Readings for Thursday 25 January 2024
16 Tubah 1740
Vespers Psalm & Gospel
From the Psalms of our father David the prophet and the king, may his blessings be with us all. Amen.
Psalms 4 : 6 - 8
| 6 | There are many who say, "Who will show us any good?" LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. |
| 7 | You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. |
| 8 | I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. |
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, unto Him be the glory forever, Amen.
Stand in the fear of God and listen to the Holy Gospel. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to our teacher Saint Matthew the Evangelist. May His Blessings be with us all. Amen.
Matthew 16 : 24 - 28
| 24 | Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. |
| 25 | For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. |
| 26 | For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? |
| 27 | For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. |
| 28 | Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." |
Glory be to God forever.
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Matins Psalm & Gospel
From the Psalms of our father David the prophet and the king, may his blessings be with us all. Amen.
Psalms 5 : 11 - 12
| 11 | But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. |
| 12 | For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. |
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, unto Him be the glory forever, Amen.
Stand in the fear of God and listen to the Holy Gospel. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to our teacher Saint Matthew the Evangelist. May His Blessings be with us all. Amen.
Matthew 10 : 34 - 42
| 34 | "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. |
| 35 | For I have come to "set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; |
| 36 | and "a man's enemies will be those of his own household.' |
| 37 | He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. |
| 38 | And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. |
| 39 | He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. |
| 40 | "He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. |
| 41 | He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. |
| 42 | And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward." |
Glory be to God forever.
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Divine Liturgy
Pauline Epistle
Paul, the servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, appointed to the Gospel of God. A reading from the Epistle of our teacher Paul to the Romans.
May his blessings be with us. Amen.
Romans 8 : 18 - 30
| 18 | For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. |
| 19 | For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. |
| 20 | For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; |
| 21 | because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. |
| 22 | For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. |
| 23 | Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. |
| 24 | For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? |
| 25 | But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. |
| 26 | Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. |
| 27 | Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. |
| 28 | And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. |
| 29 | For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. |
| 30 | Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. |
The grace of God the Father be with you all. Amen.
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Catholic Epistle
A Reading from Epistle of St. Peter . May his blessings be upon us. Amen.
1 Peter 3 : 8 - 15
| 8 | Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; |
| 9 | not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. |
| 10 | For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. |
| 11 | Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. |
| 12 | For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil." |
| 13 | And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? |
| 14 | But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." |
| 15 | But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; |
Do not love the world or the things in the world. The world passes away, and its desires; but he who does the will of God abides forever. Amen.
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Acts of the Apostles
The Acts of our fathers the apostles, may their blessings be with us. Amen.
Acts 19 : 23 - 41
| 23 | And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. |
| 24 | For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. |
| 25 | He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. |
| 26 | Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. |
| 27 | So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship." |
| 28 | Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" |
| 29 | So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travel companions. |
| 30 | And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. |
| 31 | Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. |
| 32 | Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. |
| 33 | And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. |
| 34 | But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" |
| 35 | And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: "Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? |
| 36 | Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. |
| 37 | For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. |
| 38 | Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. |
| 39 | But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. |
| 40 | For we are in danger of being called in question for today's uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering." |
| 41 | And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. |
The word of the Lord shall grow, multiply, be mighty, and be confirmed, in the holy Church of God. Amen.
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Synaxarium
Day 16 of the Blessed Coptic Month of Tubah.
May God make it always received, year after year, with reassurance and tranquility, while our sins are forgiven by the tender mercies of our God my fathers and brothers. Amen.
The SIxteenth Day of the Blessed Month of Tubah
Martyrdom of St.Philotheus
On this day, the honorable
St. Philotheus, whose name means "lover of God", was martyred. He was born
in the City of Antioch, of pagan parents, who worshipped a bull, which
they fed cakes made of fine flour and sesame seed oil mixed with honey.
They also anointed the bull with spices and fine perfumed oils three times
every day, and they gave it wine and oil to drink. They established two
places for the bull, one for the summer, and another for the winter. They
put around its neck a collar of gold, and golden rings in its legs. When
Philotheus was ten years old, his father asked him to worship the bull,
but he refused, his father left him without punishment, for he loved him
as he was his only son. As for St. Philotheus, because of his young age,
he did not know the Living God, and he thought that the sun was the god.
He stood once looking at the sun and said, "I beseech you, 0 sun, if you
are God, tell me." He heard a voice coming from heaven saying, "I am not
God, but I am a servant and a slave to God, Whom you will know, and you
will shed your blood for His Name's sake."
When God saw the integrity
of the child's heart, He sent His angel to inform him about the creation
of the world, and the incarnation of the Lord Christ, for the salvation
of mankind. St.Philotheus was pleased, and rejoiced in his heart. From
that time on, he fasted, prayed and gave alms to the poor and those who
were in distress. After one year had passed, his parents had a great banquet
for their friends, and they asked their son to worship the bull before
they ate and drank. The child stood in front of the bull and said, "Are
you the God that should be worshipped?" A voice came out of the bull saying,
"I am not the God, but the devil has possessed me and I have become a deceiver
of men." Then the bull jumped and attacked his parents and killed them
instantly. The Saint ordered his servants to kill the bull, burn its body
and scatter its ashes.
St. Philotheus prayed to
God for the sake of his parents, and the Lord raised them up from the dead.
Later on, he was baptized along with his parents in the Name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God granted him the gift of healing the sick,
and his repute reached Diocletian, the emperor. He brought him, and ordered
him to offer incense to the idols, but he refused. The Emperor tortured
him with all kinds of tortures, but the Saint never swayed from his determination.
The Emperor tried again to persuade him by deception and flattery, and
the Saint promised to worship Apollo as the Emperor commanded. The Emperor
was pleased to hear this, and he brought Apollo along with 70 other idols,
and 70 pagan priests and a herald went around to call upon the public in
the city. Great multitudes came to watch St. Philotheus worshiping Apollo.
On their way, the saint prayed to the Lord Christ, and the earth was opened
and swallowed the priests and the idol of Apollo. There was a great excitement
and disturbance, and a great multitude believed and confessed the Lord
Christ. The Emperor was exasperated, and ordered them all beheaded, and
they received the crown of martyrdom. St. Philotheus was also beheaded,
and he received the crown of life.
May His prayers be with us all. Amen.
Departure of St.John the Fourth, the
Forty-Eighth Pope of Alexandria
On this day also, in the
year 792 A.D,, St. John the Fourth, 48th Pope of Alexandria, departed.
He became a monk in St. Macarius' monastery. He persevered in intense worship
and was reputed for his ascetic life. He was chosen by Pope Michael, 46th
Pope of Alexandria and ordained a priest for the Church of St. Mina. Pope
Michael entrusted him to manage the affairs of the church and to lead the
people and direct all its property and offerings. He excelled in his duties.
When Anba Mina, 47th Pope of Alexandria, departed, the bishops, the priests,
and the scholars of the City of Alexandria gathered and nominated several
monks. They wrote the name of each of them on a piece of paper, and the
name of Father John was among them. The bishops prayed and celebrated the
Divine Liturgy for three days. Then, on the third day, they brought a child
to draw one of the names. They found it to be the name of this saint, Father
John. They returned the paper, mixed it with the other papers, and brought
another child, who drew the same paper. This was repeated a third time.
They were sure that the Lord had chosen Fr. John to become the next pope.
They took him and ordained him patriarch in 768 A.D. He shepherded his
flock well. He always preached the people confirming them in the Orthodox
faith. He was also merciful to the poor and the needy.
During his days, there was
a famine, to the point that one measure of grain (a Bushel) was sold for
two Dinari. Many poor from different beliefs gathered every day at his
door. He delegated to his disciple Mark to use the money of the churches
to feed the poor and satisfy their needs. He offered to everyone without
distinction of faith until God removed this famine. Anba John was dedicated
to building many churches. When the time of his departure drew near, he
called on the priests and said to them, "On the 16th of Tubah, I was born
and was also ordained Pope, and on this day also I will depart from this
world." When the bishops and the priests heard this, they wept and said,
"Who would become our Father after you?" He said to them, "The Lord Jesus
Christ has chosen my disciple Fr. Mark to this rank." After he had completed
23 years and several months in the papacy, he departed in peace.
May His prayers be with us and Glory be to our God forever. Amen.
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Divine Liturgy Psalm & Gospel
From the Psalms of our father David the prophet and the king, may his blessings be with us all. Amen.
Psalms 68 : 35,3
| 35 | O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God! |
| 3 | But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly. |
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, unto Him be the glory forever, Amen.
Stand in the fear of God and listen to the Holy Gospel. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to our teacher Saint Luke the Evangelist. May His Blessings be with us all. Amen.
Luke 12 : 4 - 12
| 4 | "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. |
| 5 | But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! |
| 6 | "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. |
| 7 | But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. |
| 8 | "Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. |
| 9 | But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. |
| 10 | "And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. |
| 11 | "Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. |
| 12 | For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." |
Glory be to God forever.
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