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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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2. On this day commemoration is made of: St. Nicephorus the
Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople. The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Hebrews 8:1-6 Brethren, 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. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
4. On this day commemoration is made of: St. Metrophanes, Archbishop of Constantinople. 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.
8. On this day commemoration is made of: The Translation of the Relics of the holy Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates.
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians. Brethren, God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
9. On this day commemoration is made of: St. Cyril of 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.
11. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas. The Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 11:19-30 In those days, the Apostles which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
12. On this day commemoration is made of: Our holy fathers Onouphius and Peter the Athonite.
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.
14. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Prophet Elisha; St Methodius, Patriarch of Constantinople.
For the Prophet. 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.
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Hebrews 5:4-10 Brethren, no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
17. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Martyrs Manuel, Sabel and Ishmael.
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians. Brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
19. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Apostle Jude, the Lord’s Brother. There are two Readings for St. Jude. Prokhimenon. Tone 4. [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 General Epistle of St. Jude. Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
The reading is from the General Epistle of St. Jude.
Dearly
beloved,
woe unto the ungodly! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran
greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the
gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they
feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without
water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit,
twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out
their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of
darkness for ever. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of
these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among
them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of
all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their
mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration
because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were
spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told
you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their
own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having
not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy
faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God,
looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of
some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear,
pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the
flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present
you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the
only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both
now and ever. Amen. Alleluia [3]. Tone 2 [Psalm 88]. Verse: The heavens shall declare Thy wonders, O Lord. Verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints.
24. On this day commemoration is made of: The Nativity of the holy Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 7. [Psalm 63].
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans
Brethren,
now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent,
the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and
let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day;
not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in
strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not
provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Him that is weak in
the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth
that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not
him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth
not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that
judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth.
Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. Alleluia [3]. Tone 1 [Ode of Zacharias. Luke 1]. Verse: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.
Verse:
And thou,
child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest.
25. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy Martyr Fevronia.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 4. [Psalm 67] The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Hebrews 10:32-38
Brethren,
call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated,
ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye
became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me
in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in
yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast
not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye
might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come
will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith.
Alleluia
[3]. Tone 1. [Psalm
39]
26. On this day commemoration is made of: Our holy father David of Thessalonica.
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.
27. On this day commemoration is made of: Our holy father Sampson the Hospitable.
The reading is from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
Brethren,
he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth
bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he
purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound
toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may
abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he
hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that
ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and
multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through
us thanksgiving to God.
28. On this day commemoration is made of: The translation of the Relics of the holy Selfless Physicians Cyrus and John. The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 Brethren, the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
29. On this day commemoration is made of: The holy and All- Glorious Apostles Peter and Paul. Prokhimenon. Tone 4. [Psalm 18]. Verse: Their voice is gone out into all the earth. Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God. The reading is from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 11:21-12:9 Brethren, whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands. It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Alleluia [3]. Tone 2 [Psalm 88]. Verse: The heavens shall declare Thy wonders, O Lord. Verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints.
30. On this day commemoration is made of: The Assembly of
the
holy and All-Glorious Twelve Apostles. Verse: Their voice is gone out into all the earth. Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God.
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. Alleluia [3]. Tone 2 [Psalm 88]. Verse: The heavens shall declare Thy wonders, O Lord. Verse: God is glorified in the assembly of the saints.
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