From The Greek Orthodox Arch-Diocese of America;
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Daily Scripture Readings and Lives of the Saints for Friday, December 10, 2010
Strict Fast
Readings for today:
St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 7:18-25
Luke 21:37-38, 22:1-8
Feasts and Saints celebrated today:
Friday of the 12th Week
Menas, Hermogenes, & Eugraphos, Martyrs of Alexandria
Thomas the Righteous of Bithynia
Epistle Reading
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 7:18-25
BRETHREN, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and
uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); on the other hand, a better
hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. And it was not
without an oath. Those who formerly became priests took their office
without an oath, but this one was addressed with an oath, "The Lord
has sworn and will not change his mind, 'Thou art a priest for
ever."' This makes Jesus the surety of a better covenant. The former
priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from
continuing in office; but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he
continues for ever. Consequently he is able for all time to save those who
draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make
intercession for them.
(C) 2010 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Gospel Reading
The reading is from Luke 21:37-38, 22:1-8
At that time, Jesus was teaching in the temple, but at night he went
out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. And early in the morning
all the people came to him in the temple to hear him. Now the feast
of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called thePassover. And the
chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death; for
they feared the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot,
who was of the number of the twelve; he went away and conferred with
the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And
they were glad, and engaged to give him money. So he agreed, and
sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of the
multitude. Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the passover lamb
had to be sacrificed. So he sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and
prepare the passover for us, that we may eat it."
(C) 2010 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Menas, Hermogenes, & Eugraphos, Martyrs of Alexandria
Reading from the Synaxarion:
Saint Menas, according to the Synaxaristes, had Athens as his homeland.
He was a military officer, an educated man and skilled in speech,
wherefore he was surnamed Kallikelados ("most eloquent"); Eugraphus was his
scribe. Both had Christian parents. The Emperor Maximinus (he was the
successor of Alexander Severus, and reigned from 235 to 238) sent Saint
Menas to Alexandria to employ his eloquence to end a certain strife
among the citizens. Saint Menas, having accomplished this, also
employed his eloquence to strengthen the Christians in their faith, which
when Maximinus heard, he sent Hermogenes, who was an eparch born to
unbelievers to turn Menas away from Christ. But Hermogenes rather came to the
Faith of Christ because of the miracles wrought by Saint Menas. Saints
Menas, Eugraphus, and Hermogenes received the crown of martyrdom in the
year 235.
Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
Since they had slain through their abstinence and struggles the fiery
ragings and fierce motions of the passions, the staunch Martyrs of Christ
God laid hold on the graces to drive off the pains and illnesses of
the sick and work wonders both while living and after death. Strange
indeed is the miracle! That these bare bones should pour forth such
overflowing streams of cures. Glory be to our only God.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
The Lord snatched thee out of the temporal army, making thee a
fellow-heir of the eternal, O Menas, with them that suffered and died with
thee; and He doth grant thee the crown incorruptible.
Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
You may also read the prayer of the hour, listen to the weekly audio meditation and search for saints and feasts online by visiting the Online Chapel at: http://www.onlinechapel.goarch.org
Visit the online feast day and fasting calendar to view the prescribed fasting schedule for today at: http://www.calendar.goarch.org
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