[Readingsandsaints] Readings and saints

[Daily Orthodox Readings and Saints]

Scripture Readings and Saints for Thu Apr 5 2007

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------ READINGS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
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Luke 22:1-39  (Bridegroom Matins Gospel)
1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called
Passover.
2 And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill
Him, for they feared the people.
3 Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among
the twelve.
4 So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and
captains, how he might betray Him to them.
5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.
6 So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the
absence of the multitude.
7 Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be
killed.
8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for
us, that we may eat."
9 So they said to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare?"
10 And He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man
will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house
which he enters.
11 Then you shall say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to
you, Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My
disciples?" '
12 Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make
ready.
13 So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they
prepared the Passover.
14 When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with
Him.
15 Then He said to them, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat
this Passover with you before I suffer;
16 for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled
in the kingdom of God.
17 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, "Take this and
divide it among yourselves;
18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until
the kingdom of God comes.
19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them,
saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in
remembrance of Me."
20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is
the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
21 But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table.
22 And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to
that man by whom He is betrayed!
23 Then they began to question among themselves, which of them it was
who would do this thing.
24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should
be considered the greatest.
25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship
over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called
'benefactors.'
26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among
you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.
27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is
it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who
serves.
28 But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials.
29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one
upon Me,
30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on
thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you,
that he may sift you as wheat.
32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and
when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.
33 But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to
prison and to death."
34 Then He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this
day before you will deny three times that you know Me."
35 And He said to them, "When I sent you without money bag, knapsack,
and sandals, did you lack anything?" So they said, "Nothing."
36 Then He said to them, "But now, he who has a money bag, let him
take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him
sell his garment and buy one.
37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be
accomplished in Me: 'And He was numbered with the transgressors.' For
the things concerning Me have an end.
38 So they said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to
them, "It is enough."
39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed,
and His disciples also followed Him.
Scripture Reading 1 of 13


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Jeremiah 11:18-12:5,9-11,14-15  (1st Hour)
18 The Lord made it known to me and I knew; then thou didst show me
their evil deeds.
19 But, I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. I did not know
it was against me they devised schemes, saying, "Let us destroy the
tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living,
that his name be remembered no more."
20 But, O Lord of hosts, who judgest righteously, who triest the heart
and the mind, let me see thy vengeance upon them, for to thee have I
committed my cause.
21 Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the men of An'athoth, who
seek your life, and say, "Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord, or
you will die by our hand"
22 therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: "Behold, I will punish
them; the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their
daughters shall die by famine;
23 and none of them shall be left. For I will bring evil upon men of
An'athoth, the year of their punishment."
1 Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I complain to thee; yet I would
plead my case before thee. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why
do all who are treacherous thrive?
2 Thou plantest them, and they take root; they grow and bring forth
fruit; thou art near in their mouth and far from their heart.
3 But thou, O Lord, knowest me; thou seest me, and triest my mind
toward thee. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and set them
apart for the day of slaughter.
4 How long will the land mourn, and the grass of every field wither?
For the wickedness of those who dwell in it the beasts and the birds
are swept away, because men said, "He will not see our latter end."
5 If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how
will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you fall down, how
will you do in the jungle of the Jordan?
9 My heritage is to Me like a speckled vulture; The vultures all
around are against her. Come, assemble all the beasts of the field,
Bring them to devour!
10 "Many rulers have destroyed My vineyard, They have trodden My
portion underfoot; They have made My pleasant portion a desolate
wilderness.
11 They have made it desolate; Desolate, it mourns to Me; The whole
land is made desolate, Because no one takes it to heart.
14 Thus says the Lord: "Against all My evil neighbors who touch the
inheritance which I have caused My people Israel to inherit--behold, I
will pluck them out of their land and pluck out the house of Judah
from among them.
15 Then it shall be, after I have plucked them out, that I will return
and have compassion on them and bring them back, everyone to his
heritage and everyone to his land.
Scripture Reading 2 of 13


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Exodus 19:10-19  (Vespers, 1st Reading)
10 Then the Lord said to Moses, Go to the people and consecrate them
today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes.
11 And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the
Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.
12 You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, Take heed
to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base.
Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death.
13 Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot
with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live. When the
trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.
14 So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified
the people, and they washed their clothes.
15 And he said to the people, Be ready for the third day; do not come
near your wives.
16 Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there
were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain;
and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who
were in the camp trembled.
17 And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and
they stood at the foot of the mountain.
18 Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended
upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and
the whole mountaina quaked greatly.
19 And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder
and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice.
Scripture Reading 3 of 13


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Job 38:1-23; 42:1-5  (Vespers, 2nd Reading)
1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
2 Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge?
3 Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall
answer Me.
4 Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if
you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched
the line upon it?
6 To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone,
7 When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God
shouted for joy?
8 Or who shut in the sea with doors, When it burst forth and issued
from the womb;
9 When I made the clouds its garment, And thick darkness its swaddling
band;
10 When I fixed My limit for it, And set bars and doors;
11 When I said, This far you may come, but no farther, And here your
proud waves must stop!
12 Have you commanded the morning since your days began, And caused
the dawn to know its place,
13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, And the wicked be
shaken out of it?
14 It takes on form like clay under a seal, And stands out like a
garment.
15 From the wicked their light is withheld, And the upraised arm is
broken.
16 Have you entered the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in
search of the depths?
17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the
doors of the shadow of death?
18 Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell Me, if you
know all this.
19 Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is
its place,
20 That you may take it to its territory, That you may know the paths
to its home?
21 Do you know it, because you were born then, Or because the number
of your days is great?
22 Have you entered the treasury of snow, Or have you seen the
treasury of hail,
23 Which I have reserved for the time of trouble, For the day of
battle and war?
1 Then Job answered the Lord and said:
2 I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can
be withheld from You.
3 You asked, Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too
wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, I will question you, and
you shall answer Me.
5 I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees
You.
Scripture Reading 4 of 13


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Isaiah 50:4-11  (Vespers, 3rd Reading)
4 The Lord God has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should
know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me
morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned.
5 The Lord God has opened My ear; And I was not rebellious, Nor did I
turn away.
6 I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who
plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.
7 For the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced;
Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not
be ashamed.
8 He is near who justifies Me; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand
together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me.
9 Surely the Lord God will help Me; Who is he who will condemn Me?
Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; The moth will eat them
up.
10 Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant?
Who walks in darkness And has no light? Let him trust in the name of
the Lord And rely upon his God.
11 Look, all you who kindle a fire, Who encircle yourselves with
sparks: Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have
kindled This you shall have from My hand: You shall lie down in
torment.
Scripture Reading 5 of 13


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1 Corinthians 11:23-32
23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you:
that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took
bread;
24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat;
this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of
Me."
25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This
cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink
it, in remembrance of Me."
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim
the Lord's death till He comes.
27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in
an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and
drink of the cup.
29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks
judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may
not be condemned with the world.
Scripture Reading 6 of 13


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Matthew 26:2-20
2 You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man
will be delivered up to be crucified.
3 Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people
assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
4 and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.
5 But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among
the people."
6 And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper,
7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly
fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table.
8 But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why
this waste?
9 For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the
poor.
10 But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, "Why do you
trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.
11 For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have
always.
12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My
burial.
13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the
whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial
to her.
14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief
priests
15 and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to
you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.
16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
17 Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples
came to Jesus, saying to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare for You
to eat the Passover?"
18 And He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him,
'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at
your house with My disciples." ' "
19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared
the Passover.
20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve.
Scripture Reading 7 of 13


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John 13:3-17
3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands,
and that He had come from God and was going to God,
4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and
girded Himself.
5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the
disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was
girded.
6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You
washing my feet?"
7 Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not
understand now, but you will know after this."
8 Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered
him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me."
9 Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands
and my head!"
10 Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet,
but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you."
11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, "You are not
all clean."
12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down
again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?
13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also
ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done
to you.
16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his
master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Scripture Reading 8 of 13


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Matthew 26:21-39
21 Now as they were eating, He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of
you will betray Me."
22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say
to Him, "Lord, is it I?"
23 He answered and said, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish
will betray Me.
24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to
that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good
for that man if he had not been born.
25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it
I?" He said to him, "You have said it."
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it,
and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,
"Drink from it, all of you.
28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many
for the remission of sins.
29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from
now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's
kingdom.
30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of
Olives.
31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble
because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the
Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.
33 Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble
because of You, I will never be made to stumble."
34 Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before
the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."
35 Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny
You!" And so said all the disciples.
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to
the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there."
37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He
began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.
38 Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to
death. Stay here and watch with Me."
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying,
"O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me;
nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
Scripture Reading 9 of 13


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Luke 22:43-45
43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.
44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became
like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He
found them sleeping from sorrow.
Scripture Reading 10 of 13


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Matthew 26:40-27:2
40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to
Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?
41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed
is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My
Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your
will be done."
43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.
44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying
the same words.
45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, "Are you still
sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man
is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.
46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.
47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve,
with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief
priests and elders of the people.
48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss,
He is the One; seize Him."
49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and
kissed Him.
50 But Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?" Then they came
and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.
51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his
hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and
cut off his ear.
52 But Jesus said to him, "Put your sword in its place, for all who
take the sword will perish by the sword.
53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will
provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?
54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen
thus?
55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come out, as
against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with
you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me.
56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be
fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.
57 And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the
high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
58 But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest's
courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.
59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false
testimony against Jesus to put Him to death,
60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they
found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward
61 and said, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of
God and to build it in three days.' "
62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, "Do You answer nothing?
What is it these men testify against You?"
63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to
Him, "I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the
Christ, the Son of God!"
64 Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you,
hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the
Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, "He has spoken
blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you
have heard His blasphemy!
66 What do you think? They answered and said, "He is deserving of
death."
67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with
the palms of their hands,
68 saying, "Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?"
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to
him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee."
70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you
are saying."
71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and
said to those who were there, "This fellow also was with Jesus of
Nazareth."
72 But again he denied with an oath, "I do not know the Man!"
73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter,
"Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you."
74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!"
Immediately a rooster crowed.
75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before
the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and
wept bitterly.
1 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people
plotted against Jesus to put Him to death.
2 And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to
Pontius Pilate the governor.
Scripture Reading 11 of 13


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John 13:1-11  (At the Washing of the Feet, Gospel)
1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour
had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having
loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the
heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him,
3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands,
and that He had come from God and was going to God,
4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and
girded Himself.
5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the
disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was
girded.
6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You
washing my feet?"
7 Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not
understand now, but you will know after this."
8 Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered
him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me."
9 Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands
and my head!"
10 Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet,
but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you."
11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, "You are not
all clean."
Scripture Reading 12 of 13


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John 13:12-17  (After the Washing of the Feet, Gospel)
12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down
again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?
13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also
ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done
to you.
16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his
master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Scripture Reading 13 of 13



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Great and Holy Thursday
THURSDAY: The Last Supper
Two events shape the liturgy of Great and Holy Thursday: the Last
Supper of Christ with His disciples, and the betrayal of Judas. The
meaning of both is in love. The Last Supper is the ultimate revelation
of God's redeeming love for man, of love as the very essence of
salvation. And the betrayal of Judas reveals that sin, death and
self-destruction are also due to love, but to deviated and distorted
love, love directed at that which does not deserve love. Here is the
mystery of this unique day, and its liturgy, where light and darkness,
joy and sorrow are so strangely mixed, challenges us with the choice
on which depends the eternal destiny of each one of us. "Now before
the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour was come...
having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the
end..." (John 13:1). To understand the meaning of the Last Supper we
must see it as the very end of the great movement of Divine Love which
began with the creation of the world and is now to be consummated in
the death and resurrection of Christ.
God is Love (1 John 4:8). And the first gift of Love was life. The
meaning, the content of life was communion. To be alive man was to eat
and to drink, to partake of the world. The world was thus Divine love
made food, made Body of man. And being alive, i.e. partaking of the
world, man was to be in communion with God, to have God as the
meaning, the content and the end of his life. Communion with the
God-given world was indeed communion with God. Man received his food
from God and making it his body and his life, he offered the whole
world to God, transformed it into life in God and with God. The love
of God gave life to man, the love of man for God transformed this life
into communion with God. This was paradise. Life in it was, indeed,
eucharistic. Through man and his love for God the whole creation was
to be sanctified and transformed into one all-embracing sacrament of
Divine Presence and man was the priest of this sacrament.
But in sin man lost this eucharistic life. He lost it because he
ceased to see the world as a means of Communion with God and his life
as eucharist, as adoration and thanksgiving. . . He love himself and
the world for their own sake; he made himself the content and the end
of his life. He thought that his hunger and thirst, i.e. his
dependence of his life on the world - can be satisfied by the world as
such, by food as such. But world and food, once they are deprived of
their initial sacramental meaning - as means of communion with God,
once they are not received for God's sake and filled with hunger and
thirst for God, once, in other words, God is no longer, their real
"content" can give no life, satisfy no hunger, for they have no life
in themselves... And thus by putting his love in them, man deviated
his love from the only object of all love, of all hunger, of all
desires. And he died. For death is the inescapable "decomposition" of
life cut from its only source and content. Man thought to find life in
the world and in food, but he found death. His life became communion
with death, for instead of transforming the world by faith, love, and
adoration into communion with God, he submitted himself entirely to
the world, he ceased to be its priest and became its slave. And by his
sin the whole world was made a cemetery, where people condemned to
death partook of death and "sat in the region and shadow of death"
(Matt. 4:16).
But if man betrayed, God remained faithful to man. He did not "turn
Himself away forever from His creature whom He had made, neither did
He forget the works of His hands, but He visited him in diverse
manners, through the tender compassion of His mercy" (Liturgy of St
Basil). A new Divine work began, that of redemption and salvation. And
it was fulfilled in Christ, the Son of God Who in order to restore man
to his pristine beauty and to restore life as communion with God,
became Man, took upon Himself our nature, with its thirst and hunger,
with its desire for and love of, life. And in Him life was revealed,
given, accepted and fulfilled as total and perfect Eucharist, as total
and perfect communion with God. He rejected the basic human
temptation: to live "by bread alone," He revealed that God and His
kingdom are the real food, the real life of man. And this perfect
eucharistic Life, filled with God, and, therefore Divine and immortal,
He gave to all those who would believe in Him, i,e. find in Him the
meaning and the content of their lives. Such is the wonderful meaning
of the Last Supper. He offered Himself as the true food of man,
because the Life revealed in Him is the true Life. And thus the
movement of Divine Love which began in paradise with a Divine "take,
eat. .." (for eating is life for man) comes now "unto the end" with
the Divine "take, eat, this is My Body..." (for God is life of man).
The Last Supper is the restoration of the paradise of bliss, of life
as Eucharist and Communion.
But this hour of ultimate love is also that of the ultimate betrayal.
Judas leaves the light of the Upper Room and goes into darkness. "And
it was night" (John 13:30). Why does he leave? Because he loves,
answers the Gospel, and his fateful love is stressed again and again
in the hymns of Holy Thursday. It does not matter indeed, that he
loves the "silver." Money stands here for all the deviated and
distorted love which leads man into betraying God. It is, indeed, love
stolen from God and Judas, therefore, is the Thief. When he does not
love God and in God, man still loves and desires, for he was created
to love and love is his nature, but it is then a dark and
self-destroying passion and death is at its end. And each year, as we
immerse ourselves into the unfathomable light and depth of Holy
Thursday, the same decisive question is addressed to each one of us:
do I respond to Christ's love and accept it as my life, do I follow
Judas into the darkness of his night?
The liturgy of Holy Thursday includes: a) Matins, b) Vespers and,
following Vespers, the Liturgy of St Basil the Great. In the Cathedral
Churches the special service of the Washing of Feet takes place after
the Liturgy; while the deacon reads the Gospel, the Bishop washes the
feet of twelve priests, reminding us that Christ's love is the
foundation of life in the Church and shapes all relations within it.
It is also on Holy Thursday that Holy Chrism is consecrated by the
primates of autocephalous Churches, and this also means that the new
love of Christ is the gift we receive from the Holy Spirit on the day
of our entrance into the Church.
At Matins the Troparion sets the theme of the day: the opposition
between the love of Christ and the "insatiable desire" of Judas.
"When the glorious disciples were illumined by washing at the Supper,
Then was the impious Judas darkened with the love of silver And to the
unjust judges does he betray Thee, the just Judge. Consider, 0 Lover
of money, him who hanged himself because of it. Do not follow the
insatiable desire which dared this against the Master, 0 Lord, good to
all, glory to Thee."
After the Gospel reading (Luke 12:1-40) we are given the
contemplation, the mystical and eternal meaning of the Last Supper in
the beautiful canon of St Cosmas. Its last "irmos," (Ninth Ode)
invites us to share in the hospitality of the Lord's banquet:
"Come, 0 ye faithful Let us enjoy the hospitality of the Lord and the
banquet of immortality In the upper chamber with minds uplifted...."
At Vespers, the stichira on "Lord, I have cried" stress the spiritual
anticlimax of Holy Thursday, the betrayal of Judas:
"Judas the slave and Knave, The disciple and traitor, The friend and
fiend, Was proved by his deeds, For, as he followed the Master, Within
himself he contemplated His betrayal...."
After the Entrance, three lessons from the Old Testament:
1) Exodus 19: 10-19. God's descent from Mount Sinai to His people as
the image of God's coming in the Eucharist. 2) Job 38:1-23, 42:1-5,
God's conversation with Job and Job's answer: "who will utter to me
what I understand not? Things too great and wonderful for me, which I
knew not..." - and these "great and wonderful things" are fulfilled in
the gift of Christ's Body and Blood. 3) Isaiah 50:4-11. The beginning
of the prophecies on the suffering servant of God,
The Epistle reading is from I Corinthians 11:23-32: St Paul's account
of the Last Supper and the meaning of communion.
The Gospel reading (the longest of the year is taken from all four
Gospels and is the full story of the Last Supper, the betrayal of
Judas and Christ's arrest in the garden.
The Cherubic hymn and the hymn of Communion are replaced by the words
of the prayer before Communion:
"Of Thy Mystical Supper, 0 Son of God, accept me today as a
communicant, For I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies,
Neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; But like the thief will I
confess Thee: Remember me, 0 Lord, in Thy Kingdom."
by The Very Rev. Alexander Schmemann, S.T.D. Professor of Liturgical
Theology, St Vladimir's Seminary
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Martyr Agathopodes the Deacon, and those with him, at
Thessalonica
The Holy Martyrs Agathopodes the Deacon and Theodulus the Reader lived
in Thessalonica during the reign of the emperor Diocletian (284-305)
and Maximian (284-305) and were among the church clergy. The holy
Deacon Agathopodes was very old, and Saint Theodulus very young.
Both distinguished themselves by righteous life and piety. Once, St
Theodulus had a vision in his sleep, in which an unknown person in
radiant garb placed some object in his hand. When he awoke, he saw in
his hand a beautiful ring with the image of the Cross and he realized
that this was a sign of his future martyrdom. By the power of the
Cross depicted on the ring, the saint healed many of the sick and
converted pagans to faith in Christ the Savior.
When the emperor Diocletian issued an edict of a persecution against
Christians (303), many attempted to hide themselves from pursuit, but
Sts Agathopodes and Theodulus fearlessly continued to proclaim the
Gospel.
Governor Faustinus of Thessalonica heard of this, and gave orders to
bring them to him for trial. Seeing the youth and excellence of St
Theodulus, Faustinus attempted flattery to persuade him to renounce
Christianity and to offer sacrifice. St Theodulus replied that he had
long ago renounced error and that he pitied Faustinus, who by
embracing paganism had condemned himself to eternal death. The
governor offered the martyr a choice: the fortunes of life, or
immediate death. The saint said that he would certainly choose life,
but life eternal, and that he did not fear death.
When Faustinus saw that he would not persuade Theodulus, he began to
talk with St Agathopodes. The governor attempted to deceive him and
said that St Theodulus had already agreed to offer sacrifice to the
gods. But Agathopodes did not believe this. He was convinced that St
Theodulus was prepared to offer his life for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Not having any success, Faustinus commanded the martyrs to be taken to
prison. The holy martyrs prayed fervently and boldly preached the Word
of God to the imprisoned, so that many were converted to Christianity.
Eutinios, the head of the prison, reported this to the governor.
Faustinus again summoned them to trial and again he urged them to
renounce Christ. Before the eyes of St Theodulus they brought forth
some who had been Christians, but betrayed the Faith. "You have
conquered the weak, but you will never conquer the strong warriors of
Christ, even if you invent greater torments," exclaimed St Theodulus.
The governor commanded the martyr to produce the Christian books.
"Here, is my body given for torture," he answered, "do with it what
you wish; torture me fiercely, but I shall not hand over the sacred
writings to be mocked by the impious!"
Faustinus gave orders to bring St Theodulus to the place of execution,
where an executioner readied a sword in order to cut off his head. The
martyr bravely and with joy cried out, "Glory to You, O God, the
Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, Who deigned to suffer for us. Here, by
His grace, I am coming to You, and with joy I die for You!"
Then Faustinus halted the execution and again locked up the martyrs in
prison. There the holy martyrs prayed fervently and both had the same
dream. They were sailing in a ship, which was in danger of being
wrecked in a storm. The waves cast them up on shore, arrayed in
radiant white clothing. The saints told each other about the vision,
and they gave thanks to God for their impending martyrdom.
In the morning, when the martyrs were again brought to Faustinus, they
declared to him: "We are Christians and we are prepared to undergo any
suffering for Christ." Faustinus gave orders to cast them into the
sea. The waves carried St Agathopodes to the rocks, and he loudly
exclaimed, "This shall be for us a second Baptism, which will wash
away our sins, and we shall come to Christ in purity." St Theodulus
was also cast into the sea (+ 303).
The bodies of the saints were washed up on shore. They were dressed in
radiant garb, but the ropes and stones used to weight them down were
gone. Christians took their holy bodies and gave them reverent burial.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Theodulus the Reader, and those with him, at
Thessalonica
The Holy Martyrs Agathopodes the Deacon and Theodulus the Reader lived
in Thessalonica during the reign of the emperor Diocletian (284-305)
and Maximian (284-305) and were among the church clergy. The holy
Deacon Agathopodes was very old, and Saint Theodulus very young.
Both distinguished themselves by righteous life and piety. Once, St
Theodulus had a vision in his sleep, in which an unknown person in
radiant garb placed some object in his hand. When he awoke, he saw in
his hand a beautiful ring with the image of the Cross and he realized
that this was a sign of his future martyrdom. By the power of the
Cross depicted on the ring, the saint healed many of the sick and
converted pagans to faith in Christ the Savior.
When the emperor Diocletian issued an edict of a persecution against
Christians (303), many attempted to hide themselves from pursuit, but
Sts Agathopodes and Theodulus fearlessly continued to proclaim the
Gospel.
Governor Faustinus of Thessalonica heard of this, and gave orders to
bring them to him for trial. Seeing the youth and excellence of St
Theodulus, Faustinus attempted flattery to persuade him to renounce
Christianity and to offer sacrifice. St Theodulus replied that he had
long ago renounced error and that he pitied Faustinus, who by
embracing paganism had condemned himself to eternal death. The
governor offered the martyr a choice: the fortunes of life, or
immediate death. The saint said that he would certainly choose life,
but life eternal, and that he did not fear death.
When Faustinus saw that he would not persuade Theodulus, he began to
talk with St Agathopodes. The governor attempted to deceive him and
said that St Theodulus had already agreed to offer sacrifice to the
gods. But Agathopodes did not believe this. He was convinced that St
Theodulus was prepared to offer his life for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Not having any success, Faustinus commanded the martyrs to be taken to
prison. The holy martyrs prayed fervently and boldly preached the Word
of God to the imprisoned, so that many were converted to Christianity.
Eutinios, the head of the prison, reported this to the governor.
Faustinus again summoned them to trial and again he urged them to
renounce Christ. Before the eyes of St Theodulus they brought forth
some who had been Christians, but betrayed the Faith. "You have
conquered the weak, but you will never conquer the strong warriors of
Christ, even if you invent greater torments," exclaimed St Theodulus.
The governor commanded the martyr to produce the Christian books.
"Here, is my body given for torture," he answered, "do with it what
you wish; torture me fiercely, but I shall not hand over the sacred
writings to be mocked by the impious!"
Faustinus gave orders to bring St Theodulus to the place of execution,
where an executioner readied a sword in order to cut off his head. The
martyr bravely and with joy cried out, "Glory to You, O God, the
Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, Who deigned to suffer for us. Here, by
His grace, I am coming to You, and with joy I die for You!"
Then Faustinus halted the execution and again locked up the martyrs in
prison. There the holy martyrs prayed fervently and both had the same
dream. They were sailing in a ship, which was in danger of being
wrecked in a storm. The waves cast them up on shore, arrayed in
radiant white clothing. The saints told each other about the vision,
and they gave thanks to God for their impending martyrdom.
In the morning, when the martyrs were again brought to Faustinus, they
declared to him: "We are Christians and we are prepared to undergo any
suffering for Christ." Faustinus gave orders to cast them into the
sea. The waves carried St Agathopodes to the rocks, and he loudly
exclaimed, "This shall be for us a second Baptism, which will wash
away our sins, and we shall come to Christ in purity." St Theodulus
was also cast into the sea (+ 303).
The bodies of the saints were washed up on shore. They were dressed in
radiant garb, but the ropes and stones used to weight them down were
gone. Christians took their holy bodies and gave them reverent burial.
_________________________________________________________________
Venerable Publius of Egypt
Saint Publius lived a life of asceticism in the Egyptian desert during
the reign of the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363). Before a
military campaign against the Persians, the emperor sent a devil to
explore the way for the army to go. The venerable Publius foresaw the
intent of the emperor. He stood in prayer with upraised hands, praying
day and night, and blocked the path of the devil.
For ten days the evil spirit waited until the monk concluded his
prayer. Unable to proceed, he returned to the emperor and reported
that he had been thwarted. In a rage against St Publius, Julian the
Apostate vowed to avenge himself on the saint upon his return from the
campaign. He did not fulfill this oath, since he soon perished.
After the death of Julian, one of his military commanders distributed
his effects and received monastic tonsure at the hand of St Publius.
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St Theonas of Egypt
No information available at this time.
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St Simeon of Egypt
No information available at this time.
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St Phorbinus of Egypt
No information available at this time.
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Venerable Mark the Anchorite of Athens
Saint Mark was born in Athens. He related his life to Abba Serapion
who, by the will of God, visited him before his death.
He had studied philosophy in his youth. After the death of his
parents, St Mark withdrew into Egypt and settled into a cave of Mount
Trache (in Ethiopia). He spent ninety-five years in seclusion and
during this time not only did he not see a human face, but not even a
beast or bird.
The first thirty years were the most difficult for St Mark. Barefoot
and bedraggled, he suffered from the cold in winter, and from the heat
in summer. The desert plants served him for food, and sometimes he had
to eat the dust and drink bitter sea water. Unclean spirits chased
after St Mark, promising to drown him in the sea, or to drag him down
from the mountain, shouting, "Depart from our land! From the beginning
of the world no one has come here. Why have you dared to come?"
After thirty years of tribulation, divine grace came upon the ascetic.
Angels brought him food, and long hair grew on his body, protecting
him from the cold and heat. He told Abba Serapion, "I saw the likeness
of the divine Paradise, and in it the prophets of God Elias and Enoch.
The Lord sent me everything that I sought."
During his conversation with Abba Serapion, St Mark inquired how
things stood in the world. He asked about the Church of Christ, and
whether persecutions against Christians still continued. Hearing that
idol worship had ceased long ago, the saint rejoiced and asked, "Are
there now in the world saints working miracles, as the Lord spoke of
in His Gospel, 'If ye have faith even as a grain of mustard seed, ye
will say to this mountain, move from that place, and it will move, and
nothing shall be impossible for you' (Mt.17:20)?"
As the saint spoke these words, the mountain moved from its place
5,000 cubits (approximately 2.5 kilometers) and went toward the sea.
When St Mark saw that the mountain had moved, he said, "I did not
order you to move from your place, but was conversing with a brother.
Go back to your place!" After this, the mountain actually returned to
its place. Abba Serapion fell down in fright. St Mark took him by the
hand and asked, "Have you never seen such miracles in your lifetime?"
"No, Father," Abba Serapion replied. Then St Mark wept bitterly and
said, "Alas, today there are Christians in name only, but not in
deeds."
After this, St Mark invited Abba Serapion to a meal and an angel
brought them food. Abba Serapion said that never had he eaten such
tasty food nor drunk such sweet water. "Brother Serapion," answered St
Mark, "did you see what beneficence God sends His servants? In all my
days here God sent me only one loaf of bread and one fish. Now for
your sake He has doubled the meal and sent us two loaves and two
fishes. The Lord God has nourished me with such meals ever since my
first sufferings from evil."
Before his death, St Mark prayed for the salvation of Christians, for
the earth and everything in the world living upon it in the love of
Christ. He gave final instructions to Abba Serapion to bury him in the
cave and to cover the entrance. Abba Serapion was a witness of how the
soul of the one hundred- thirty-year-old Elder Mark, was taken to
Heaven by angels.
After the burial of the saint, two angels in the form of hermits
guided Abba Serapion into the inner desert to the great Elder John.
Abba Serapion told the monks of this monastery about the life and
death of St Mark.
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St Plato the Confessor of Studion
Saint Platon was born in the year 735 into a pious Christian family of
the parents, Sergius and Euphemia. Orphaned early on, the boy was
taken to be raised by relatives, who gave him a fine education. When
he grew up, he began life on his own. The saint occupied himself in
the first years in the management of the property which his parents
had left him upon their death. He was very temperate and hard-working
and acquired great wealth by his toil. However, the future monk's
heart blazed with love for Christ. He gave away all his property, set
his servants free and withdrew into a monastery named "Ensymboleion"
near Mount Olympos.
His prayerful zeal, love of work and geniality won him the love of the
brethren. When he was not praying he copied service books, and
compiled anthologies from the works of the holy Fathers.
When the head of the monastery Theoctistus died in 770, the brethren
chose St Platon as igumen, even though he was only thirty-five years
old. After the death of the emperor Constantine Kopronymos (775), St
Platon went to Constantinople. He resigned from the administration of
the Metropolitan of Nicomedia. In 782, he withdrew to the desolate
place of Sokudion with his nephews Sts Theodore (November 11) and
Joseph (January 26). On the mount they built a church in honor of the
holy Apostle John the Theologian, and founded a monastery, whose
Superior was St Platon.
When Saint Tarasius and the empress Irene convened the Seventh
Ecumenical Council in Nicea in 787, St Platon took an active part in
its work. Being learned in Holy Scripture, he successfully unmasked
the error in the Iconoclast heresy and defended the veneration of holy
icons. When St Platon approached old age, he transferred the
administration of the monastery to St Theodore.
In 795 the emperor Constantine VI (78-797) forced his wife to become a
nun, and he married one of his relatives, Theodota.
Even though the holy Patriarch Tarasius condemned this marriage,
Joseph, a prominent priest of Constantinople, violated the Patriarch's
prohibition and celebrated the marriage of the emperor.
When they learned of this, Sts Platon and Theodore excommunicated the
emperor from the Church and sent a letter about this to all the monks.
The enraged emperor gave orders to lock St Platon in prison and to
banish St Theodore to Thessalonica. Only after the death of the
emperor in 797 did they receive their freedom. St Theodore settled in
Constantinople and became igumen of the Studion monastery. St Platon
lived as a simple monk at this monastery under the obedience of his
nephew.
When the new emperor Nicephorus (802-811) returned the excommunicated
priest Joseph to the Church on his own authority, Sts Platon and
Theodore again came forward denouncing the unlawful activities of the
emperor. For this the brave confessors were again subjected to
punishment in 807. They were jailed for four years. St Platon was
freed from imprisonment in 811 after the death of the emperor, and he
returned to the Studion monastery.
He lived three more years at work and prayer, and departed to the Lord
on Lazarus Saturday at age 79, on April 8, 814. St Platon is honored
as a Confessor because of his fearless defense of the holy icons.
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Venerable Theodora of Thessalonica
Saint Theodora of Thessalonica. We have no information about St
Theodora's birthplace or early life. From a young age, she loved
Christ and turned away from worldly pursuits. She entered a women's
monastery, where she struggled in asceticism and adorned her soul with
virtues. Regarding the other sisters as worthy of honor, she was
obedient to all, especially to the abbess. Even after her death, St
Theodora was a model for the nuns of a pure and blameless life.
Years after the saint's blessed repose, the abbess also departed to
the heavenly habitations. When they dug the grave to bury the abbess,
they uncovered the relics of St Theodora. Just as though she were
still alive, she moved over in order to make room for the abbess. When
those present witnessed this remarkable event they cried, "Lord, have
mercy!"
Many miracles were worked through St Theodora's holy relics. Those who
came to venerate her were healed of all manner of diseases, or freed
from the power of demons. Therefore, the faithful continue to
celebrate her memory.
St Theodora should not be confused with the other St Theodora of
Thessalonica who is commemorated on August 29.
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Translation of the relics of St Job the Patriarch of Moscow
and All Russia
After his death in 1607, the relics of Patriarch Job were buried by
the western doors of the Dormition Church of the monastery in
Staritsa. Many miracles took place at his grave.
In 1652, on the recommendation of Metropolitan Nikon of Novgorod, Tsar
Alexei ordered that the relics of St Job and St Philip (January 9) be
transferred to Moscow.
Metropolitan Barlaam of Rostov presided at the uncovering of St Job's
relics in Staritsa. The Patriarch's incorrupt and fragrant relics
became the source of healing for many who were afflicted by physical
and mental illnesses.
On March 27 a procession set off for Moscow with the relics. On Monday
of the sixth week of Lent (April 5), the relics of Patriarch Job were
brought to the Passions Monastery. From there, the procession
proceeded to the Kremlin, and the relics of the saint were placed in
the Dormition cathedral. A few days later, Patriarch Joseph died and
was buried next to St Job.
St Job has long been revered as a worker of miracles. The Altar
Crosses in the churches of the Staritsa monastery and the Tver
cathedral contained particles of his holy relics.
St Job is commemorated on June 19, and also (in the Tver diocese) on
the first Sunday after the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul.
_________________________________________________________________
Icon of the Mother of God of Kasperov
The Kasperov Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. Tradition says that this
holy icon had been brought to Cherson from Transylvania by a Serb at
the end of the sixteenth century. Passing down from parent and child,
the icon had come to a certain Mrs. Kasperova of Cherson in 1809.
One night in February of 1840 she was praying, seeking consolation in
her many sorrows. Looking at the icon of the Virgin, she noticed that
the features of the icon, darkened by age, had suddenly become bright.
Soon the icon was glorified by many miracles, and people regarded it
as wonder-working.
During the Crimean War (1853-1856), the icon was carried in procession
through the city of Odessa, which was besieged by enemy forces. On
Great and Holy Friday, the city was spared. Since that time, an
Akathist has been served before the icon in the Dormition Cathedral of
Odessa every Friday.
The icon is painted with oils on a canvas mounted on wood. The Mother
of God holds Her Son on her left arm. The Child is holding a scroll.
St John the Baptist (Janurary 7) is depicted on one border of the
icon, and St Tatiana (January 12) on the other. These were probably
the patron saints of the original owners of the icon.
The Kasperov Icon is commemorated on October 1, June 29, and Bright
Wednesday.
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Martyr Claudius
No information available at this time.
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Martyr Evpomoni
No information available at this time.
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