Daily Reading:

Saturday

LITURGY

Hebrews 9:24-28

     For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Mark 8:27-31

     And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ. And he charged them that they should tell no man of him. And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Laudation of the Most Holy Theotokos

Hebrews 9:1-7

     Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28

     Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

+ + + 

HIEROMARTYR BASIL, PRESBYTER OF ANCYRA
HOLY NEW MARTYR EUTHYMIOS OF THE HOLY MOUNTAIN, ATHOS

Troparion of St Basil    Tone 3

By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit/ thou didst worthily receive the anointing of the priesthood, O Basil./ Thou didst offer thy martyr's contest as a royal sacrifice/ to the King of ages./ O righteous Father, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

Troparion of St Euthymios    Tone 4

Strengthened by long years of ascetical labours,/ thou didst endure the pangs of martyrdom steadfastly, O glorious Athlete Euthymios./ For thou didst hasten to renounce error/ while holding the Cross and palm branches in thy hands./ And with these thou dost stand crowned and rejoicing in Christ's presence.

Kontakion of St Basil    Tone 3

As a priest of the King of glory,/ thou didst also become a holy warrior by thy contest./ Thou didst shame the counsels of the lawless,/ and receive the enjoyment of the heavenly kingdom,/ O Basil, blessed Hieromartyr of Christ.

Kontakion of St Euthymios    Tone 3

Holding the trophy of the Cross and palm branches in thy hands,/ thou didst stand before the lawless judge./ Thou didst renounce the false prophet openly/ and put his followers to shame,/ and gladden the Orthodox by preaching Christ as True God./ Intercede for all who faithfully praise thee.