From The Greek Orthodox Arch-Diocese:
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Daily Scripture Readings and Lives of the Saints for Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Strict Fast
Readings for today:
St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2
Matthew 22:2-14
Feasts and Saints celebrated today:
Makarios the Great of Egypt
Mark, Bishop of Ephesus
Arsenios, Metropolitan of Kerkyra
Makarios of Alexandria
Epistle Reading
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2
Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no
law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh
with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also
walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one
another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any
trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of
gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's
burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
(C) 2011 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Gospel Reading
The reading is from Matthew 22:2-14
The Lord said this parable, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to
a king who gave a marriage feast for his son, and sent his servants
to call those who were invited to the marriage feast; but they would
not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are
invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves
are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.' But
they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his
business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and
killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed
those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants,
'The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore
to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as
you find.' And those servants went out into the streets and gathered
all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was
filled with guests.
But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a
man who had no wedding garment; and he said to him, 'Friend, how did
you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.
Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and
cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their
teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen."
(C) 2011 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Makarios the Great of Egypt
Apolytikion in the First Tone
Thou didst prove to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in the flesh,
and a wonderworker, O Makarios, our God-bearing Father. By fasting,
vigil, and prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the
sick and the souls of them that have recourse to thee with faith.
Glory to Him that hath given thee strength. Glory to Him that hath
crowned thee. Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
The Lord God established thee, O great ascetic, in the house of
abstinence, like an unerring star that lit the farthest regions with guiding
light, Father of Fathers, O righteous Macarius.
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Mark, Bishop of Ephesus
Reading from the Synaxarion:
The great teacher and invincible defender of the One, Holy, Catholic,
and Apostolic Church, Saint Mark, was the offspring and scion of the
imperial city, Constantinople. Reared by most pious parents, and
instructed in secular and spiritual wisdom, he became preeminent in both.
Saint Mark lived as an ascetic on the Prince's Islands and later in the
monastery of Saint George Magana in Constantinople. He passed through all
the degrees of the priesthood, and was finally advanced to the
dignity of Archbishop and the lofty throne of the Metropolis of Ephesus.
At the insistence of Emperor John Paleologos, the Saint was sent to
the council of the Latins in Florence, to unite the churches that had
been divided for so many years. He astounded the papal teachers with
the divine wisdom of his words, and was the only one who did not sign
the blasphemous decree of that false council. Because of this, the
Holy Church of Christ has ever honored this great man as a benefactor,
teacher, sole defender, and invincible champion of the Apostolic
Confession. He reposed in 1443.
Kontakion in the Third Tone
Clad, O godly-minded one, with an invincible armor, thou didst dash to
pieces the pride of the Western rebellion; thou wast brought forth as
the champion of Orthodoxy, as the Comforter's own instrument and pure
vessel. For this cause, to thee we cry out: Rejoice, O Mark, thou boast
of the Orthodox flock.
Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Arsenios, Metropolitan of Kerkyra
Reading from the Synaxarion:
Saint Arsenius, who had Palestine as his homeland, was born in 876, the
son of devout parents. From childhood he was consecrated to God and
assumed the monastic habit. He studied in Seleucia, where he also
received the dignity of the priesthood. After he had moved from thence to
Constantinople, he was appointed Metropolitan of Corfu. He adorned the throne
there by his virtue and instruction. When advanced in age, he returned
to Constantinople and appeased the unjust rage of Emperor
Constantine Porphyrogenitus against the leaders of Corfu. Finally, during
his journey back to his see, he fell ill at Corinth and reposed in
the Lord about the middle of the tenth century.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
Thou wast manifested as a righteous hierarch who hadst served the Most
High God like a true Angel on the earth; and now, O Father Arsenius,
do thou beseech Him with fervor to save our souls.
Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
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