The Scripture Readings for
November 7, 2010
Scripture Reading 1 of 3
Mark 16:1-8 Ephesians 2:14-22 Luke 8:41-56
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Today's commemorated feasts and saints...
24th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST — Tone 7 (7th of Luke). Holy 33 Martyrs of Melitene: Hieron, Hesychius, Nicander, Athanasius, Mamas, Barachius, Callinicus, Theogenes, Nicon, Longinus, Theodore, Valerius, Xanthius, Theodulus, Callimachus, Eugene, Theodochus, Ostrychius, Epiphanius, Maximian, Ducitius, Claudian, Theophilus, Gigantius, Dorotheus, Theodotus, Castrychius, Anicletus, Theomelius, Euthychius, Hilarion, Diodotus, and Amonitus (3rd c.). Ven. Lazarus the Wonderworker of Mt. Galesius near Ephesus (1053). Ven. Zosíma, Abbot of Vorbozómsk. Finding of the Relics of Ven. Cyril, Abbot of Novoezérsk (Vologdá—1649). Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra (303). Martyrs Melasippus, Carina, their son, Antoninus, and forty children converted by their martyrdom, at Ancyra (363). Martyrs Auctus, Taurion, and Thessalonica, at Amphipolis, in Macedonia.
Mark 16:1-8 (2nd Matins Gospel)
1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.
2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.
3 And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?"
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away-for it was very large.
5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.
6 But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.
7 But go, tell His disciples-and Peter-that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.
8 So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid
Ephesians 2:14-22 (Epistle)
14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,
15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,
16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.
18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit
Luke 8:41-56 (Gospel)
41 And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus' feet and begged Him to come to his house,
42 for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him.
43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any,
44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.
45 And Jesus said, "Who touched Me?" When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, "Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?' "
46 But Jesus said, "Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me."
47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.
48 And He said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace."
49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher."
50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well."
51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl.
52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping."
53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.
54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Little girl, arise."
55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat.
56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.
Saints/Feasts/Fasts to be commemmorated/celebrated:
33 Holy Martyrs of Melitene
The Holy Martyr Hieron of Melitene and Those with him The holy martyr Hieron was born in the city of Tiana in great Cappadocia. Raised by a pious mother
Print Life of Saint
Troparion & Kontakion
Commemorated on November 7
The Holy Martyr Hieron of Melitene and Those with him The holy martyr Hieron was born in the city of Tiana in great Cappadocia. Raised by a pious mother, he was a kindly and good Christian.
The co-ruling emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (284-305)sent a large military detachment headed by Lysias to Cappadocia to eradicate Christianity there, and also to conscript healthy and strong men into the imperial army. Among those pressed into service, Lysias also ordered his men to draft Hieron, who was distinguished by his great physical strength and dexterity. But Hieron refused to serve emperors who persecuted Christians. When they attempted to seize him by force and bring him to Lysias, he took a stick and started beating the soldiers who had been sent to bring him. The soldiers scattered, ashamed of being defeated by a single man. Hieron then hid himself in a cave with eighteen other Christians. Lysias would not risk losing his soldiers by storming the cave.
Upon the advice of Cyriacus, one of Hieron's friends, Lysias lifted the siege of the cave and withdrew his detachment. Then Cyriacus persuaded Hieron not to offer resistance to the authorities. He and the other new conscripts and accompanying soldiers were sent to the nearby city of Melitene.
Soon Hieron had a vision in his sleep, in which his impending martyrdom was foretold. Lysias told the soldiers gathered at Melitene to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Hieron and another thirty-two soldiers refused to do this, and openly confessed their faith in Christ. Then the persecutor gave orders to beat the martyrs, and to cut off Hieron's arm at the elbow. After cruel tortures they threw the martyrs into prison barely alive, and they beheaded them four days later.
A certain rich and illustrious Christian by the name of Chrysanthus ransomed Hieron's head from Lysias. When the persecutions finally ceased, he built a church on the place where they executed the holy martyrs, and he placed the venerable head in it. The bodies of all the executed saints were secretly buried by Christians. In reign of the emperor Justinian, during the construction of the church of Hagia Eirene (Holy Peace), the venerable relics were uncovered and found incorrupt.
The other martyrs are: Hesychius, Nicander, Athanasius, Mamas, Barachius, Callinicus, Theogenes, Nikon, Longinus, Theodore, Valerius, Xanthius, Theodoulus, Callimachus, Eugene, Theodochus, Ostrychius, Epiphanius, Maximian, Ducitius, Claudian, Theophilus, Gigantius, Dorotheus, Theodotus, Castrichius, Anicletus, Themelius, Eutychius, Hilarion, Diodotus and Amonitus.
Troparion - Tone 4
Your thirty-three holy martyrs, O Lord,
through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God.
For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through their intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion - Tone 2
The radiant choir of martyrs, the light-bearing company,
spiritually descends to us, enlightening the Church with brilliant rays.
Therefore as we celebrate their honored memory,
we ask You, our Savior:
through their prayers deliver us from misfortunes
so that we may sing to You: "Alleluia."
Martyr Hieron of Melitene
Commemorated on November 7
The Holy Martyr Hieron of Melitene and Those with him The holy martyr Hieron was born in the city of Tiana in great Cappadocia. Raised by a pious mother, he was a kindly and good Christian.
The co-ruling emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (284-305)sent a large military detachment headed by Lysias to Cappadocia to eradicate Christianity there, and also to conscript healthy and strong men into the imperial army. Among those pressed into service, Lysias also ordered his men to draft Hieron, who was distinguished by his great physical strength and dexterity. But Hieron refused to serve emperors who persecuted Christians. When they attempted to seize him by force and bring him to Lysias, he took a stick and started beating the soldiers who had been sent to bring him. The soldiers scattered, ashamed of being defeated by a single man. Hieron then hid himself in a cave with eighteen other Christians. Lysias would not risk losing his soldiers by storming the cave.
Upon the advice of Cyriacus, one of Hieron's friends, Lysias lifted the siege of the cave and withdrew his detachment. Then Cyriacus persuaded Hieron not to offer resistance to the authorities. He and the other new conscripts and accompanying soldiers were sent to the nearby city of Melitene.
Soon Hieron had a vision in his sleep, in which his impending martyrdom was foretold. Lysias told the soldiers gathered at Melitene to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Hieron and another thirty-two soldiers refused to do this, and openly confessed their faith in Christ. Then the persecutor gave orders to beat the martyrs, and to cut off Hieron's arm at the elbow. After cruel tortures they threw the martyrs into prison barely alive, and they beheaded them four days later.
A certain rich and illustrious Christian by the name of Chrysanthus ransomed Hieron's head from Lysias. When the persecutions finally ceased, he built a church on the place where they executed the holy martyrs, and he placed the venerable head in it. The bodies of all the executed saints were secretly buried by Christians. In reign of the emperor Justinian, during the construction of the church of Hagia Eirene (Holy Peace), the venerable relics were uncovered and found incorrupt.
The other martyrs are: Hesychius, Nicander, Athanasius, Mamas, Barachius, Callinicus, Theogenes, Nikon, Longinus, Theodore, Valerius, Xanthius, Theodoulus, Callimachus, Eugene, Theodochus, Ostrychius, Epiphanius, Maximian, Ducitius, Claudian, Theophilus, Gigantius, Dorotheus, Theodotus, Castrichius, Anicletus, Themelius, Eutychius, Hilarion, Diodotus and Amonitus.
Troparion - Tone 4
Your thirty-three holy martyrs, O Lord,
through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God.
For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through their intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion - Tone 2
The radiant choir of martyrs, the light-bearing company,
spiritually descends to us, enlightening the Church with brilliant rays.
Therefore as we celebrate their honored memory,
we ask You, our Savior:
through their prayers deliver us from misfortunes
so that we may sing to You: "Alleluia."
Martyr Hesychius of Melitene
Commemorated on November 7
Saint Hesychius was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Troparion - Tone 4
Your thirty-three holy martyrs, O Lord,
through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God.
For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through their intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion - Tone 2
The radiant choir of martyrs, the light-bearing company,
spiritually descends to us, enlightening the Church with brilliant rays.
Therefore as we celebrate their honored memory,
we ask You, our Savior:
through their prayers deliver us from misfortunes
so that we may sing to You: "Alleluia."
Martyr Nicander of Melitene
Commemorated on November 7
Saint Nicander was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Troparion - Tone 4
Your thirty-three holy martyrs, O Lord,
through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God.
For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through their intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion - Tone 2
The radiant choir of martyrs, the light-bearing company,
spiritually descends to us, enlightening the Church with brilliant rays.
Therefore as we celebrate their honored memory,
we ask You, our Savior:
through their prayers deliver us from misfortunes
so that we may sing to You: "Alleluia."
Martyr Athanasius of Melitene
Saint Athanasius was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Mamas of Melitene
Saint Mamas was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene.
Martyr Barachius of Melitene
Saint Barachius was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Callinicus of Melitene
Saint Callinicus was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Theogenes of Melitene
Saint Theogenes was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Icon of the Mother of God of Melitene
Martyr Longinus of Melitene
Saint Longinus was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene.
Martyr Theodore of Melitene
Saint Theodore was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Valerius of Melitene
Saint Valerius was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene.
Martyr Xanthius of Melitene
Saint Xanthius was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Theodoulus of Melitene
Saint Theodoulus was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Callimachus of Melitene
Saint Callimachus was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Eugene of Melitene
Saint Eugene was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Theodochus of Melitene
Saint Theodochus was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene.
Martyr Ostrychius of Melitene
Saint Ostrychius was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Epiphanius of Melitene
Saint Epiphanius was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Maximian of Melitene
Saint Maximian was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Ducitius of Melitene
Saint Ducitius was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Claudian of Melitene
Saint Claudian was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Theophilus of Melitene
Saint Theophilus was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Gigantius of Melitene
Saint Gigantius was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Dorotheus of Melitene
Saint Dorotheus was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene.
Martyr Theodotus of Melitene
Saint Theodotus was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Castrychius of Melitene
Saint Castrychius was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Anicletus of Melitene
Saint Anicletus was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene.
Martyr Theomelius of Melitene
Saint Theomelius was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Eutychius of Melitene
Saint Eutychius was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene.
Martyr Hilarion of Melitene
Saint Hilarion was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Diodotus of Melitene
Saint Diodotus was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Martyr Amonitus of Melitene
Saint Amonitus was one of the thirty-two soldiers beheaded with St Hieron of Melitene
Venerable Lazarus the Wonderworker of Mt. Galesius Near Ephesus
Commemorated on November 7
Saint Lazarus the Wonderworker of Mt Galesius near Ephesus was born in Lydia, in the city of Magnesium. An educated young man who loved God, Lazarus became a monk at the monastery of St Sava, the founder of great ascetic piety in Palestine. He spent ten years within the walls of the monastery, winning the love and respect of the brethren for his intense monastic struggles.
Ordained to the holy priesthood by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, St Lazarus returned to his native country and settled near Ephesus, on desolate Mount Galesius. Here he saw a wondrous vision: a fiery pillar, rising up to the heavens, was encircled by angels singing, "Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered."
On the place where the saint beheld this vision, he built a church in honor of the Resurrection of Christ and took upon himself the feat of pillar-dwelling. Monks soon began to flock to the great ascetic, thirsting for spiritual nourishment by the divinely-inspired words and blessed example of the saint, and a monastery was established there.
Having received a revelation about the day of his death, the saint told the brethren. Through the tearful prayers of all the monks, the Lord prolonged the earthly life of St Lazarus for another fifteen years.
St Lazarus died at 72 years of age, in the year 1053. The brethren buried the body of the saint at the pillar upon which he had struggled in asceticism. He was glorified by many miracles after his death.
St Lazarus is also commemorated on July 17.
Venerable Zosimas the Abbot of Vorbozomsk
Finding of the relics of the Venerable Cyril the Abbot of Novoezersk, Vologda
Commemorated on November 7
Saint Cyril of New Lake was born into a pious family. The Lord marked him as one of the chosen even before he was born. Cyril's mother was praying in church during the Divine Liturgy, and the infant in her womb cried out, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth!"
From his childhood the saint was fond of solitude and prayer, and he dreamt of monastic life. At fifteen years of age Cyril secretly left his parental home, intending to enter the Pskov Caves monastery. He did not know the way to the monastery, and took nothing from home for the journey. He went his way, putting all his trust in the Lord and His All-Pure Mother. Twenty versts from the city the youth met a magnificent monastic Elder, who led him to the monastery. As he left, he blessed him with the words, "May God bless you, my child, and grant you the angelic schema, and may you be a chosen vessel of the Divine Spirit." Having said this, the Elder became invisible. The boy realized that this had been a messenger from God, and he gave thanks to the Lord.
The igumen St Cornelius (February 20) saw with his clairvoyant eye the grace manifest in the young man. He provided him with much guidance and tonsured him into the monastic schema with the name Cyril. The fifteen-year-old monk astonished the brethren with his efforts. He emaciated the flesh through fasting and prayer, and zealously fulfilled obediences. Day and night he was ready to study the Word of God. Even then he thought to end his days in solitude in the wilderness.
The boy's parents mourned him as one dead, but once an Elder of the monastery of St Cornelius came to them and told them about their son and his life at the monastery. The joyful news confirmed in Cyril's mother her love for God. She spoke with her husband about leaving to the monastery her portion of the inheritance, then left the world and became a nun with the name Elena (Helen). She died in peace a short time later.
The saint's father came to the monastery, and Igumen Cornelius told Cyril to meet with him. The saint was troubled, but not daring to disobey the igumen, he fell down at his father's feet, imploring forgiveness for secretly leaving home. The father forgave his son, and he himself remained at the monastery. St Cornelius tonsured him into monasticism with the name Barsanuphius, and gave him to his son for instruction.
Three years later, he peacefully fell asleep in the Lord. His son continued to toil more fervently for the Lord, disdaining his own will, and in was obedient not only to the igumen, but also to the brethren. He thirsted to go about all the Russian land, venerating its holy shrines and to find for himself a wilderness place for a life of silence.
With the blessing of St Cornelius, St Cyril left the monastery in which he had grown strong spiritually, and he went to the coastal regions, roaming through the forests and the wild places, eating tree roots and berries. The saint spent about twenty years in this difficult exploit of wanderer, and he went to the outskirts of Moscow, Novgorod and Pskov, but he never entered any house nor did he accept alms. He wandered about during the day, and spent his nights at prayer on church porches, and he attended the church services.
Once while at prayer, St Cyril saw a heavenly light indicating the direction where he should found a monastery. He set off on his way at once, and having reached the Tikhvin monastery, he spent three days and three nights there in ceaseless prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos. The Mother of God appeared to him in a dream. Showing Her approval of him, She said, "My servant Cyril, pleaser of the Most Holy Trinity, go to the Eastern region of White Lake, and the Lord My Son will show you the place of rest for your old age."
The saint proceeded to White Lake, weeping copious tears at the miraculous vision. On the lake he saw a small island, from which a pillar of fire rose up to the sky. There, beneath a centuries old spruce tree, St Cyril built a hut, and then set up two cells: one for himself, the other for future brethren. The hermit also constructed two small churches, one in honor of the Resurrection of Christ and the other in honor of the Mother of God Hodigitria. He underwent many temptations from invisible enemies, and from idlers roving about, but he overcame everything by brave endurance and constant prayer. News of his holy life spread everywhere, and brethren gathered around him.
There were many instances of healing through his prayers, and the Lord also granted His saint the gift of foresight. Sensing his impending end, St Cyril summoned the brethren. With tears of humility the saint instructed his spiritual children one last time, until his voice gave out. For a long time then he was silent, but suddenly he cried out with loud sobbing, "I go to the Lord into life eternal, but I entrust you to God the Word and His Grace, bestowing an inheritance and sanctification upon all. May it help you. But I beseech you, do not become lax in fasting and prayers, guard yourself from the snares of the Enemy, and the Lord in His ineffable mercy will not condemn your humility."
Having said this, the saint gave a final kiss to the brethren, received the Holy Mysteries, signed himself with the Sign of the Cross, and with the words "Glory to God for everything!" he gave up his pure soul to the Lord on February 4, 1532.
Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra
Martyr Melasippus with his wife and son at Ancyra
Commemorated on November 7
The Martyrs Melasippus and Karina and their son Antoninus, and 40 children converted by their martyrdom at Ancyra suffered during the reign of the emperor Julian the Apostate in the city of Ancyra in Phrygia in the year 363. The holy Martyrs Melasippus and Karina, lacerated by iron hooks and exhausted, died under torture.
Their son Antoninus, whom the persecutor forced to watch the torture of his parents, spat in the face of the apostate emperor. For this he was subjected to cruel tortures, but he remained unharmed, and then he was beheaded. Forty other youths, seeing that the Lord had preserved His confessor Antoninus unharmed by tortures, believed in Christ, and they openly confessed their faith and endured martyrdom
Martyr Karina with her husband and son at Ancyra
Commemorated on November 7
The Martyrs Karina and her husband Melasippus suffered during the reign of the emperor Julian the Apostate in the city of Ancyra in Phrygia in the year 363. They were lacerated by iron hooks and died under torture
Martyr Antoninus with his parents at Ancyra
Commemorated on November 7
Saint Antoninus was the son of Sts Melasippus and Karina. When the persecutor forced him to watch the torture of his parents, he spat in the face of the apostate emperor. For this he was subjected to cruel tortures, but he remained unharmed, and then he was beheaded
40 Martyred Children converted by the Martyrdom of Melasippus, Karina and Antoninus, at Ancyra
Commemorated on November 7
Forty holy children were converted by the martyrdom of Sts Melasippus, Karina and their son Antoninus at Ancyra in Phrygia in the year 363 during the reign of the emperor Julian the Apostate.
The forty youths, seeing that the Lord had preserved St Antoninus unharmed by tortures, believed in Christ, confessed their faith and endured martyrdom
Martyr Auctus at Amphipolis in Macedonia
Commemorated on November 7
Saints Auctus suffered martyrdom with Sts Taurion and Thessalonica, the daughter of a pagan priest. When the impious father learned that his daughter had become a Christian, he ruthlessly beat her and threw her out of the house, with no means of providing for herself. Sts Auctus and Taurion attempted to intercede for the girl, and to reason with the embittered father. The pagan priest denounced them both to the authorities, and they were arrested.
After confessing their faith in Christ before the torturers and undergoing cruel torments, the saints were then beheaded. Soon after their martyric death, St Thessalonica also died. Her body was reverently buried in the city of Amphypolis in Macedonia, together with the holy Martyrs Auctus and Taurion.
Martyr Taurion at Amphipolis in Macedonia
Commemorated on November 7
Saints Taurion and Auctus suffered martyrdom with Thessalonica, the daughter of a pagan priest Cleon. When the impious father learned that his daughter had become a Christian, he ruthlessly beat her and threw her out of the house, with no means of providing for herself. Sts Auctus and Taurion attempted to intercede for the girl, and to reason with the embittered father. Cleon denounced them both to the authorities, and they were arrested.
After confessing their faith in Christ before the torturers and undergoing cruel torments, the saints were then beheaded. Soon after their martyric death, St Thessalonica also died. Her body was reverently buried in the city of Amphypolis in Macedonia, together with the holy Martyrs Auctus and Taurion
Martyr Thessalonica at Amphipolis in Macedonia
Commemorated on November 7
Saint Thessalonica was the daughter of the pagan priest Cleon. When the impious father learned that his daughter had become a Christian, he ruthlessly beat her and threw her out of the house, with no means of providing for herself. Sts Auctus and Taurion attempted to intercede for the girl, and to reason with the embittered father. Cleon denounced them both to the authorities, and they were arrested.
After confessing their faith in Christ before the torturers and undergoing cruel torments, the saints were then beheaded. Soon after their martyric death, St Thessalonica also died. Her body was reverently buried in the city of Amphypolis in Macedonia, together with the holy Martyrs Auctus and Taurion
Icon of the Mother of God "the Joyful"
Commemorated on November 7Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries
The "Joyful" (Vzigranie) Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos appeared near Moscow on November 7, 1795 . Nothing is known of the history of the icon, except that many miracles have taken place before it.
Icons of this name are found in the Novodevichy Monastery in Moscow, and in the Vatopedi Monastery on Mt Athos. In appearance, the "Joyful" Icon resembles the "Pelagonitissa" Icon, a variant of the Glykophylousa ("Sweet-Kissing") or Eleousa type.
The Icon is sometimes called "Child Leaping for Joy."
St Theodotus of Ancyra
Commemorated on November 7
Saint Theodotus was an innkeeper. When seven virgins who lived near Corinth were drowned in a lake, he buried their bodies under the cover of night. For this reason, he was tortured and beheaded
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7 TONE 7
24th Sunday after Pentecost/Holy 33 Martyrs of Melitene
Venerable Lazarus the Wonderworker
"Lord, I Call..." Tone 7
Lord, I call upon You, hear me!
Hear me, O Lord!
Lord, I call upon You, hear me!
Receive the voice of my prayer,
when I call upon You!
Hear me, O Lord!
Let my prayer arise
in Your sight as incense,
and let the lifting up of my hands
be an evening sacrifice!
Hear me, O Lord!
v. (10) Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks to Your name!
Tone 7 (for the Resurrection)
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord,
Who destroyed the dominion of death!
Let us sing to Him with the bodiless hosts,
for He enlightened the human race!//
Our Maker and Savior, glory to You!
v. (9) The righteous will surround me; for You will deal bountifully with me.
You endured the Cross and burial for our sake.
By Your death, You destroyed death as God.
We fall down before Your Resurrection on the third day,//
O Savior, glory to You!
v. (8) Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice!
When the Apostles beheld the Resurrection of the Maker,
they were amazed and sang the angelic praise.
This is the glory of the Church.
This is the richness of the Kingdom.//
O Lord, crucified for our sake, glory to You!
v. (7) Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!
(Resurrection sticheron, by Anatolius)
You were held by lawless men, O Christ,
but to me, You are God, and I am not ashamed.
You were smitten on the cheek, but I do not deny You.
You were nailed to the Cross and I do not conceal it,
for I glory in Your Resurrection: Your death is my life.//
Almighty Lord and Lover of mankind, glory to You!
v. (6) If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You.
Fulfilling the prophecy of David,
Christ manifested His greatness in Zion to the disciples.
He is praised and always glorified,
together with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
At first as the Word, He was bodiless,
but then He took flesh and was slain for our sake.//
He rose in power as the Lover of mankind!
v. (5) For Your name's sake I have waited for You, O Lord, my soul has waited for Your word; my soul has hoped on the Lord.
You descended into hell as You freely willed, O Christ,
overthrowing death as God, and rising on the third day as Master!
With Yourself You raised Adam
from the bonds of hell and from corruption!//
Glory to Your Resurrection, only Lover of mankind!
v. (4) From the morning watch until night, from the morning watch, let Israel hope on the Lord!
Tone 4 (for the 33 Martyrs) (As one valiant)
You were fittingly revealed as a divinely assembled regiment,
O greatly glorious ones:
a sacred army, a Godly company, a holy nation;
a legion of martyrs inspired by God,
a noble gathering and unbreakable alliance,
inhabitants of the City on high.//
Therefore you are rightly called blessed.
v. (3) For with the Lord there is mercy and with Him is plenteous redemption, and He will deliver Israel from all his iniquities.
Let us all assemble and honor Hesychíus
with Nícander, Athanásius and Mámas,
the divine Baráchius and Callínicus,
Theógenes and Níkon,
Longínus and Théodore,
Valérius and Xánthius,
Theodúlus, Callimáchus and Eugene,//
the godly Theodóchus and Ostrýchius!
v. (2) Praise the Lord, all nations! Praise Him, all peoples!
Tone 6 (for Venerable Lazarus) (Having placed all their hope)
Having set aside all the folly of the passions
and made your flesh subject to your spirit,
you became a rule of virtue,
the confirmation of monastics,
a model for those who fast,
the adornment of the venerable ones.
Now you behold the ineffable beauty of your Creator
and are ever nurtured by the spirit on the beauties of heaven.
Therefore we have assembled to celebrate with hymns and sweet songs//
your honored and most festive memory.
v. (1) For His mercy is abundant towards us; and the truth of the Lord endures for ever.
You cut off all the heavy burden of material things
and the great turmoil of the flesh, O wise one.
Controlling even your breath, you remained untouched by the passions,
your courageous mind strong as a pillar surrounded by spiritual armor.
Now you have truly received the divine vision and splendor
and have taken your place before Him Whom you desired,
where, made divine by your manner,//
you delight in His never-ending radiance.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
Tone 5 (for Venerable Lazarus)
O venerable father,
you did not give sleep to your eyes nor slumber to your eyelids,
until you freed your soul and body from the passions,
preparing yourself to be a dwelling-place of the Spirit.
Christ, coming with the Father, made His dwelling in you.
Since you are a favorite of the consubstantial Trinity,
O great preacher, Lazarus our father,//
ever pray on behalf of our souls!
now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Tone 7 (Theotokion – Dogmatikon)
No tongue can speak of your wonderful childbearing,
for the order of nature was overruled by God.
You were revealed to be a Mother above nature,
for you remained a Virgin beyond reason and understanding.
Your conception was most glorious, O Theotokos!
The manner of your giving birth was ineffable, O Virgin!
Knowing you to be the Mother of God,
devoutly we pray to you://
“Beseech Him to save our souls!”
24th Sunday after Pentecost/Holy 33 Martyrs of Melitene
Venerable Lazarus the Wonderworker
Aposticha
Tone 7 (for the Resurrection)
As the Savior of the world You arose from the tomb.
As God You resurrected the human race with Your flesh.//
O Lord, glory to You!
v. The Lord is King; He is robed in majesty!
Come, let us worship the One Who rose from the dead,
and enlightened all creation!
By His death, He has saved us from the torments of hell.//
By His Resurrection He has granted us eternal life and great mercy.
v. For He has established the world, so that it shall never be moved.
You descended into hell, capturing death, O Christ.
In three days You arose again, resurrecting us who glorify Your
Resurrection,//
O Lord and Lover of mankind.
v. Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, forevermore!
When You were placed in the tomb as one asleep,
the sight was great and awesome.
But when You rose on the third day as almighty God,
You resurrected Adam with Yourself.//
Glory to Your Resurrection, only Lover of mankind!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
Tone 6 (for Venerable Lazarus)
The sound of your teachings has gone out into all the earth,
O venerable Father Lazarus!
Therefore you have found the reward of your labors in the heavens.
You destroyed the hosts of demons
and reached the ranks of angels, whose life you blamelessly followed.
Since you have boldness before Christ our God,//
entreat peace for our souls!
now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Tone 6 (Theotokion)
My Maker and Redeemer, Christ the Lord,
was born of you, O most pure Virgin.
By accepting my nature, He freed Adam from his ancient curse.
Unceasingly we magnify you as the Mother of God!
Rejoice, O celestial Joy!
Rejoice, O Lady://
the Protection, Intercession and Salvation of our souls!
24th Sunday after Pentecost/Holy 33 Martyrs of Melitene
Venerable Lazarus the Wonderworker
(at Great Vespers)
Tone 7 Troparion (Resurrection)
By Your Cross You destroyed death.
To the thief You opened Paradise.
For the Myrrhbearers You changed weeping into joy.
And You commanded Your disciples, O Christ God,
to proclaim that You are risen,//
granting the world great mercy.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
Tone 4 Troparion (33 Martyrs of Melitene)
Your thirty-three holy martyrs, O Lord,
through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from
You, our God.
For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.//
Through their intercessions, save our souls!
now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Tone 4 Resurrectional Dismissal Theotokion
The mystery of all eternity,
unknown even by Angels,
through you, Theotokos, is revealed to those on earth:
God incarnate by union without confusion.
He voluntarily accepted the Cross for us,
by which He resurrected the first-created man,//
saving our souls from death.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(at Vigil)
Tone 4 Troparion to the Theotokos
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos,
Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the Fruit of your womb,//
for you have borne the Savior of our souls. (thrice)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
( at the Divine Liturgy)
Tone 7 Troparion (Resurrection)
By Your Cross You destroyed death.
To the thief You opened Paradise.
For the Myrrhbearers You changed weeping into joy.
And You commanded Your disciples, O Christ God,
to proclaim that You are risen,//
granting the world great mercy.
Tone 4 Troparion (33 Martyrs of Melitene)
Your thirty-three holy martyrs, O Lord,
through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from
You, our God.
For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.//
Through their intercessions, save our souls!
Tone 8 Troparion (Venerable Lazarus)
You watered your pillar with prayerful vigils and flowing tears;
You brought forth fruit a hundredfold with sighs from the depths of
your soul.
You were a shepherd, granting the requests of all.//
Entreat Christ God, venerable Lazarus our father, that our souls may be
saved!
Tone 7 Kontakion (Resurrection)
The dominion of death can no longer hold mankind captive,
for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers.
Hell is bound, while the Prophets rejoice and cry:
“The Savior has come to those in faith;//
enter, you faithful, into the Resurrection!”
Tone 8 Kontakion (33 Martyrs of Melitene)
The radiant choir of martyrs, the light-bearing company, spiritually
descends to us,
enlightening the Church with brilliant rays.
Therefore as we celebrate their honored memory, we ask You, our
Savior://
“Through their prayers deliver us from misfortunes so that we may sing to
You: ‘Alleluia!’”
Tone 4 Kontakion (Venerable Lazarus)
With joy the Church of Christ glorifies you with psalms
as a most brilliant light, venerable Lazarus.//
Therefore, always pray to Christ that He may grant forgiveness of
transgressions to all!
Tone 7 Prokeimenon
The Lord shall give strength to His people. The Lord shall bless His
people with peace. (Ps 28/29:11)
v: Offer to the Lord, O you sons of God! Offer young rams to the Lord!
(Ps 28/29:1)
Epistle
Ephesians 2:14-22
Tone 7
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
v: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High. (Ps 91/92:1)
v: To declare Your mercy in the morning, and Your truth by night.
(Ps 91/92:2)
Gospel
Luke 8:41-56
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest! (Ps 148:1)
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Liturgical texts for this service represent modified versions of translations provided by Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery, Otego, New York and St. Tikhon’s Monastery, South Canaan, Pa. The Department of Liturgical Music and Translations of the Orthodox Church in America expresses its gratitude to Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery and St. Tikhon’s Monastery and to those translators whose work has been consulted at times in the course of reviewing and modifying these texts to their present form: Metropolitan Kallistos (Ware), Archimandrite Ephrem (Lash), Archimandrite Juvenaly, Elizabeth Theokritoff, Father Benedict Churchill, Isaac Lambertson, St. Vladimir’s Seminary, and Holy Transfiguration Monastery, among others.
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