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The Orthodox Pages email: pater@christopherklitou.com
THE BOOK OF
THE APOSTLE |
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The Apostle Readings For the Immovable Feasts of the Year and the Apostle Readings for certain Saints celebrated in each Month. |
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1. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Wonder-
workers and Selfless Physicians Cosmas and Damian.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 4. [Psalm 15] The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:8 Brethren, ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth. Alleluia [3]. Tone 1 [Psalm 132]. Verse: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Verse: For there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
2. On this day commemoration is made of: The Deposition of the Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God in the Blachernae Church of Constantinople. The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Hebrews 9:1-7 Brethren, the first covenant had ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people.
4. On this day commemoration is made of: Our holy father Andrew of Crete.
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
8. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Greatmartyr Procopius.
The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy.
My
child Timothy,
this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we
both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who
is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things
command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of
the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith,
in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to
doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by
prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon
these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear
to all.
9. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Hieromartyr Pancratius, Bishop of Taormina.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 7. [Psalm 149] The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Hebrews 7:26-8:2 Brethren, such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on 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 pitched, and not man.
Alleluia
[3]. Tone 2 [Psalm
131].
saints shout for joy.
11. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Greatmartyr Euphemia.
The reading is from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. Brethren, as workers together with God, we beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
13. On this day commemoration is made of: The Archangel Gabriel.
The
reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Brethren, if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
On the 13th of this Month, if it be a Sunday, or the following Sunday thereafter, commemoration is made of the holy fathers of the Sixth Ecumenical Council. At the Liturgy the following Apostle is read.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 8. [Psalm 31]. The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to Titus. Titus 3:8-15 My child Titus, this is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Alleluia
[3]. Tone 4 [Psalm 43].
14. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Apostle Aquila.
The
reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
Brethren,
God hath set forth us the apostles
last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the
world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye
are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but
we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst,
and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And
labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being
persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the
filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I
write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not
many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
15. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Martyrs Cerycus and Julitta.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 4. [Psalm 67] The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 Brethren, when I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Alleluia
[3]. Tone 4 [Psalm 33] all the Lord will deliver them.
17. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Greatmartyr Marina.
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians.
Brethren,
before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith
which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our
schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For
ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of
you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither
Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor
female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then
are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Now I say, That
the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant,
though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time
appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in
bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time
was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To
redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of
sons.
18. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Martyr Emilian.
The
reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. Brethren, we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
20. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Prophet Elias.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 1. [Psalm 109] until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Reading is from the General Epistle of St. James. James 5:10-20 Brethren, take the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Alleluia
[3]. Tone 8 [Psalm 98,
33]
21. On this day commemoration is made of: Our holy fathers Symeon and John.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 4. [Psalm 39, 33] delivereth them out of them all.
The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. Brethren, let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. Alleluia [3]. Tone 6 [Psalm 111]. Verse: Blessded is the man that feareth the Lord. Verse: His righteousness endureth for ever.
22. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Myrrh- bearer and Equal to the Apostles Mary Magdalene; The holy
Martyr Marcella.
The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
Brethren,
the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. Mine answer to them that
do examine me is this, Have we not power to eat and to drink? Have we not
power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as
the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we
power to forbear working? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?
who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who
feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these
things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in
the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth
out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for
our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth
should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker
of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great
thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this
power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this
power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
Alleluia.
Tone 4. [Psalm 39, 33] delivereth them out of them all.
24. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Greatmartyr Christina.
The reading is from the
2nd Epistle of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. Brethren, we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
25. On this day commemoration is made of: The Dormition of St. Anna, the mother of the Most holy Mother of God.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 8. [Psalm 67] The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galations. Galatians 4:22-27 Brethren, Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Alleluia.
Tone 4. [Psalm 39, 33] delivereth them out of them all.
26. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Hieromartyr Hermolaus; The holy Martyr Paraskeva.
For St. Hermolaus. Prokhimenon.
Tone 7 ( Psalm 115) toward us? Verse: I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy. 1 Timothy 3:13-16, 4:1-5 My child Timothy, they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself 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 manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
Alleluia
[3]. Tone 2 [Psalm
131].
saints shout for joy.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 8. [Psalm 67]
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. Brethren, before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Alleluia
[3]. Tone 1. [Psalm
39]
27. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Greatmartyr and Healer Panteleimon. The reading is from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy 2 Timothy 2:1-10 My child Timothy, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
28. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Apostles Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas. Prokhimenon. Tone 8. [Psalm 18]. Verse: His voice is gone out into all the earth. Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God. The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 6:1-7 In those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Alleluia [3]. Tone 1 [Psalm 88]. Verse: The heavens shall declare Thy wonders, O Lord. Verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints.
29. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Martyr Callinicus.
The
reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. Brethren, we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
31. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy and Righteous Eudocimus.
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. Brethren,as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
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