From The Greek Orthodox Arch-Diocese of America:
Strict Fast
Readings for today:
St. Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians 5:9-13; 5:24-28
Luke 12:2-12
Feasts and Saints celebrated today:
Friday of the 7th Week
Galaktion & his wife Episteme, the Martyrs of Emesa
Patrobos, Gaios, Hermas, Linos, & Philologos, Apostles of the 70
Epistle Reading
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians 5:9-13; 5:24-28
BRETHREN, God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we wake or
sleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build
one another up, just as you are doing. But we beseech you, brethren,
to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord
and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of
their work. Be at peace among yourselves. He who calls you is faithful,
and he will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with
a holy kiss. I adjure you by the Lord that this letter be read to
all the brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Amen.
(C) 2010 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Gospel Reading
The reading is from Luke 12:2-12
The Lord said to his disciples, "Nothing is covered up that will not
be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever
you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you
have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed upon the
housetops.
I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and
after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to
fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into
Gehenna; yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two
pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs
of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than
many sparrows.
And I tell you, every one who acknowledges me before men, the Son of
man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but he who denies
me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And every one
who speaks a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but he who
blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. And when they bring
you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not
be anxious how or what you are to answer or what you are to say; for
the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to
say."
(C) 2010 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Galaktion & his wife Episteme, the Martyrs of Emesa
Reading from the Synaxarion:
Saint Galaction was from Emesa, the son of Cleitophon and Leucippe,
pagans who had been instructed in piety by a certain Christian named
Onuphrius and received holy Baptism. Saint Episteme, born of unbelieving
parents, was baptized before she was wedded to Galaction. After their
marriage they remained in virginity and lived in separate monastic houses.
Betrayed as Christians, they suffered martyrdom during the reign of
Decius, about the year 250.
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as
the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal
God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the
tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O
Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
Kontakion in the Second Tone
The Martyrs of Christ, received you in their companies, who through
mighty trials contested most resplendently; O renowned Galaction and thy
hallowed spouse and co-sufferer, Episteme, ye both entreat the one God and
Lord in behalf of us all.
Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
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