From kidusmarkos.org and ethiopiantewahedo.org:
Daily Readings:
Saints/Martyrs/Feasts/Fasts to be observed/commemmorated/celebrated: the Fast of the Nativity
+ St. Tekle Haimanot
Week One, Day One
The First Day
All together: The Lord’s Prayer. Our Father who art in heaven …
OUR LADY’S PRAYER
O my lady, Mary, I salute you with the salutation of Saint Gabriel the angel and say peace be with you. You are virgin in your spirit and virgin in your body. O mother of God of Sabath, peace be with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb our Lord Jesus Christ. O full of grace; rejoice, for the Lord is with you. Intercede and pray for us mercy to your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to forgive our sins. Now and forever. Amen.
The First Day
Day 1
Morning Prayer
Opening Prayer.
In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen. (By blessing one’s face with the sign of the Cross), then one minute’s reflection in silence.
Opening Prayer.
Jesus our Lord and our Master, who so love the world which was created by you and you gave yourself up to death on the Cross for our sake. We humbly ask you to strengthen us by your grace and give us a heart willing to live by that same love, and hear this our morning prayer in your mercy. Amen. Our father. O my Lady Mary I salute you with the....
Psalm 1: 1 – 6
1:1 Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 1:4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 1:6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (This doxology is said after each psalm, apostle and the prophets, when they are used as prayers. Short pause.)
Psalm 2: 1 – 12
2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, 2:3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 2:4 He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 2:5 Then shall he speak to them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 2:7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said to me, You are my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. 2:9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 2:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 2:11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning…
Psalm 3: 1 – 8
3:1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 3:2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 3:3 But you, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 3:4 I cried to the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. 3:7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for you have smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; you have broken the teeth of the ungodly. 3:8 Salvation belongs to the Lord: your blessing is upon your people. Selah. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning...
Psalm 4: 1 – 8
4:1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: you have enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. 4:2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. 4:3 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call to him. 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. 4:6 There are many who say, Who will show us any good? Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us. 4:7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for you, Lord, only make me dwell in safety. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning….
Psalm 5: 1 – 12
5:1 Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. 5:2 Hearken to the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for to thee will I pray. 5:3 My voice shall you hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer to thee, and will look up. 5:4 For you art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. 5:5 The foolish shall not stand in your sight: you hate all workers of iniquity. 5:6 You shall destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. 5:7 But as for me, I will come into your house in the multitude of your mercy: and in your fear will I worship toward your holy temple. 5:8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of mine enemies; make your way straight before my face. 5:9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. 5:10 Destroy them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because you defend them: let them also that love your name be joyful in thee. 5:12 For you, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour you compass him as with a shield. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning….
Scripture Readings
1st Reading
Isaiah 25: 1 – 5
O Lord, you art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise your name; for You has done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. For You have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin, the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt. Therefore strong peoples will glorify Thee; cities of ruthless nations will fear Thee. For You have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the blast of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall, like heat in a dry place. Thou dost subdue the noise of the aliens; as heat by the shade of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is stilled. He who receives the prophet by the name of the prophet, shall receive the prophet’s reward. Amen. (This doxology is said after each reading of the Old Testament.)
2nd Reading
Acts of the Apostles 22: 12 – 16
A certain Ananias, who was a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews living there, came to me; and standing beside me, he said, “Brother Saul, regain your sight” in that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. Then he said, “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the righteous One and to hear his own voice; for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized and have your sins washed away, calling on his name. He who receives the Apostle by the name of the Apostle shall receive the Apostle’s reward. Amen (This Doxology is said after the reading of from the apostle’s books. But not during the Holy Communion service. )
3rd Reading (Chant)
Psalm 61: 1 – 2
61:1 Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry to thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Halleluiah, sand up and hearken to the holy gospel, the message of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (People shall stand up when the holy Gospel is reading.)
(If the priest is present during the morning and evening prayer.)
Priest shall say: The Lord be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The holy gospel which John preached, the word of the Son of God, or The holy gospel which Matthew, Mark or Luke proclaimed.
People: Glory be to thee, Christ my Lord and my God at all times...end. Or alternative.
Priest: the holy gospel according to St Matthew, Luke, Mark or John.
4th Reading:
The Gospel of St. Matthew 6: 5 – 6
And when you pray you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you they have received their reward. But when you pray go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Priest: heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away, said the Lord to his disciples. Or alternative
Priest: this is the word of the Lord
People: thanks be to the Lord.
Concluding Prayer
Almighty, ever-living God, we humbly ask you to grant us your grace, so like good stewards responsible for all these different graces of ‘God, we may put ourselves at the service of others that are in need of our help today, tomorrow and always. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our father. O my Lady Mary I salute you with the....
Day 1
Evening Prayer
In the name of the Father and……..
Opening Prayer
Almighty, ever-living God, we humbly ask you to grant us your grace, so like good stewards responsible for all these different graces of ‘God, we may put ourselves at the service of others that are in need of our help today, tomorrow and always. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father. O my Lady Mary I salute you with the....
Psalm 6: 1 – 10
6:1 O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, neither chasten me in your hot displeasure. 6:2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed. 6:3 My soul is also sore vexed: but you, O Lord, how long? 6:4 Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for your mercies' sake. 6:5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? 6:6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. 6:7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxes old because of all mine enemies. 6:8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. 6:9 The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. 6:10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As
it was in the beginning….
Psalm 7: 1 – 17
7:1 O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: 7:2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. 7:3 O Lord my God, If I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; 7:4 If I have rewarded evil to him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) 7:5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah. 7:6 Arise, O Lord, in your anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that you have commanded. 7:7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return you on high. 7:8 The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God tries the hearts and reins. 7:10 My defence is of God, which saves the upright in heart. 7:11 God judges the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. 7:13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordains his arrows against the persecutors. 7:14 Behold, he travails with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. 7:15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 7:16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. 7:17 I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…….
Psalm 8: 1 – 9
8:1 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth! Who have set your glory above the heavens. 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings have you ordained strength because of your enemies, that you might still the enemy and the avenger. 8:3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained; 8:4 What is man, that you are mindful of him? and the son of man, that you visit him? 8:5 For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and have crowned him with glory and honour. 8:6 You made him to have dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet: 8:7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8:8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passes through the paths of the seas. 8:9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth! Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning…
Scripture Readings
1st Reading
Isaiah 44: 21 – 24
Remember this thing, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you, you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. He who receives the prophet by the name of the prophet, shall receive the prophet’s reward.
2nd Reading
Romans 1: 8 – 15
First, I thank you my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers. Asking that by God’s will I may somehow at last succeed in coming to you. For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you. Or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. I want you to know; brothers and sisters that I have often intended to come to you but thus far have been prevented, in order that I reap some harvest among you as I have among the rest of the Gentiles. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. Hence my eagerness to proclaim the gospel to you also who are in Rome. He who receives the Apostle by the name of the Apostle, shall receive the Apostle’s reward.
3rd Reading (Chant)
Psalm 67: 1 – 3
67:1May God be gracious to us and us and make his face his face shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nation. Let the peoples praise Thee. O God; let all the peoples praise thee.
Halleluiah, stand up and hearken to the holy gospel, the message of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (People shall stand up when the gospel is being read.)
If the priest is present during the morning and evening prayer.
Priest : The Lord be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The holy gospel which John preached, the word of the Son of God, or The holy gospel which Matthew, Mark or Luke proclaimed.
People: Glory be to thee, Christ my Lord and my God at all times...end.
4th Reading
The Gospel of St. Matthew 5: 14 – 16
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot he hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away, said the Lord to his disciples. Or Alternative he who receives…
Priest: This is the word of our Lord Jesus Christ.
People: Thanks: be to our Lord Jesus Christ, or
People: We believe in the holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Concluding Prayer
Lord God, the creator of our entire being, hear our prayer and humble request; inspire us with good intention help us to fulfil them. We make this our Evening Prayer and supplications through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Synaxarium:
THE FOURTH MONTH
TAHISAS 24
(January 02)
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT,
ONE GOD. AMEN.
On this day died the righteous woman Esther (Aster), the daughter of the brother of Mardochaeus (Mordecai), the daughter of the brother of Jeremiah the prophet. And there was a man, a Jew, in the city of Sus, whose name was Aminadab, the son of Iyaeru, of the tribe of Benjamin, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king carried off into captivity; and he had a beautiful daughter whose name was Esther (Aster). When her father died she was brought up in the house of Mardochaeus (Mordecai) her father’s brother. One day Arkaskesis (Ahasuerus) the king made ready a great feast, and gathered together with great pomp his governors, and the chief governor Hama (Haman), the Amalekite, who was the most honorable of all his officers. And having summoned Queen Vashti to his table, she refused to come, and sent back to him a message of derision; and because of this he was angry with her, and he remove her from her royal rank. Then the king ordered his officers to choose out for him one thousand women from all the cities of his kingdom, whereof of the number was one hundred and seven. And out of the thousand they chose one hundred, and out of the hundred ten, and out of the ten three, and of the three Esther (Aster) was found to excel them all by far in beauty and wisdom. And the king made her the queen and he loved her exceedingly; and Mardochaeus (Mordecai) continued to devote himself to the court of the king, and he was not under the authority of Hama (Haman). Esther (Aster) went in to the king in the twelfth month, in the month Hedar, in the seventh year of the king’s reign, and she found very great favor before him. And Mardochaeus (Mordecai) having learned of a conspiracy between two of the king’s messengers who wished to kill the king, came in to the king and told him secretly; and when the king enquired into the matter, and found out their guilt, he commanded [his soldiers] to kill them, and wrote down the good deed of Mardochaeus (Mordecai). Now Hama (Haman) hated Mardochaeus (Mordecai) and all the people of Israel, for he was an Amalekite, and he wished to destroy all the Jews, and to create a tumult in all the city. When Mardochaeus (Mordecai) knew what was happening, he rent his garments and put on sackcloth. And Esther (Aster) called a eunuch and sent him to obtain news of Mardochaeus (Mordecai), and to hear what had become of him. And Esther (Aster) made the man who had come to her [with news] from Mardochaeus (Mordecai), to go back, and she commanded him, saying, “Go and gather together the Jews who are in Susan and tell them to fast and eat not, and I and my maidens will fast.” And one night God drove slumber away from the king, and he made them fetch the Book of the Prophets to read, and he read the praise of Mardochaeus (Mordecai). And he commanded Hama (Haman) to pay honor to Mardochaeus (Mordecai). And he commanded Hama (Haman) to make the king’s sons to array him in purple, and to set him upon a horse, and to make a herald to go before him and proclaim that he was the friend of the king. And for this reason Hama (Haman) was jealous of Mardochaeus (Mordecai), and he prepared for him a tree whereon to hang him. And after three days, having finished her prayers, Esther (Aster) put off the garments of mourning, and put on glorious apparel, and came to the king, and she did homage to him, and stood up facing him. And the king said unto her, “What dost thou want, O Esther (Aster)?” And she said unto him, “If I have found favor before the king, let my petition be granted unto me, for I and my people are sold to death and destruction.” And the king said unto her, “Who hath dared to do this thing?” And Esther (Aster) said unto him, “The enemy is Hama (Haman).” And when Hama (Haman) heard this he feared the king. And when the king turned aside into the garden Hama (Haman) bowed down at the feet of Esther (Aster) to pay homage to her, and when the king found him with her he was filled with wrath, and he said unto him, “Wouldst thou force my wife in my own house?” Then he commanded his soldiers to hang Hama (Haman) upon the tree, which he had prepared for Mardochaeus (Mordecai), and thus he performed the prayer of Esther (Aster). Salutation to Esther (Aster).
Salutation to Aboli, whose head was cut off in a tank of water. Salutation to Felhasius, the ascetic, Basil, who was hacked in pieces, and Arius, who was sent into exile. Salutation to the righteous fathers of the city of Kadih Aswan, who enriched the poor.
Salutation to thy birth, seeing that thy mother had long remained barren, O Takla Haymanot, the sun who conquereth time, with whose praise the earth is filled from one boundary to the other, and with whose righteousness heaven is covered. [The above salutations are wanting in the Bodleian MS.]
And on this day also died Abba Pawli who disputed with Satan in the city of Samer, which is called Salonkeya (Thessalonica). Now the men thereof were kinsmen of Herod, and they were wicked; and they had the custom of going into the bath the men and the women together. And Abba Pawli came to that city, now he had a young deacon with him, and he found the people, both men and women, going into the baths together on the Fourth Day of the week. And when Abba Pawli saw [this] he marveled exceedingly, and he said unto one of them, “Why do ye do this abominable thing?” And the man said unto him, “As we consort with our wives on our couches even so we consort with them in the bath.” And when the night was come, and men were asleep, Abba Pawli began to pray to God with anguish of heart to smite the people a severe blow. And when he had finished his prayer he saw a black man coming from the bathhouse carrying a sword, which was like fire. And Abba Pawli said unto him, “Who art thou and what dost thou seek?” And the black man said unto him, “I am Satan. God hath sent me, since thou didst ask Him for me.” And Abba Pawli said unto him, “I beseech thee to tell me all thine error”; and Satan said unto him, “Ask me what thou willest.” And Abba Pawli said unto him, “How dost thou find the means of entering into man against God’s Will?” And Satan said unto him, “We have no power to enter into man as long as he walketh in the path of God, nor into him that invoketh the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, nor into those who receive the Body and Blood of Christ in holiness”; and then Satan told him all his error. And when Abba Pawli looked about so that he might remove himself from Satan, there was, as it were, a flash of fire; and Abba Pawli was terrified, but an angel of God appeared and strengthened him. And on that day a stroke of God descended and destroyed those who were in the bathhouse, and all that were left [alive] were one man and five women. And Abba Pawli said unto them, “Why do ye do this?” And they said unto him, “Our fathers commanded us to go into the bath house, and to enjoy ourselves one day each month with our women. We shut the doors, and extinguish the lamps, and lie with the woman on whom our hand happeneth to fall.” And Abba Pawli said unto them, “Doth anyone of you know his daughter or his sister?” And they said unto him, “Certainly not, one doeth like the irrational beast.” And Abba Pawli taught them the Faith of Christ, and baptized them in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and administered to them the Holy Mysteries. And he went into his cell, and finished his fight, and departed to his God at a good old age. Salutation to Pawli, who made Satan to reveal to him the crafty and deceitful means, which he used in seducing the children of men.
And on this day also the holy and honorable Ignatius, Archbishop of Antioch, became a martyr. This saint was the disciple of the blessed John the evangelist, and he followed him in preaching, and he went with him to many cities; and after this, John made him Archbishop of Antioch, and he preached the doctrine, which maketh alive therein. And he converted many to the knowledge of God, and he baptized them with Christian baptism, and he illumined them with knowledge, and revealed unto them the error of those who worship idols. And the pagans were wroth with him, and they accused him before the Emperor Trajan the Caesar, a heretic, and they said unto him, “Ignatius destroyeth the worship of thy gods, and he teacheth the people and bringeth them into the Christian Faith of Christ.” And straightway Trajan sent and had him brought into his presence, and the emperor said unto him, “Why hast thou done this, Ignatius? And why hast thou destroyed the worship of my gods, and hath brought all men to worship Christ?” And Ignatius said unto him, “If thou wilt allow me, O emperor, I will bring thee also to the worship of Christ, the God of all men, and I will make thee His friend.” And the emperor said unto him, “Cease this talk, and offer sacrifice to the gods, and if thou dost not do so I will torture thee very severely.” And Saint Ignatius said unto him, “O emperor, do whatsoever thou wishest to me, for I will not worship thine unclean gods, and I am not afraid of thy tortures, neither by thy fire nor by thy lions, and thou canst not separate me from the love of Christ, the Living King.” When the emperor heard this he was exceedingly wroth, and he commanded his soldiers to torture him severely. And they tortured him with divers kinds of tortures: they put burning coals of fire upon his hands, they pinched him with tongs the claws of which had been made red-hot in the fire, and they burnt his sides with red-hot pitch and oil; and after this they sliced all his body into pieces with butchers’ knives made of iron. When those who were torturing him were weary of inflicting tortures upon him, they cast him into the prison house until they were able to do with him what they wished; and he remained in the prison house for many days. And then they remembered him and brought him out and set him before the emperor, and the emperor said unto him, “O Ignatius, if thou couldst see the gods thou wouldst be pleased with their beauty.” And the saint said unto him, “If thou didst believe on Christ I could make thee to raise the dead, and to heal the sick.” And the emperor said unto him, “There is no worship better than the worship of the sun.” And the saint said unto him, “How is it good to worship the sun, which was created, and to forsake the Creator, Whose kingdom shall never end?” And the emperor said unto him, “What thou sayest is good, but thy transgression is not good, for thou hast drawn all the people of Syria to the worship of Christ.” And the saint was wroth, and he said unto the emperor, “Because I have drawn men away from the worship of idols, and have brought them into the worship of Christ, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who existed before the world, thou art wroth with me, and dost command me to worship thy gods and thine unclean idols! I will not accept thy words, and I will not sacrifice to Satans, but I will worship my God, Who is indeed God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” And straightway the emperor was wroth with him, and he commanded his soldiers to make two famished lions to attack him so that nothing whatsoever of his body might remain. And when Saint Ignatius saw the lions drawing towards him, he cried out with a loud voice and said unto the people, “Hear my voice, O ye men of the city of Rome, who are gathered together here, know ye that I do not suffer this torture for the sake of pride and arrogant boasting, but I suffer it patiently for the sake of Jesus Christ, my Lord God. And behold, my soul desireth that these lions shall chew me up like grain, for my soul desireth to depart to my Lord Jesus Christ.” And when the emperor heard this he marveled, and was frightened, and said, “How great is the patient endurance of these Christians under these tortures! What pagan is there who would have been able to endure such punishment as this for the sake of the gods?” And when all the lions had come to the saint they looked at him, and they stood still being frightened [of him]. Then one of them smote with his paw the head of the saint and clawed him, and straightway the saint delivered up his soul into the hand of Christ his God, with joy, and his petition was fulfilled. And those lions were not able to touch his body, for it was laid up in the city of Rome until the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; and they took it to a grave which was outside the city, with praise and singing. Thus he finished nobly his martyrdom for the Name of our Lord Christ, and the story of his fight hath been written so that it may be profitable to him that readeth it. And those who shall remember his name, and shall celebrate a festival in his honor, in any place, he shall make intercession when they are suffering tribulation, for he is the enemy of the life of this world. Salutation to Ignatius.
And on this day also died the Holy Father Fulgosius, Archbishop of the city of Antioch. This holy man married a wife and begot a daughter, and then his wife died and he assumed the garb of the monk; and because of his virtues, and his goodness, and his pleasing manners, and his asceticism, and his gentleness God chose him to be Archbishop of the city of Antioch. And having been appointed he tended the flock of Christ carefully and well, and he protected it against the Arian wolves, and the followers of Macedonius, and the Sabellian heretics. He lived the life of an angel in his archiepiscopal office, and he did not possess a change of apparel, and he had no money. And he finished his fight and pleased God, and died in peace. And Saint John of the Golden Mouth (i.e. Chrysostom) praised him in his [Book of] Praisings and Discourses, and made manifest therein his virtues and his righteousness. Salutation to Fulgosius, the devotee of God.
And on this day also died ... in one day, even as the angel told them. [Wanting in the Bodleian MS.]
Glory be to God Who is glorified in His Saints. Amen.
Daily Readings:
Saints/Martyrs/Feasts/Fasts to be observed/commemmorated/celebrated: the Fast of the Nativity
+ St. Tekle Haimanot
Week One, Day One
The First Day
All together: The Lord’s Prayer. Our Father who art in heaven …
OUR LADY’S PRAYER
O my lady, Mary, I salute you with the salutation of Saint Gabriel the angel and say peace be with you. You are virgin in your spirit and virgin in your body. O mother of God of Sabath, peace be with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb our Lord Jesus Christ. O full of grace; rejoice, for the Lord is with you. Intercede and pray for us mercy to your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to forgive our sins. Now and forever. Amen.
The First Day
Day 1
Morning Prayer
Opening Prayer.
In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen. (By blessing one’s face with the sign of the Cross), then one minute’s reflection in silence.
Opening Prayer.
Jesus our Lord and our Master, who so love the world which was created by you and you gave yourself up to death on the Cross for our sake. We humbly ask you to strengthen us by your grace and give us a heart willing to live by that same love, and hear this our morning prayer in your mercy. Amen. Our father. O my Lady Mary I salute you with the....
Psalm 1: 1 – 6
1:1 Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 1:4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 1:6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (This doxology is said after each psalm, apostle and the prophets, when they are used as prayers. Short pause.)
Psalm 2: 1 – 12
2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, 2:3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 2:4 He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 2:5 Then shall he speak to them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 2:7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said to me, You are my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. 2:9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 2:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 2:11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning…
Psalm 3: 1 – 8
3:1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 3:2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 3:3 But you, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 3:4 I cried to the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. 3:7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for you have smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; you have broken the teeth of the ungodly. 3:8 Salvation belongs to the Lord: your blessing is upon your people. Selah. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning...
Psalm 4: 1 – 8
4:1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: you have enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. 4:2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. 4:3 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call to him. 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. 4:6 There are many who say, Who will show us any good? Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us. 4:7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for you, Lord, only make me dwell in safety. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning….
Psalm 5: 1 – 12
5:1 Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. 5:2 Hearken to the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for to thee will I pray. 5:3 My voice shall you hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer to thee, and will look up. 5:4 For you art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. 5:5 The foolish shall not stand in your sight: you hate all workers of iniquity. 5:6 You shall destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. 5:7 But as for me, I will come into your house in the multitude of your mercy: and in your fear will I worship toward your holy temple. 5:8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of mine enemies; make your way straight before my face. 5:9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. 5:10 Destroy them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because you defend them: let them also that love your name be joyful in thee. 5:12 For you, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour you compass him as with a shield. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning….
Scripture Readings
1st Reading
Isaiah 25: 1 – 5
O Lord, you art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise your name; for You has done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. For You have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin, the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt. Therefore strong peoples will glorify Thee; cities of ruthless nations will fear Thee. For You have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the blast of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall, like heat in a dry place. Thou dost subdue the noise of the aliens; as heat by the shade of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is stilled. He who receives the prophet by the name of the prophet, shall receive the prophet’s reward. Amen. (This doxology is said after each reading of the Old Testament.)
2nd Reading
Acts of the Apostles 22: 12 – 16
A certain Ananias, who was a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews living there, came to me; and standing beside me, he said, “Brother Saul, regain your sight” in that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. Then he said, “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the righteous One and to hear his own voice; for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized and have your sins washed away, calling on his name. He who receives the Apostle by the name of the Apostle shall receive the Apostle’s reward. Amen (This Doxology is said after the reading of from the apostle’s books. But not during the Holy Communion service. )
3rd Reading (Chant)
Psalm 61: 1 – 2
61:1 Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry to thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Halleluiah, sand up and hearken to the holy gospel, the message of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (People shall stand up when the holy Gospel is reading.)
(If the priest is present during the morning and evening prayer.)
Priest shall say: The Lord be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The holy gospel which John preached, the word of the Son of God, or The holy gospel which Matthew, Mark or Luke proclaimed.
People: Glory be to thee, Christ my Lord and my God at all times...end. Or alternative.
Priest: the holy gospel according to St Matthew, Luke, Mark or John.
4th Reading:
The Gospel of St. Matthew 6: 5 – 6
And when you pray you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you they have received their reward. But when you pray go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Priest: heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away, said the Lord to his disciples. Or alternative
Priest: this is the word of the Lord
People: thanks be to the Lord.
Concluding Prayer
Almighty, ever-living God, we humbly ask you to grant us your grace, so like good stewards responsible for all these different graces of ‘God, we may put ourselves at the service of others that are in need of our help today, tomorrow and always. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our father. O my Lady Mary I salute you with the....
Day 1
Evening Prayer
In the name of the Father and……..
Opening Prayer
Almighty, ever-living God, we humbly ask you to grant us your grace, so like good stewards responsible for all these different graces of ‘God, we may put ourselves at the service of others that are in need of our help today, tomorrow and always. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father. O my Lady Mary I salute you with the....
Psalm 6: 1 – 10
6:1 O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, neither chasten me in your hot displeasure. 6:2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed. 6:3 My soul is also sore vexed: but you, O Lord, how long? 6:4 Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for your mercies' sake. 6:5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? 6:6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. 6:7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxes old because of all mine enemies. 6:8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. 6:9 The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. 6:10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As
it was in the beginning….
Psalm 7: 1 – 17
7:1 O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: 7:2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. 7:3 O Lord my God, If I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; 7:4 If I have rewarded evil to him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) 7:5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah. 7:6 Arise, O Lord, in your anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that you have commanded. 7:7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return you on high. 7:8 The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God tries the hearts and reins. 7:10 My defence is of God, which saves the upright in heart. 7:11 God judges the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. 7:13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordains his arrows against the persecutors. 7:14 Behold, he travails with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. 7:15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 7:16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. 7:17 I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…….
Psalm 8: 1 – 9
8:1 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth! Who have set your glory above the heavens. 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings have you ordained strength because of your enemies, that you might still the enemy and the avenger. 8:3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained; 8:4 What is man, that you are mindful of him? and the son of man, that you visit him? 8:5 For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and have crowned him with glory and honour. 8:6 You made him to have dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet: 8:7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8:8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passes through the paths of the seas. 8:9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth! Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning…
Scripture Readings
1st Reading
Isaiah 44: 21 – 24
Remember this thing, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you, you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. He who receives the prophet by the name of the prophet, shall receive the prophet’s reward.
2nd Reading
Romans 1: 8 – 15
First, I thank you my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers. Asking that by God’s will I may somehow at last succeed in coming to you. For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you. Or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. I want you to know; brothers and sisters that I have often intended to come to you but thus far have been prevented, in order that I reap some harvest among you as I have among the rest of the Gentiles. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. Hence my eagerness to proclaim the gospel to you also who are in Rome. He who receives the Apostle by the name of the Apostle, shall receive the Apostle’s reward.
3rd Reading (Chant)
Psalm 67: 1 – 3
67:1May God be gracious to us and us and make his face his face shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nation. Let the peoples praise Thee. O God; let all the peoples praise thee.
Halleluiah, stand up and hearken to the holy gospel, the message of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (People shall stand up when the gospel is being read.)
If the priest is present during the morning and evening prayer.
Priest : The Lord be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The holy gospel which John preached, the word of the Son of God, or The holy gospel which Matthew, Mark or Luke proclaimed.
People: Glory be to thee, Christ my Lord and my God at all times...end.
4th Reading
The Gospel of St. Matthew 5: 14 – 16
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot he hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away, said the Lord to his disciples. Or Alternative he who receives…
Priest: This is the word of our Lord Jesus Christ.
People: Thanks: be to our Lord Jesus Christ, or
People: We believe in the holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Concluding Prayer
Lord God, the creator of our entire being, hear our prayer and humble request; inspire us with good intention help us to fulfil them. We make this our Evening Prayer and supplications through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Synaxarium:
THE FOURTH MONTH
TAHISAS 24
(January 02)
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT,
ONE GOD. AMEN.
On this day died the righteous woman Esther (Aster), the daughter of the brother of Mardochaeus (Mordecai), the daughter of the brother of Jeremiah the prophet. And there was a man, a Jew, in the city of Sus, whose name was Aminadab, the son of Iyaeru, of the tribe of Benjamin, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king carried off into captivity; and he had a beautiful daughter whose name was Esther (Aster). When her father died she was brought up in the house of Mardochaeus (Mordecai) her father’s brother. One day Arkaskesis (Ahasuerus) the king made ready a great feast, and gathered together with great pomp his governors, and the chief governor Hama (Haman), the Amalekite, who was the most honorable of all his officers. And having summoned Queen Vashti to his table, she refused to come, and sent back to him a message of derision; and because of this he was angry with her, and he remove her from her royal rank. Then the king ordered his officers to choose out for him one thousand women from all the cities of his kingdom, whereof of the number was one hundred and seven. And out of the thousand they chose one hundred, and out of the hundred ten, and out of the ten three, and of the three Esther (Aster) was found to excel them all by far in beauty and wisdom. And the king made her the queen and he loved her exceedingly; and Mardochaeus (Mordecai) continued to devote himself to the court of the king, and he was not under the authority of Hama (Haman). Esther (Aster) went in to the king in the twelfth month, in the month Hedar, in the seventh year of the king’s reign, and she found very great favor before him. And Mardochaeus (Mordecai) having learned of a conspiracy between two of the king’s messengers who wished to kill the king, came in to the king and told him secretly; and when the king enquired into the matter, and found out their guilt, he commanded [his soldiers] to kill them, and wrote down the good deed of Mardochaeus (Mordecai). Now Hama (Haman) hated Mardochaeus (Mordecai) and all the people of Israel, for he was an Amalekite, and he wished to destroy all the Jews, and to create a tumult in all the city. When Mardochaeus (Mordecai) knew what was happening, he rent his garments and put on sackcloth. And Esther (Aster) called a eunuch and sent him to obtain news of Mardochaeus (Mordecai), and to hear what had become of him. And Esther (Aster) made the man who had come to her [with news] from Mardochaeus (Mordecai), to go back, and she commanded him, saying, “Go and gather together the Jews who are in Susan and tell them to fast and eat not, and I and my maidens will fast.” And one night God drove slumber away from the king, and he made them fetch the Book of the Prophets to read, and he read the praise of Mardochaeus (Mordecai). And he commanded Hama (Haman) to pay honor to Mardochaeus (Mordecai). And he commanded Hama (Haman) to make the king’s sons to array him in purple, and to set him upon a horse, and to make a herald to go before him and proclaim that he was the friend of the king. And for this reason Hama (Haman) was jealous of Mardochaeus (Mordecai), and he prepared for him a tree whereon to hang him. And after three days, having finished her prayers, Esther (Aster) put off the garments of mourning, and put on glorious apparel, and came to the king, and she did homage to him, and stood up facing him. And the king said unto her, “What dost thou want, O Esther (Aster)?” And she said unto him, “If I have found favor before the king, let my petition be granted unto me, for I and my people are sold to death and destruction.” And the king said unto her, “Who hath dared to do this thing?” And Esther (Aster) said unto him, “The enemy is Hama (Haman).” And when Hama (Haman) heard this he feared the king. And when the king turned aside into the garden Hama (Haman) bowed down at the feet of Esther (Aster) to pay homage to her, and when the king found him with her he was filled with wrath, and he said unto him, “Wouldst thou force my wife in my own house?” Then he commanded his soldiers to hang Hama (Haman) upon the tree, which he had prepared for Mardochaeus (Mordecai), and thus he performed the prayer of Esther (Aster). Salutation to Esther (Aster).
Salutation to Aboli, whose head was cut off in a tank of water. Salutation to Felhasius, the ascetic, Basil, who was hacked in pieces, and Arius, who was sent into exile. Salutation to the righteous fathers of the city of Kadih Aswan, who enriched the poor.
Salutation to thy birth, seeing that thy mother had long remained barren, O Takla Haymanot, the sun who conquereth time, with whose praise the earth is filled from one boundary to the other, and with whose righteousness heaven is covered. [The above salutations are wanting in the Bodleian MS.]
And on this day also died Abba Pawli who disputed with Satan in the city of Samer, which is called Salonkeya (Thessalonica). Now the men thereof were kinsmen of Herod, and they were wicked; and they had the custom of going into the bath the men and the women together. And Abba Pawli came to that city, now he had a young deacon with him, and he found the people, both men and women, going into the baths together on the Fourth Day of the week. And when Abba Pawli saw [this] he marveled exceedingly, and he said unto one of them, “Why do ye do this abominable thing?” And the man said unto him, “As we consort with our wives on our couches even so we consort with them in the bath.” And when the night was come, and men were asleep, Abba Pawli began to pray to God with anguish of heart to smite the people a severe blow. And when he had finished his prayer he saw a black man coming from the bathhouse carrying a sword, which was like fire. And Abba Pawli said unto him, “Who art thou and what dost thou seek?” And the black man said unto him, “I am Satan. God hath sent me, since thou didst ask Him for me.” And Abba Pawli said unto him, “I beseech thee to tell me all thine error”; and Satan said unto him, “Ask me what thou willest.” And Abba Pawli said unto him, “How dost thou find the means of entering into man against God’s Will?” And Satan said unto him, “We have no power to enter into man as long as he walketh in the path of God, nor into him that invoketh the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, nor into those who receive the Body and Blood of Christ in holiness”; and then Satan told him all his error. And when Abba Pawli looked about so that he might remove himself from Satan, there was, as it were, a flash of fire; and Abba Pawli was terrified, but an angel of God appeared and strengthened him. And on that day a stroke of God descended and destroyed those who were in the bathhouse, and all that were left [alive] were one man and five women. And Abba Pawli said unto them, “Why do ye do this?” And they said unto him, “Our fathers commanded us to go into the bath house, and to enjoy ourselves one day each month with our women. We shut the doors, and extinguish the lamps, and lie with the woman on whom our hand happeneth to fall.” And Abba Pawli said unto them, “Doth anyone of you know his daughter or his sister?” And they said unto him, “Certainly not, one doeth like the irrational beast.” And Abba Pawli taught them the Faith of Christ, and baptized them in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and administered to them the Holy Mysteries. And he went into his cell, and finished his fight, and departed to his God at a good old age. Salutation to Pawli, who made Satan to reveal to him the crafty and deceitful means, which he used in seducing the children of men.
And on this day also the holy and honorable Ignatius, Archbishop of Antioch, became a martyr. This saint was the disciple of the blessed John the evangelist, and he followed him in preaching, and he went with him to many cities; and after this, John made him Archbishop of Antioch, and he preached the doctrine, which maketh alive therein. And he converted many to the knowledge of God, and he baptized them with Christian baptism, and he illumined them with knowledge, and revealed unto them the error of those who worship idols. And the pagans were wroth with him, and they accused him before the Emperor Trajan the Caesar, a heretic, and they said unto him, “Ignatius destroyeth the worship of thy gods, and he teacheth the people and bringeth them into the Christian Faith of Christ.” And straightway Trajan sent and had him brought into his presence, and the emperor said unto him, “Why hast thou done this, Ignatius? And why hast thou destroyed the worship of my gods, and hath brought all men to worship Christ?” And Ignatius said unto him, “If thou wilt allow me, O emperor, I will bring thee also to the worship of Christ, the God of all men, and I will make thee His friend.” And the emperor said unto him, “Cease this talk, and offer sacrifice to the gods, and if thou dost not do so I will torture thee very severely.” And Saint Ignatius said unto him, “O emperor, do whatsoever thou wishest to me, for I will not worship thine unclean gods, and I am not afraid of thy tortures, neither by thy fire nor by thy lions, and thou canst not separate me from the love of Christ, the Living King.” When the emperor heard this he was exceedingly wroth, and he commanded his soldiers to torture him severely. And they tortured him with divers kinds of tortures: they put burning coals of fire upon his hands, they pinched him with tongs the claws of which had been made red-hot in the fire, and they burnt his sides with red-hot pitch and oil; and after this they sliced all his body into pieces with butchers’ knives made of iron. When those who were torturing him were weary of inflicting tortures upon him, they cast him into the prison house until they were able to do with him what they wished; and he remained in the prison house for many days. And then they remembered him and brought him out and set him before the emperor, and the emperor said unto him, “O Ignatius, if thou couldst see the gods thou wouldst be pleased with their beauty.” And the saint said unto him, “If thou didst believe on Christ I could make thee to raise the dead, and to heal the sick.” And the emperor said unto him, “There is no worship better than the worship of the sun.” And the saint said unto him, “How is it good to worship the sun, which was created, and to forsake the Creator, Whose kingdom shall never end?” And the emperor said unto him, “What thou sayest is good, but thy transgression is not good, for thou hast drawn all the people of Syria to the worship of Christ.” And the saint was wroth, and he said unto the emperor, “Because I have drawn men away from the worship of idols, and have brought them into the worship of Christ, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who existed before the world, thou art wroth with me, and dost command me to worship thy gods and thine unclean idols! I will not accept thy words, and I will not sacrifice to Satans, but I will worship my God, Who is indeed God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” And straightway the emperor was wroth with him, and he commanded his soldiers to make two famished lions to attack him so that nothing whatsoever of his body might remain. And when Saint Ignatius saw the lions drawing towards him, he cried out with a loud voice and said unto the people, “Hear my voice, O ye men of the city of Rome, who are gathered together here, know ye that I do not suffer this torture for the sake of pride and arrogant boasting, but I suffer it patiently for the sake of Jesus Christ, my Lord God. And behold, my soul desireth that these lions shall chew me up like grain, for my soul desireth to depart to my Lord Jesus Christ.” And when the emperor heard this he marveled, and was frightened, and said, “How great is the patient endurance of these Christians under these tortures! What pagan is there who would have been able to endure such punishment as this for the sake of the gods?” And when all the lions had come to the saint they looked at him, and they stood still being frightened [of him]. Then one of them smote with his paw the head of the saint and clawed him, and straightway the saint delivered up his soul into the hand of Christ his God, with joy, and his petition was fulfilled. And those lions were not able to touch his body, for it was laid up in the city of Rome until the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; and they took it to a grave which was outside the city, with praise and singing. Thus he finished nobly his martyrdom for the Name of our Lord Christ, and the story of his fight hath been written so that it may be profitable to him that readeth it. And those who shall remember his name, and shall celebrate a festival in his honor, in any place, he shall make intercession when they are suffering tribulation, for he is the enemy of the life of this world. Salutation to Ignatius.
And on this day also died the Holy Father Fulgosius, Archbishop of the city of Antioch. This holy man married a wife and begot a daughter, and then his wife died and he assumed the garb of the monk; and because of his virtues, and his goodness, and his pleasing manners, and his asceticism, and his gentleness God chose him to be Archbishop of the city of Antioch. And having been appointed he tended the flock of Christ carefully and well, and he protected it against the Arian wolves, and the followers of Macedonius, and the Sabellian heretics. He lived the life of an angel in his archiepiscopal office, and he did not possess a change of apparel, and he had no money. And he finished his fight and pleased God, and died in peace. And Saint John of the Golden Mouth (i.e. Chrysostom) praised him in his [Book of] Praisings and Discourses, and made manifest therein his virtues and his righteousness. Salutation to Fulgosius, the devotee of God.
And on this day also died ... in one day, even as the angel told them. [Wanting in the Bodleian MS.]
Glory be to God Who is glorified in His Saints. Amen.
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