Daily Reading

Monday

LITURGY

1 Corinthians 9:13-18

     13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

Matthew 16:1-6

     1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. 3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed. 5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

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THE UNCOVERING OF THE RELICS OF ST SERAPHIM OF SAROV
ST MACRINA, SISTER OF ST BASIL THE GREAT
ST DIOS

Troparion of St Seraphim    Tone 4

Thou didst love Christ from thy youth, O blessed one,/ and longing to work for Him alone thou didst struggle in the wilderness with constant prayer and labour./ With penitent heart and great love for Christ thou wast favoured by the Mother of God./ Wherefore we cry to thee;/ Save us by thy prayers, O Seraphim our righteous Father.

Troparion of St Macrina    Tone 3

Thou didst lend wings to thy mind by thy love of wisdom/ and wisely abandon the world's comforts./ Thou wast an abode of true philosophy/ and by thine ascetic life,/ thou didst become a glorious bride of the Savior./ Intercede with Him for those who cry: Rejoice, O Godbearing Macrina.

Troparion of St Dios    Tone 4

O righteous Father Dios, thou didst live a holy and angelic life/ and wast a vessel of the Spirit's glory;/ for by working signs and wonders/ thou wast resplendent among the righteous./ We therefore praise thee, O blessed one.

Kontakion of St Seraphim    Tone 2

Having left the beauty of the world and what is corrupt in it, O Saint,/ thou didst settle in Sarov Monastery./ And having lived there an angelic life,/ thou wast for many the way to salvation./ Wherefore Christ has glorified thee, O Father Seraphim,/ and has enriched thee with the gift of healing and miracles./ And so we cry to thee:/ Rejoice, O Seraphim, our righteous Father.

Kontakion of St Macrina    Tone 4

Thou wast filled with the light of righteousness/ and reflected the divine life as an initiator of virtues for those who cry to thee with faith:/ Rejoice, O Macrina, glory of virgins.

Kontakion of St Dios    Tone 2

O wonderworking Dios,/ purity of soul was thine armour,/and unceasing prayer was thy spear./ Thou didst mightily fell the ranks of demons,/ and thou art interceding unceasingly for us all.

13 - 19
SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FATHERS OF THE SEVEN ECUMENICAL COUNCILS

Troparion    Tone 8

Glorious art Thou, O Christ our God/ Who hast established our holy fathers as stars on earth./ Through them Thou dost guide us to the True Faith./ O Most Merciful One, glory to Thee.

Kontakion    Tone 8

The preaching of the Apostles and the doctrine of the Fathers confirmed the one faith in the Church./ In the garment of truth woven from theology on high she rightly divides and glorifies true piety.