From The Greek Orthodox Arch-Diocese of America:
Strict Fast
Readings for today:
St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16
Luke 12:48-59
Feasts and Saints celebrated today:
Wednesday of the 8th Week
Erastos, Olympas, Herodion, Sosipatros, Quartus, Tertios, Apostles of the 70
Holy Father Arsenius of Cappadocia
Our Holy Father Gregory, Bishop of Assa
Orestes the Martyr of Cappadocia
Epistle Reading
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16
BRETHREN, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced
to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels
and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in
Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in
disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and
buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When
reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to
conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the
off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to
admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides
in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in
Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
(C) 2010 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Gospel Reading
The reading is from Luke 12:48-59
The Lord said, "Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be
required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more. I
came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already
kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained
until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace
on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; for henceforth in one
house there will be five divided, three against two and two against
three; they will be divided, father against son and son against father,
mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law
against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her
mother-in-law."
He also said to the multitudes, "When you see a cloud rising in the
west, you say at once, 'A shower is coming'; and so it happens. And
when you see the south wind blowing, you say, 'There will be scorching
heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the
appearance of earth and sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the
present time?
And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? As you go with
your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him
on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you
over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. I tell you,
you will never get out till you have paid the very last copper."
(C) 2010 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Erastos, Olympas, Herodion, Sosipatros, Quartus, Tertios, Apostles of the 70
Reading from the Synaxarion:
Of these Saints, Olympas and Rodion became disciples of Peter, the
chief Apostle, and came to Rome, where they were beheaded by Nero. The
others reposed in peace, having become bishops: Sosipater of Iconium,
Quartus of Beirut, and Erastus of Paneas, or Paneias (which was also
called Caesarea of Philippi); Saint Erastus had been chamberlain of the
city of Corinth (Rom.16:23).
Apolytikion in the Third Tone
O Holy Apostles, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant
our souls forgiveness of sins.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
The most solemn festival of the Apostles hath this day appeared to us
and manifestly doth bestow divine forgiveness of trespasses on all
that faithfully keep their memorial.
Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion courtesy of Narthex Press
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Holy Father Arsenius of Cappadocia
Orestes the Martyr of Cappadocia
Reading from the Synaxarion:
Saint Orestes was from Tyana of Cappadocia. During the persecution of
Diocletian, this Martyr's ankles were pierced with long nails; being bound to
a wild horse and violently dragged by it, he gave up his spirit in
the year 289.
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
Thine invincibility in contest, O Martyr, was accepted and rewarded by
Christ, the Prize-bestower; and He hath granted thee the crown of life
and the divine power to work healings, O Orestes, since He is the
Friend of man.
Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
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