From The Greek Orthodox Arch-Diocese of America:
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Daily Scripture Readings and Lives of the Saints for Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Strict Fast
Readings for today:
St. James' Universal Letter 1:1-18
Mark 10:11-16
Feasts and Saints celebrated today:
Wednesday of the 14th Week
Anastasia the Great Martyr
Chrysogonos, Theodota, Evodias, & Eutychianus, the Martyrs
The opening of the gates of the Great Church of God
Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Epistle Reading
The reading is from St. James' Universal Letter 1:1-18
JAMES, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve
tribes in the Dispersion: Greeting. Count it all joy, my brethren, when
you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith
produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that
you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you
lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and
without reproaching, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith,
with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is
driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that a
double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the
Lord. Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in
his humiliation, because like the flower of the grass he will pass
away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass;
its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So will the rich man fade
away in the midst of his pursuits. Blessed is the man who endures
trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life
which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is
tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted with
evil and he himself tempts no one; but each person is tempted when he
is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has
conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth
death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good endowment and
every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights
with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own
will he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind
of first fruits of his creatures.
(C) 2010 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Gospel Reading
The reading is from Mark 10:11-16
The Lord said, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another,
commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries
another, she commits adultery." And they were bringing children to him,
that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when
Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, "Let the children come
to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a
child shall not enter it." And he took them in his arms and blessed
them, laying his hands upon them.
(C) 2010 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Anastasia the Great Martyr
Reading from the Synaxarion:
This Saint, who was from Rome, was a most comely, wealthy, and
virtuous maiden, the daughter of Praepextatus and Fausta. It was her
mother who instructed her in the Faith of Christ. The Saint was joined
to a man named Publius Patricius, who was prodigal in life and
impious in disposition, but she was widowed after a short time.
Henceforth, she went about secretly to the dwellings of the poor and the
prisons where the Martyrs of Christ were, and brought them whatever was
needed for their daily subsistence. She washed their wounds and loosed
them from their fetters, and consoled them in their anguish. Also,
because the Saint, through her intercessions, has healed many from the
ill effects of spells, potions, poisons, and other harmful
substances, she has received the name "Deliverer from Potions." Since the
fame of her deeds had spread about, she was arrested by Diocletian's
minions, and after enduring many torments she was put to death by fire in
the year 290.
Kontakion in the Second Tone
When they that are found in trials and adversities flee unto thy
church O Anastasia, they receive the august and wondrous gifts of divine
grace which doth abide in thee; for at all times, O Saint of God, thou
pourest forth streams of healings for the world.
Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
Be thou ready, Bethlehem, Eden hath opened unto all. Ephratha,
prepare thyself, for now, behold, the Tree of life hath blossomed forth
in the cave from the Holy Virgin. Her womb hath proved a true
spiritual Paradise, wherein the divine and saving Tree is found, and as we
eat thereof we shall all live, and shall not die as did Adam. For
Christ is born now to raise the image that had fallen aforetime.
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
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