Daily Reading:

Thursday

LITURGY

Ephesians 4:14-19

     That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Mark 11:27-33

     And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

+ + +

ST EUMENIUS, BISHOP OF GORTYNIA IN CRETE, WONDERWORKER

ST ARIADNE THE MARTYR

Troparion of the Feast    Tone 1

O Lord, save Thy people/ and bless Thine inheritance./ Grant victory over their enemies to Orthodox Christians,/ and protect Thy people with Thy Cross.

Troparion of St Eumenius    Tone 4

We have thee as a friend and helper, O gracious advocate Eumenius:/ for thou didst flow with compassion and dost pour healing upon the Church./ Protect those who honour thee.

Troparion of St Ariadne    Tone 4

Guided by the hand of Christ,/ thou didst excel in freedom of purpose, O Martyr Ariadne./ Thou didst defeat the enemy/ and receive a crown woven with the grace of God./ Entreat Him to have mercy on those who call thee blessed.

Kontakion of the Feast    Tone 4

O Christ our God/ Who wast voluntarily lifted up on the Cross,/ grant Thy mercies to Thy new people named after Thee./ Gladden with Thy power Orthodox Christians/ and give them victory over their enemies./ May they have as an ally/ that invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.

Kontakion of St Eumenius    Tone 2

Radiant with divine Light, blessed Hierarch Eumenius,/ thou dost illumine those who hymn thy glorious passing./ For thou dost pray unceasingly for us all.

Kontakion of St Ariadne    Tone 3

Thou didst love Christ the Rock of Life/ and stand steadfastly before the enemy./ A rock which divided and received thee united thee to thy Bridegroom./ O martyr Ariadne,/ entreat Him to forgive our offences.