me? (Psalm 115:15,12)

Epistle

Hebrews 13:17-21

Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Alleluia, Tone 6

verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.

verse: His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth. (Psalm 111:1,2)

Gospel

Luke 6:17-23

Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:

Communion Hymn

The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Our Venerable Father Maximus the Confessor; The Holy Martyr Neophytus; The Holy Martyrs Eugene, Candidus, Valerian, and Aquilas

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 8: Guide of orthodoxy, teacher of piety and purity,* luminary of the world, inspired adornment of hierarchs (or: monks), O wise Maximus,* you have enlightened all by your teachings, O spiritual trumpet.* Intercede with Christ our God for the salvation of our souls.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: You took delight in self-control, O wise one,* and you put the desires of the flesh to sleep.* You were seen to have grown in faith;* and, like the Tree of Life in Paradise, you flourished, O holy father, Maximus.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

The venerable ones will exult in glory* and they shall be joyful in their beds.

verse: Sing to the Lord a new song; let His praise be in the assembly of the venerable ones. (Psalm 149:5,1)

Epistle

Hebrews 12:25-26; 13:22-25

Brothers and Sisters, see that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.”

And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.

Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.

Grace be with you all. Amen.

Alleluia, Tone 6

verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.

verse: His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth. (Psalm 111:1,2)

Gospel

Mark 10:2-12

At that time some Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him.

And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?”

They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.”

And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Communion Hymn

Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

The Holy Apostle Timothy; The Holy Venerable-Martyr Anastasius the Persian.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: Having learned goodness and maintaining continence in all things,* you were divinely arrayed with a good conscience as befits a priest* and you drew ineffable truths from the chosen vessel.* You have kept the faith and completed a course equal to his, bishop and martyr Timothy.* Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved!

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 1: Let us the faithful praise the holy apostle Timothy,* the companion of Paul in his travels* and together with him let us honor the wise Anastasius,* who came as a star from Persia for the healing of our souls’ passions and our bodies’ disease!

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hands. (Psalm 18:5,2)

Epistle

James 1:1-18

James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:

Greetings.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: The heavens shall confess our wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints.

verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints. (Psalm 88:6,8)

Gospel

Mark 10:11-16

The Lord said, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Communion Hymn

Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their words unto the ends of the world.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 18:5)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Blessed Martyrs of Pratulyn: Vincent, Nykyta, Ivan, Constantine, Michael, Onuphriy, Philip, Maxim, Daniel, Constantine, Bartholomew, Luke, and Ignatius; The Holy Hieromartyr Clement, Bishop of Ancyra; The Holy Martyr Agathangel.

A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 1: Be swayed by the pains that the saints have suffered for You, O Lord,* and heal all our pains,* O Lover of mankind, for this we pray.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: Appearing as radiant lights, O godly martyrs,* you illumine all creation with the brilliance of your miracles,* healing infirmities, always dispelling deep darkness* and praying unceasingly to Christ our God for all of us.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

To the saints who are in His land, the Lord has made wonderful all His desires in them.

verse: I foresaw the Lord in my sight, for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken. (Psalm 15:3,8)

Epistle

James 1:19-27

Brothers and Sisters, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: The just cried out and the Lord heard them, and delivered them out of their afflictions.

verse: The afflictions of the just are many, and out of them all will the Lord deliver them. (Psalm 33:18,20)

Gospel

Mark 10:17-27

At that time, as Jesus was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

Communion Hymn

Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)

Friday, January 24, 2025

Our Venerable Mother Xenia the Roman.

Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 8: The divine image was faithfully preserved in you, O mother,* for taking up the Cross you followed Christ.* By your deeds you have taught us to see beyond flesh which passes* and care for the soul, a thing immortal.* And so, O venerable woman, Xenia,* your spirit rejoices with the angels.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: For love of the Lord, O venerable woman,* you scorned the desire for rest and enlightened your soul through fasting,* for you have mightily conquered the beasts.* Through your prayers thwart the rage of fiends.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

God is wonderful in His saints,* the God of Israel.

verse: Bless God in the churches, the Lord from the fountains of Israel. (Psalm 67:36,27)

Epistle

James 2:1-13

Brothers and Sisters, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Alleluia, Tone 1

verse: With expectation I have waited for the Lord, and he was attentive to me, and He heard my prayer.

verse: He brought me out of the pit of misery and the mud of the swamp. (Psalm 39:2,3)

Gospel

Mark 10:23-32

The Lord said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”

So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him.

Communion Hymn

The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear*. Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Saturday, January 25, 2025

🕂 Our Holy Father Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople.

Polyeleos Feast.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 1: Like a shepherd’s flute, O Father Gregory* your theology vanquished the trumpets of orators,* for searching the depths of the spirit,* beauty of speech was increased in you.* Pray Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3: O glorious saint, your tongue, versed in theology,* loosed the webs of vain philosophers;* you adorned the Church with a robe of true belief woven on high.* Wearing it she cries with us, your children:* Rejoice, O Father, highest mind of theology.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1

My mouth shall speak wisdom* and the meditation of my heart understanding.

verse: Hear these things, all you nations; give ear all you inhabitants of the world. (Psalm 48:4,2)

Epistle

1 Corinthians 12:7-11

Brothers and Sisters, the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Alleluia, Tone 2

verse: Give heed, O my people, to my law, incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

verse: I will open my mouth in parables, and proclaim secrets from of old. (Psalm 77,1-2)

Gospel

John 10:9-16

Jesus said to His disciples, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.^”

Communion Hymn

The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Sunday, Janaury 26, 2025

36th Sunday after Pentecost; Octoechos Tone 3; Our Venerable Father Xenophon and his wife Maria.

Resurrectional Gospel 3.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 3: Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,* for the Lord has done a mighty deed with His arm.* He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead;* He saved us from the abyss of Hades* and granted great mercy to the world.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Kontakion, Tone 3: You rose from the tomb, O compassionate Lord,* and led us out from the gates of death.* Today Adam exults and Eve rejoices,* and the prophets together with the patriarchs* unceasingly acclaim the divine might of Your power.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone 3: Today the Virgin stands before us in the church* and together with the choirs of saints invisibly prays to God for us.* Angels are worshipping with hierarchs,* Apostles exult with prophets,* for the Mother of God prays in our behalf to the eternal God.

Prokeimenon, Tone 3

Sing to our God, sing; sing to our King, sing.

verse: Clap your hands, all you nations; shout unto God with the voice of joy. (Psalm 46:7,2)

Epistle

1 Timothy 1:15-17

Timothy, my son, this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia, Tone 3

verse: In You, O Lord, have I hoped that I may not be put to shame for ever.

verse: Be a protector unto me, O God, and a house of refuge to save me. (Psalm 30:2,3)

Gospel

Luke 18:35-43

At that time, as Jesus was coming near Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the road begging. And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest (Psalm 148:1).* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.

Monday, January 27, 2025

🕂 The Transfer of the Precious Relics of our holy Father John Chrysostom.

Polyeleos Feast.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 8: The divine Church rejoices* and the whole world keeps feast with radiance* at the transfer of your relics, O venerable hierarch John Chrysostom.* Your life as a bishop was godly* and you willingly became a martyr.* Therefore we cry to you, O martyr, passion-bearer and hierarchs’ companion:* Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 1: The precious Church rejoices mystically* at the transfer of your holy relics* and treasuring them as costly gold* it lavishly grants to those who hymn you the grace of healing,* by your prayers, O John the Golden-mouthed.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1

My mouth shall speak wisdom and the meditation of my heart understanding.

verse: Hear these things, all you nations; give ear all you inhabitants of the world. (Psalm 28:4,2)

Epistle

Hebrews 7:26-8:2

Alleluia, Tone 2

verse: The mouth of the just man shall meditate wisdom and his tongue shall speak judgment.

verse: The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps will not falter. (Psalm 36:30,31)

Gospel

John 10:9-16

The Lord said to the Jews that came to Him: “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Communion Hymn

The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

🕃 Our Venerable Father Ephrem the Syrian.

Saint with Six Stichera.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 8: The divine image was faithfully preserved in you, O father,* for taking up the Cross you followed Christ.* By your deeds you have taught us to see beyond flesh, which passes,* and care for the soul, a thing immortal.* and so, O Venerable Ephrem,* your spirit rejoices with the angels.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: Divinely armed with purity of spirit* and mightily wielding the lance of unceasing prayers,* you overcame the powers of demons,* Venerable Ephrem, pray without ceasing for all of us.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.

verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all the things He has rendered to me? (Psalm 115:15,12)

Epistle

James 3:1-10

Brothers and Sisters, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.

See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

Alleluia, Tone 6

verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in His commandments.

verse: His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth. (Psalm 111:1,2)

Gospel

Mark 11:11-23

At that time, Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.”

And His disciples heard it.

So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ “

And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. When evening had come, He went out of the city.

Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.”

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

Communion Hymn

The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

🕃 The Transfer of the Relics of the Great-Martyr Ignatius the God-bearer.

Saint with Six Stichera.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: Having shared the way of life of the apostles,* and having become a successor to their thrones,* labouring you found the divinely inspired way to contemplation.* Therefore, forthrightly ministering the word of truth,* you shed your blood for the faith, O hieromartyr, Ignatius.* Intercede with Christ our God for the salvation of our souls.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Having piously lived among the hierarchs,* and having trod the path of suffering,* you extinguished the sacrifices to idols* and were a defender for your flock, O godly one.* Therefore, venerating you, we sincerely cry to you:* “Rescue us from dangers by your prayers, O our father, Ignatius.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7

The venerable ones will exult in glory* and they shall be joyful in their beds.

verse: Sing to the Lord a new song; let His praise be in the assembly of the venerable ones. (Psalm 149:5,1)

Epistle

James 3:11-4:6

Brothers and Sisters, does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:

“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”

Alleluia, Tone 2

verse: Your priests shall clothe themselves with justice, and Your venerable ones shall rejoice.

verse: For the Lord has chosen Sion; He has chosen it for His dwelling. (Psalm 131:9,13)

Gospel

Mark 11:23-26

The Lord said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Communion Hymn

The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear*. Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)

Thursday, January 30, 2025

🕁 The Three Holy and Great Hierarchs Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; The Holy Hieromartyr Hippolytus.

All-Night Vigil Feast. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: As equals to the apostles in the way you lived* and teachers of the whole world,* intercede with the Master of all* to grant peace to the world,* and to our souls great mercy.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 2: You received Your inspired and steadfast preachers, Your chief teachers* into the enjoyment of Your good things and into repose.* You who alone glorify Your saints,* accepted their labours and death* more gladly than any holocaust.

Prokeimenon, Tone 8

Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth,* and their words unto the ends of the world.

verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hand. (Psalm 19:5,2)

Epistle

Hebrews 13:7-16

Brothers and Sisters, remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Alleluia, Tone 4

verse: The heavens shall confess Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the church of the saints.

verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints. (Psalm 89:6,8)

Gospel

Matthew 5:14-19

The Lord said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Communion Hymn

Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 32:1)

UPCOMING EVENTS