Daily Reading:

Saturday

LITURGY

Ephesians 2:11-13

     Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Luke 13:18-29

     Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

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HOLY MARTYRS EUSTRATIUS, EUGENE, AUXENTIUS, MARDARIUS AND ORESTES IN ARMENIA
HOLY VIRGIN LUCY OF SICILY

Troparion of the Holy Martyrs of Armenia    Tone 4

Wise Eustratius, divine Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius and Orestes,/ five members of the choir of  Martyrs,/ enlighten the whole world with the torch of their contests./ O  faithful, in praising them let us cry out:/ Rejoice, you five holy Martyrs of Christ.

Troparion of St Lucy of Sicily    Tone 5

Adorned with the radiant robe of virginity,/ thou wast betrothed to Christ the Lifegiver,/ and didst disdain all mortal love./ Therefore thou didst bring to the Lord as a bridal gift/ the  streams of thy martyr's blood./ Intercede with Him for us all, O Virgin Martyr Lucy.

Kontakion of the Holy Martyrs of Armenia    Tone 2

Thou wast a shining light for those in the darkness of ignorance,/ O herald of Christ,/ and armed with the spear of faith,/ thou wast unmoved by the adversaries' audacity,/ Eustratius most eloquent of orators.

Kontakion of St Lucy of Sicily    Tone 3

We honour thee, pure Virgin and trophy-bearer,/ and praise thine illustrious contest./ For thou didst desire only the beauty of Christ/ and didst disdain all things corruptible./ O Lucy, when thou wast beheaded thou didst receive incorruptible glory.

11-17
SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FOREFATHERS

Troparion    Tone 2

Thou didst justify the Forefathers by faith,/ when of old through them Thou didst betroth Thyself to the Church of the nations./ The Saints rejoice in the glorious fruit of their seed,/ even in her who bore Thee seedlessly./ By their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.

Kontakion    Tone 2

An image made with hands you would not worship, O thrice blessed three;/ but protected by the ineffable Essence you were glorified in  your ordeal by fire./ From the midst of the devouring flames you called upon God, crying:/ Hasten, O compassionate One,/ in Thy mercy come to our aid,/ for if Thou willest Thou canst.