From The Greek Orthodox Diocese Of America:
Strict Fast
Readings for today:
St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:17-25; 4:1
Luke 9:44-50
Feasts and Saints celebrated today:
Wednesday of the 5th Week
Artemios the Great Martyr of Antioch
Gerasimos of Cephalonia
Matrona the Righteous of Chios
Epistle Reading
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:17-25; 4:1
BRETHREN, whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of
the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives,
be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands,
love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your
parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke
your children, lest they become discouraged. Slaves, obey in
everything those who are your earthly masters, not with eyeservice, as
men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever your task,
work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the
Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving
the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he
has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your slaves
justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
(C) 2010 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Gospel Reading
The reading is from Luke 9:44-50
The Lord said to his disciples, "Let these words sink into your ears;
for the Son of man is to be delivered in to the hands of men." But
they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them,
that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him
about this saying. And an argument arose among them as to which of them
was the greatest. But when Jesus perceived the thought of their
hearts, he took a child and put him by his side, and said to them,
"Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives
me receives him who sent me; for he who is least among you all is
the one who is great." John answered, "Master, we saw a man casting
out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not
follow with us." But Jesus said to him, "Do not forbid him; for he that
is not against you is for you."
(C) 2010 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Artemios the Great Martyr of Antioch
Reading from the Synaxarion:
Saint Artemius lived during the years of Saint Constantine the Great,
and was appointed by him to be Governor of Alexandria; later, he was
honoured with the rank of patrician. During the reign of Julian the
Apostate, in the year 361, Artemius appeared before the Emperor and
censured him for his apostasy. For this, he endured many torments and was
finally beheaded.
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee received the
prize of the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal
God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants
and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ
God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
Kontakion in the Second Tone
Let us now gather and worthily acclaim with hymns the pious and
crowned Martyr Artemius, the greatest among Martyrs and richest bestower
of miracles, who raised the trophies of victory over the enemy; for
he intercedeth with the Lord for us all.
Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Gerasimos of Cephalonia
Reading from the Synaxarion:
Saint Gerasimus was from the Peloponnesus, the son of Demetrius and
Kale, of the family of Notaras. He was reared in piety by them and
studied the Sacred writings. He left his country and went throughout
various lands, and finally came to Cephalonia, where he restored a
certain old church and built a convent around it, where it stands to this
day at the place called Omala. He finished the course of his life
there in asceticism in the year 1570. His sacred relics, which remain
incorrupt, are kept there for the sanctification of the faithful.
Apolytikion in the First Tone
O believers, let us praise the protector of the Orthodox, The
God-bearing miracle-worker lately appearing to us, the incarnate angel,
divine Gerasimos. For he has rightly received from God the ever-flowing
grace of performing healing. He strengthens those with diseases and he
heals those with demons. And therefore he pours out healings to those
who honor him.
Kontakion in the Third Tone
Now doth Cephalonia, with sacred songs of thanksgiving, call upon the
multitudes of all the Orthodox Christians to extol the boast and glory of
Orthodoxy, the divine and great Gerasimus, who is truly her deliverer and
champion, who doth preserve her from all the harm of her foes.
Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion courtesy of St. Gregory Palamas Monastery
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Matrona the Righteous of Chios
Apolytikion in the Third Tone
[Faithfully] following the steps of Christ [our God], you left behind you all
the pleasures of the world, and imitated in the flesh the lifestyle
of the angels. Wherefore with the gifts bestowed by the Spirit you
brightened up your homeland, the Island of Chios, O Maiden extolled by all.
And therefore it cries out to you joyfully: Rejoice, O all-honorable
Matrona.
Apolytikion courtesy of St. Gregory Palamas Monastery
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