From The Greek Orthodox Arch-Diocese of America:
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Daily Scripture Readings and Lives of the Saints for Friday, December 3, 2010
Strict Fast
Readings for today:
St. Paul's Letter to Titus 1:15-16; 2:1-10
Luke 20:19-26
Feasts and Saints celebrated today:
Friday of the 11th Week
Zephaniah the Prophet
Our Righteous Father John, Bishop and Hesychast
Holy Martyrs Agapius and Seleucius
Theodore, Archbishop of Alexandria
Epistle Reading
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 1:15-16; 2:1-10
TITUS, my son, to the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and
unbelieving nothing is pure; their very minds and consciences are corrupted.
They profess to know God, but they deny him by their deeds; they are
detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good deed.
But as for you, teach what befits sound doctrine. Bid the older men
be temperate, serious, sensible, sound in faith, in love, and in
steadfastness. Bid the older women likewise to be reverent in behavior, not to
be slanderous or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good,
and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to
be sensible, chaste, domestic, kind, and submissive to their
husbands, that the word of God may not be discredited. Likewise urge the
younger men to control themselves. Show yourself in all respects a model
of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and
sound speech that cannot be censured, so that an opponent may be put to
shame, having nothing evil to say to us. Bid slaves to be submissive to
their masters and to give satisfaction in every respect; they are not
to be refractory, nor to pilfer, but to show entire and true
fidelity, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our
Savior.
(C) 2010 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Gospel Reading
The reading is from Luke 20:19-26
At that time, the scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands
on him at that very hour, but they feared the people; for they
perceived that he had told this parable against them. So they watched him,
and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might take
hold of what he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and
jurisdiction of the governor. They asked him, "Teacher, we know that you speak
and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of
God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" But he
perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Show me a coin. Whose
likeness and inscription has it?" They said, "Caesar's." He said to them,
"Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the
things that are God's." And they were not able in the presence of the
people to catch him by what he said; but marveling at his answer they
were silent.
(C) 2010 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Zephaniah the Prophet
Reading from the Synaxarion:
This Prophet, who is ninth in order among the minor Prophets, was the
son of Chusi (Cushi), from the tribe of Levi, or according to some,
the great-grandson of King Hezekias. He prophesied in the years of
Josias, who reigned in the years 641-610 before Christ. His book of
prophecy is divided into three chapters. His name means "Yah is darkness."
Apolytikion in the Second Tone
As we celebrate the memory of Thy Prophet Sophronias, O Lord,
through him we beseech Thee to save our souls.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
Thou wast shown to be illumined by the Divine Spirit, O Prophet
Sophronias, proclaiming God's manifestation, and thou didst preach: Rejoice
greatly, O daughters of Sion and of Jerusalem; behold, your King cometh,
bringing salvation.
Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Our Righteous Father John, Bishop and Hesychast
Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
You are a guide of Orthodoxy, a teacher of piety and modesty, a
luminary of the world, the God inspired pride of monastics. O wise John,
you have enlightened everyone by your teachings. You are the harp of
the Spirit. Intercede to Christ our God for the salvation of our
souls.
Apolytikion courtesy of Narthex Press
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