[Readingsandsaints] Readings and Saints

Wed Dec 5 05:00:26 CST 2007

Scripture Readings and Saints for Wed Dec 5 2007

----------------------------------------------------
------ READINGS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------

Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9  (Vespers, 1st Reading)
1 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no
torment will ever touch them.
2 In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their
departure was thought to be affliction,
3 and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at
peace.
4 For though in the sight of men they were punished, their hope is
full of immortality.
5 Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good,
because God tested them and found them worthy of himself;
6 like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt
offering he accepted them.
7 In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run
like sparks through the stubble.
8 They will govern nations and rule other peoples, and the Lord will
reign over them for ever.
9 Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will
abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect,
and he watches over his holy ones.
Scripture Reading 1 of 6

-----------------------------

Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-6:3  (Vespers, 2nd Reading)
15 But the righteous live for ever, and their reward is with the Lord;
the Most High takes care of them.
16 Therefore they will receive a glorious crown and a beautiful diadem
from the hand of the Lord, because with his right hand he will cover
them, and with his arm he will shield them.
17 The Lord will take his zeal as his whole armor, and will arm all
creation to repel his enemies;
18 he will put on righteousness as a breastplate, and wear impartial
justice as a helmet;
19 he will take holiness as a invincible shield,
20 and sharpen stern wrath for a sword, and creation will join with
him to fight against the madmen.
21 Shafts of lightening will fly with true aim, and will leap to the
target as a from a well-drawn bow of clouds,
22 and hailstones full of wrath will be hurled as from a catapult; the
water of the sea will rage against them, and rivers will relentlessly
overwhelm them;
23 a mighty wind will rise against them, and like a tempest it will
winnow them away. Lawlessness will lay waste the whole earth, and
evil-doing will overturn the thrones of rulers.
1 Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the
ends of the earth.
2 Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations.
3 For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty
from the Most High, who will search out your works and inquire into
your plans.
Scripture Reading 2 of 6

-----------------------------

Wisdom of Solomon 4:7-15  (Vespers, 3rd Reading)
7 But the righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest.
8 For old age is not honored for length of time, nor measured by
number of years;
9 but understanding is gray hair for men, and a blameless life is ripe
old age.
10 There was one who pleased God and was loved by him,
11 He was caught up lest evil change his understanding or guile
deceive his soul.
12 For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving
desire perverts the innocent mind.
13 Being perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years;
14 for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore he took him
quickly from the midst of wickedness.
15 Yet the peoples saw and did not understand, nor take such a thing
to heart, that God's grace and mercy are his elect, and he watches
over his holy ones.
Scripture Reading 3 of 6

-----------------------------

Luke 6:17-23  (Matins Gospel)
17 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd
of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and
Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear
Him and be healed of their diseases,
18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they
were healed.
19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out
from Him and healed them all.
20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: Blessed
are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed
are you who weep now, For you shall laugh.
22 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And
revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake.
23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is
great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
Scripture Reading 4 of 6

-----------------------------

Galatians 5:22-6:2  (Epistle, Saint)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its
passions and desires.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one
another.
1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are
spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering
yourself lest you also be tempted.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Scripture Reading 5 of 6

-----------------------------

Matthew 11:27-30  (Gospel, Saint)
27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows
the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the
Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly
in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Scripture Reading 6 of 6

----------------------------------------------------
------ SAINTS/FEASTS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------

Venerable Sava the Sanctified
Saint Sava the Sanctified was born in the fifth century at Cappadocia
of pious Christian parents, John and Sophia. His father was a military
commander. Journeying to Alexandria on military matters, his wife went
with him, but they left their five-year-old son in the care of an
uncle. When the boy reached eight years of age, he entered the
monastery of St Flavian located nearby. The gifted child quickly
learned to read and became an expert on the Holy Scriptures. In vain
did his parents urge St Sava to return to the world and enter into
marriage.
When he was seventeen years old he received monastic tonsure, and
attained such perfection in fasting and prayer that he was given the
gift of wonderworking. After spending ten years at the monastery of St
Flavian, he went to Jerusalem, and from there to the monastery of St
Euthymius the Great (January 20). But St Euthymius sent St Sava to
Abba Theoctistus, the head of a nearby monastery with a strict
cenobitic rule. St Sava lived in obedience at this monastery until the
age of thirty.
After the death of the Elder Theoctistus, his successor blessed St
Sava to seclude himself in a cave. On Saturdays, however, he left his
hermitage and came to the monastery, where he participated in divine
services and ate with the brethren. After a certain time St Sava
received permission not to leave his hermitage at all, and he
struggled in the cave for five years.
St Euthymius attentively directed the life of the young monk, and
seeing his spiritual maturity, he began to take him to the Rouba
wilderness with him. They set out on January 14, and remained there
until Palm Sunday. St Euthymius called St Sava a child-elder, and
encouraged him to grow in the monastic virtues.
When St Euthymius fell asleep in the Lord (+ 473), St Sava withdrew
from the Lavra and moved to a cave near the monastery of St Gerasimus
of Jordan (March 4). After several years, disciples began to gather
around St Sava, seeking the monastic life. As the number of monks
increased, a lavra sprang up. When a pillar of fire appeared before St
Sava as he was walking, he found a spacious cave in the form of a
church.
St Sava founded several more monasteries. Many miracles took place
through the prayers of St Sava: at the Lavra a spring of water welled
up, during a time of drought there was abundant rain, and there were
also healings of the sick and the demoniacs. St Sava composed the
first monastic Rule of church services, the so-called "Jerusalem
Typikon", accepted by all the Palestine monasteries. The saint
surrendered his soul to God in the year 532.
_________________________________________________________________
St Gurias the Archbishop of Kazan
Saint Gurias, Archbishop of Kazan, (in the world Gregory Rugotin), was
the first archbishop of the Kazan diocese, established in 1555. He was
born in the town of Radonezh outside Moscow into the family of a
courtier. His parents were not wealthy, and so from his early years he
had to serve Prince Ivan Penkov as steward of his estates.
>From his youth, Gregory was pious, humble and gentle, and he preserved
his chastity. Accused of improprieties with the prince's wife, Gregory
was locked up in an underground dungeon for two years. This undermined
his health, but it also intensified and deepened his religious fervor.
In prison, he wrote a small booklet to teach children how to read and
write. He donated the proceeds from his primer to the needy.
Released from prison, Gregory was tonsured with the name Gurias at the
St Joseph of Volokolamsk monastery, known for its strict monastic
rule. In 1543, he was chosen by the brethren as igumen of this
monastery. He administered it for almost nine years, and then he
resigned as igumen and lived for two years as a simple monk.
Before becoming bishop, St Gurias directed the Trinity Selizharov
monastery in Tver diocese for one year. He was chosen by lot to the
See of Kazan. Assisted by St Barsanuphius (April 11), St Gurias
devoted himself to missionary activity. In his eight years as bishop
there, four monasteries were organized, and the Annunciation cathedral
church and ten more city churches were built.
In 1561 the saint fell grievously ill and could no longer perform the
divine services himself. On feastdays they carried him into the
church, and he either sat or lay down, since he did not have the
strength to walk or even stand.
Shortly before his death (1563), he received the great schema from St
Barsanuphius, and he was buried in the Savior-Transfiguration
monastery. On October 4, 1595, the incorrupt relics of the holy
hierarchs Gurias and Barsanuphius were uncovered. St Hermogenes,
Metropolitan of Kazan (May 12), was present at the uncovering of their
relics, and he described this event in the lives of these saints.
On June 20, 1613, the relics of St Gurias were transferred from the
Savior-Transfiguration monastery to the Annunciation cathedral church.
At present, the relics rest in Kazan in a cemetery church named for
the holy Princes Theodore of Murom and his sons David and Constantine
(May 21).
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Anastasius the Fuller of Salona in Dalmatia
The Martyr Anastasius the Fuller lived at Salona in Dalmatia during
the third century. He was arrested and brought to trial because of his
missionary activity in Salona. St Anastasius, boldly and with out
fear, confessed Christ as the true God and Creator of all. He even
painted a cross on his door during the persecution of Diocletian
(284-311).
St Anastasius was sentenced to death by the decision of the court, and
the pagans tied a stone around his neck and threw his body into the
sea. A righteous Christian, the rich matron Ascalopia, found the body
of St Anastasius and reverently buried him in her estate church. The
relics of the holy martyr were glorified by many miracles.
St Anastasius the Fuller is also commemorated on October 25.
_________________________________________________________________
Venerable Karion (Cyrion) and his son in Egypt
Saints Karion and his son Zachariah: St Karion lived in Scetis in
Egypt during the fourth century. He became a monk and left his wife
and two children behind in the world. When a famine struck Egypt, 'St
Karion's wife brought the children to the monastery and complained of
their poverty and difficulties. The saint took his son, and the
daughter remained with the mother.
He raised his son at the skete, and everyone knew that Zachariah was
his son. When the lad grew up, the brethren began to grumble. The
father and his son then went into the Thebaid, but complaints about
them arose there, too. Then St Zachariah went to Lake Nitria,
immersing himself in the foul-smelling water up to his nostrils and he
stayed there for an hour. His face and his body were covered with
welts, and he looked like a leper. Even his own father hardly
recognized him.
The next time St Zachariah came for Holy Communion, it was revealed to
the St Isidore the Presbyter what Zachariah had done. The holy priest
said to him, ""Child, last Sunday you communed as a man, but now you
receive as an angel."
After the death of his father, St Zachariah began to struggle together
with St Moses the Black (August 28). "What must I do, to be saved?"
asked St Moses. Hearing this, St Zachariah fell to his knees and said:
"Why do you ask this of me, Father?"
"Believe me, my child, Zachariah," St Moses continued, "I saw the Holy
Spirit come down upon you, and that is why I ask you."
St Zachariah then took the koukoulion (cowl) from his head, trampling
it under his feet. After putting it on again he said, "If a man is not
willing to be treated this way, he cannot be a monk."
St Moses asked Zacharias just before his death, "What do you see,
brother?"
"Isn't it better if I keep silent, Father?" St Zachariah replied.
"Yes, child, remain silent", agreed St Moses.
When the soul of St Zachariah was leaving his body, Abba Isidore
lifted his gaze toward the heavens and said, "Rejoice, Zachariah my
child, for the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven are opened to you."
St Zachariah died towards the end of the fourth century and was buried
in Skete with the Fathers.
_________________________________________________________________
Venerable Zachariah of Egypt
Saint Zachariah was the son of St Karion. St Karion lived in Scetis in
Egypt during the fourth century. He became a monk and left his wife
and two children behind in the world. When a famine struck Egypt, 'St
Karion's wife brought the children to the monastery and complained of
their poverty and difficulties. The saint took his son, and the
daughter remained with the mother.
He raised his son at the skete, and everyone knew that Zachariah was
his son. When the lad grew up, the brethren began to grumble. The
father and his son then went into the Thebaid, but complaints about
them arose there, too. Then St Zachariah went to Lake Nitria,
immersing himself in the foul-smelling water up to his nostrils and he
stayed there for an hour. His face and his body were covered with
welts, and he looked like a leper. Even his own father hardly
recognized him.
The next time St Zachariah came for Holy Communion, it was revealed to
the St Isidore the Presbyter what Zachariah had done. The holy priest
said to him, ""Child, last Sunday you communed as a man, but now you
receive as an angel."
After the death of his father, St Zachariah began to struggle together
with St Moses the Black (August 28). "What must I do, to be saved?"
asked St Moses. Hearing this, St Zachariah fell to his knees and said:
"Why do you ask this of me, Father?"
"Believe me, my child, Zachariah," St Moses continued, "I saw the Holy
Spirit come down upon you, and that is why I ask you."
St Zachariah then took the koukoulion (cowl) from his head, trampling
it under his feet. After putting it on again he said, "If a man is not
willing to be treated this way, he cannot be a monk."
St Moses asked Zacharias just before his death, "What do you see,
brother?"
"Isn't it better if I keep silent, Father?" St Zachariah replied.
"Yes, child, remain silent", agreed St Moses.
When the soul of St Zachariah was leaving his body, Abba Isidore
lifted his gaze toward the heavens and said, "Rejoice, Zachariah my
child, for the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven are opened to you."
St Zachariah died towards the end of the fourth century and was buried
in Skete with the Fathers.
_________________________________________________________________
Venerable Nectarius of Bitolya and Mt Athos
Saint Nectarius of Mount Athos was raised by his father, who became a
monk at the monastery of the holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian in
Bitolia (Bulgaria). He himself was tonsured on Mount Athos, and
performed his obedience under experienced spiritual guides, St
Philotheus and the Elder Dionysius. Like Job, the monk experienced
exceptional bodily afflictions, and he peacefully gave up his soul to
the Lord on December 5, 1500. The holy relics of the saint were
uncovered four years later, exuding a wondrous fragrance.
_________________________________________________________________
Venerable Philotheus of Karyes of Mt Athos
Saint Philotheus of Karyes lived an ascetic life on Athos in the cell
of Iagari near Karyes. He was the Spiritual Father of St Nectarius.
Because of the purity of his life, he was granted the gift of
clairvoyance.
_________________________________________________________________
Monastic Martyrs of Karyes
The Holy Monastic Martyrs of Karyes were martyred by the Latins who
came with fire and sword onto Mount Athos during the reign of the
Byzantine Emperor Michael Paleologos (1259-1282), an apostate from
Orthodoxy.
Bursting in upon the Karyes monastery, the Latins burned and
devastated the Church of the Protaton [the only basilica on the Holy
Mountain, built in 965], "leaving no one alive." The Protos of the
Holy Mountain, who had denounced the Latin rationalising as heresy,
was after much torture hanged before the Protaton at the place called
Chalkhos. Those hidden in caves around Karyes were cut down with
swords. See October 10.
_________________________________________________________________
St Crispina
Saint Crispina lived at Thacora (Tagora) in Africa, and was arrested
for professing Christianity. The proconsul Annius Anullinus presided
at her trial at Theveste (or Tebessa) in December of 304.
Anullinus asked her if she was aware that she was required by law to
offer sacrifice to the gods for the welfare of the emperors Diocletian
and Maximian. She said that she did not know of this decree, and that
her Christian faith would not allow her to offer sacrifice to false
gods.
"Turn away from this superstition," Anullinus said, "and submit to the
sacred rites of the Roman gods."
St Crispina replied that she knew no other god but the God worshiped
by Christians. The proconsul threatened her with torture, and the
saint said that she would gladly endure this for the sake of Christ.
Anullinus told her to stop being stubborn and to obey the edict.
Crispina answered, "I will obey the edict given me by my Lord Jesus
Christ."
The proconsul repeated his threat of torture, saying that she would be
forced to obey the edict. He also pointed out that the entire province
of Africa had offered sacrifice, but St Crispina remained firm in her
faith, saying that she would never offer sacrifice to demons.
Enraged that she would not accept the pagan gods, Anullinus said that
she would be forced to bow before the idols and to offer incense. The
courageous woman retorted that she would never do so as long as she
lived.
Then the proconsul sought to persuade her that it would not be a
sacrilege to offer sacrifice to the gods as required by law. She said,
"May those gods, who have not made heaven and earth, perish."
Anullinus urged Crispina to respect the Roman religion, but she said,
"I have told you again and again that I am ready to endure any
tortures rather than worship the idols which are the work of men's
hands."
Anullinus told her that she spoke blasphemy and was not acting in a
way which would ensure her safety. He then tried to humiliate her by
ordering her head to be shaved. The holy martyr replied, "If I were
not seeking my own well-being, I would not be on trial before you now.
Let your gods speak, then I shall believe."
The proconsul told her she could either live a long life, or die in
agony before being beheaded. St Crispina told him, "I would thank my
God if I obtained this. I would gladly lose my head for the Lord's
sake, for I refuse to offer sacrifice to those ridiculous deaf and
dumb statues."
Anullinus lost patience with her and ordered that the minutes of the
trial be read back before he pronounced sentence. "Since Crispina
persists in her superstition and refuses to offer sacrifice to the
gods in accordance with our law, I order her to be executed by the
sword."
St Crispina said, "Thanks be to God, Who has deigned to free me from
your hands." She made the Sign of the Cross and stretched forth her
neck to the executioner.
St Crispina was beheaded on December 5, 304 in accordance with the
fourth edict of Diocletian. St Augustine mentions her in Sermons 286
and 354.
_________________________________________________________________