[Readingsandsaints] Readings and saints

[Daily Orthodox Readings and Saints]

Scripture Readings and Saints for Mon Jan 29 2007

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------ READINGS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
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2 Peter 1:20-2:9
20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private
interpretation,
21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God
spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there
will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in
destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring
on themselves swift destruction.
2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way
of truth will be blasphemed.
3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a
long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does
not slumber.
4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down
to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for
judgment;
5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight
people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the
world of the ungodly;
6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned
them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward
would live ungodly;
7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct
of the wicked
8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his
righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless
deeds)-
9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and
to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,
Scripture Reading 1 of 4


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2 Peter 2:9-22  (Tuesday)
9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and
to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,
10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of
uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed.
They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries,
11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a
reviling accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and
destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will
utterly perish in their own corruption,
13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count
it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes,
carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you,
14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin,
enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous
practices, and are accursed children.
15 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way
of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a
man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for
whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure
through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have
actually escaped from those who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of
corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is
brought into bondage.
20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through
the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again
entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than
the beginning.
21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of
righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment
delivered to them.
22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog
returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her
wallowing in the mire."
Scripture Reading 2 of 4


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Mark 13:9-13
9 But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to
councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be
brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.
10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry
beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given
you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the
Holy Spirit.
12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child;
and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to
death.
13 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures
to the end shall be saved.
Scripture Reading 3 of 4


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Mark 13:14-23  (Tuesday)
14 So when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by
Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not (let the reader
understand), "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
15 Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor
enter to take anything out of his house.
16 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.
17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing
babies in those days!
18 And pray that your flight may not be in winter.
19 For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been
since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time,
nor ever shall be.
20 And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be
saved; but for the elect's sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.
21 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'Look,
He is there!' do not believe it.
22 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and
wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
23 But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.
Scripture Reading 4 of 4



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------ SAINTS/FEASTS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
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Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the
Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch
The Transfer of the Relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer:
(See December 20). After the holy hieromartyr Ignatius was thrown to
the lions in the year 107 on the orders of the emperor Trajan,
Christians gathered up his bones and preserved them at Rome.
Later, in the year 108, the saint's relics were collected and buried
outside the gate of Daphne at Antioch. A second transfer, to the city
of Antioch itself, took place in the year 438. After the capture of
Antioch by the Persians, the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius were
returned to Rome and placed into the church of the holy Hieromartyr
Clement in the year 540 ( in 637, according to other sources).
St Ignatius introduced antiphonal singing into Church services. He has
left us seven archpastoral epistles in which he provided instructions
on faith, love and good works. He also urged his flock to preserve the
unity of the faith and to beware of heretics. He encouraged people to
honor and obey their bishops, "we should regard the bishop as we would
the Lord Himself" (To the Ephesians 6)
In his Letter to Polycarp, St Ignatius writes: "Listen to the bishop,
if you want God to listen to you... let your baptism be your shield,
your faith a helmet, your charity a spear, your patience, like full
armor." (Compare Eph. 6:14-17 and the Wisdom of Solomon 5:17-20. Also
THE LADDER 4:2)
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St Laurence the Recluse of the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, and
Bishop of Turov, Near Caves
Saint Laurence, Hermit of the Caves and Bishop of Turov, in the Near
Caves at first lived as a hermit at the monastery of the Great Martyr
Demetrius, built by Great Prince Izyaslav at Kiev near the Monastery
of the Caves. Later, he transferred to the Kiev Caves monastery, and
was glorified by a gift of healing.
He was elevated to the See of Turov in 1182 (Turov is a city in the
Minsk region), and was a successor of St Cyril of Turov (April 28). He
died in 1194, and was buried in the Near Caves. His memory is
celebrated also on September 28 and on the second Sunday of Great
Lent.
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St Gerasimus the Bishop of Perm
Saint Gerasimus was the third bishop of the Zyryan people, and a
worthy successor of St Stephen, Enlightener of Perm. He was elevated
to the See of Perm sometime after the year 1416, when only part of the
Zyryani had been converted to Christianity.
He was concerned for his flock, which suffered incessant incursions
from the Novgorodians and pagan Vogulians. He went into the Vogul
camps, urging them to stop plundering the defenseless Christians of
Perm. On one of these journeys in 1441, he was murdered by his Vogul
servant (according to tradition he was strangled with his omophorion).
He was buried in the Annunciation church of the village of Ust-Vym not
far from the city of Yarenga, at the River Vychegda (also January 24).
Today's common commemoration of these three saints acknowledges their
apostolic activity in this Eastern expanse of Russia. St Gerasimus is
also commemorated on January 24.
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St Pitirim the Bishop of Perm
Archimandrite Pitirim succeeded St Gerasimus as bishop of Great Perm
and Ustiug. Even during his time the Voguli had not ceased attacking
the peaceful Zyryani, the settlers of Perm. Bishop Pitirim stood up
for his flock just as his predecessor had done.
In 1447 he personally appealed to the Great Prince to help the
Zyryani. The saint often visited his flock, which was spread out over
a wide territory, instructing them in the Word of God and assisting
them in their misfortunes. He undertook long journeys to enlighten the
pagan Voguli, during which his life was frequently in danger, and he
had to endure all sorts of privation. The saint did not slacken his
efforts, he enlightened and instructed people in their homes, in
churches, and in the open places.
By his preaching he converted many of the Voguli who lived along the
tributaries of the River Pechora, to Christianity. Because of this he
aroused the terrible wrath of the leader of the Voguli, Asyk, who
murdered the saint in a field as he was serving a Molieben. This
occurred not far from Ust-Vym on August 19, 1455. St Pitirim compiled
the Life of St Alexis and the Canon for the uncovering of his relics.
The relics of St Pitirim rest in the Annunciation temple in Ust-Vym
(in Vologda district).
The common commemoration of these three saints acknowledges their
apostolic activity in this Eastern expanse of Russia. St Pitirim is
also commemorated on August 19.
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St Jonah the Bishop of Perm
After St Pitirim, St Jonah ascended the throne of Perm. He converted
to Christianity the remaining part of Great Perm, i.e. the pagan
tribes living along the Rivers Vishera, Kama, Chusova and others. By
his efforts the idols were eradicated and in their place churches were
built. Experienced pastors were sent to teach the new converts at the
church-run schools of Us-Vym.
St Jonah reposed on June 6, 1470. His relics rest together with the
relics of Sts Gerasimus and Pitirim in the Annunciation temple in
Ust-Vym (in Vologda district).
The commemoration in common of these three saints acknowledges their
apostolic activity in this Eastern expanse of Russia. St Jonah is also
commemorated on June 6.
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Martyr Romanus at Samosata
The Holy Martyrs Romanus, James, Philotheus, Hyperichius, Habib,
Julian and Parigoreas suffered in the year 297, during the persecution
by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the
River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship of
idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various terrible
tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were
hung around their necks, and they were locked up in prison. Finally,
nails were driven into their heads while they were suspended on
crosses.
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Martyr James at Samosata
The Holy Martyr James suffered in the year 297, during the persecution
of Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the
River Euphrates). He bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols,
for which he was arrested and given over to various terrible tortures.
His body was scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around
his neck, and he was locked up in prison. Finally, he was crucified
and nails were driven into his head.
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Martyr Philotheus at Samosata
The Holy Martyrs Philotheus, Romanus, James, Hyperichius, Habib,
Julian and Parigoreas suffered in the year 297, during the persecution
by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the
River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship of
idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various terrible
tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were
hung around their necks, and they were locked up in prison. Finally,
nails were driven into their heads while they were suspended on
crosses.
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Martyr Hyperechius at Samosata
The Holy Martyr Hyperichius suffered in the year 297, during the
persecution of Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria
on the River Euphrates). He bravely denounced the senseless worship of
idols, for which he was arrested and given over to various terrible
tortures. His body was scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung
around his neck, and he was locked up in prison. Finally, he was
crucified and nails were driven into his head.
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Martyr Abibus at Samosata
The Holy Martyr Habib suffered in the year 297, during the persecution
of Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the
River Euphrates). He bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols,
for which he was arrested and given over to various terrible tortures.
His body was scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around
his neck, and he was locked up in prison. Finally, he was crucified
and nails were driven into his head.
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Martyr Julian at Samosata
The Holy Martyr Julian suffered in the year 297, during the
persecution by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria
on the River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship
of idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various
terrible tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron
fetters were hung around their necks, and they were locked up in
prison. Finally, nails were driven into their heads while they were
suspended on crosses.
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Martyr Paregonius at Samosata
The Holy Martyr Parigoreas suffered in the year 297, during the
persecution by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria
on the River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship
of idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various
terrible tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron
fetters were hung around their necks, and they were locked up in
prison. Finally, nails were driven into their heads while they were
suspended on crosses.
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Martyr Silvanus Bishop of Emesa
Saint Silvanus the bishop suffered in the city of Phoenician Emesa
(Homs) in 312 along with St Luke the deacon and Mocius the Reader.
After tortures, imprisonment and exhaustion by hunger, they were
thrown to the wild beasts. The holy martyrs died praying, untouched by
the animals. Christians took up the bodies of the holy martyrs by
night and buried them with reverence.
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Martyr Luke the Deacon
Saint Luke the deacon suffered in the city of Phoenician Emesa (Homs)
in 312 along with St Silvanus the bishop and Mocius the Reader. After
tortures, imprisonment and exhaustion by hunger, they were thrown to
the wild beasts. The holy martyrs died praying, untouched by the
animals. Christians took up the bodies of the holy martyrs by night
and buried them with reverence.
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Martyr Mocius the Reader
Saint Mocius the Reader suffered in the city of Phoenician Emesa
(Homs) in 312 along with St Silvanus the bishop and St Luke the
deacon. After tortures, imprisonment and exhaustion by hunger, they
were thrown to the wild beasts. The holy martyrs died praying,
untouched by the animals. Christians took up the bodies of the holy
martyrs by night and buried them with reverence.
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Martyr Ashot Curapalati of Artanuji
No information available at this time.
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St Ignatius, Wonderworker and Bishop of Smolensk
Saint Ignatius, Bishop of Smolensk and Wonderworker (+ ca. 1210): By
some accounts, St Ignatius was the first bishop of Smolensk. He was a
friend of St Abraham (August 21), whom he ordained to the priesthood.
Bishop Ignatius was a kindly and pious Elder, heading the trial
instigated by St Abraham's enemies, at which the monk was acquitted.
St Ignatius founded a monastery in honor of the Placing of the Robe of
the Mother of God. To him is ascribed the construction of the most
ancient Avraamiev monastery in which he spent the remainder of his
days, after resigning as bishop. At the death of St Ignatius a miracle
occurred: "A great light came down from heaven upon him, and all were
filled with fear." The relics of the saint rest in the Smolensk
cathedral church.
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St Aphraates of Persia
Saint Aphraates, a Persian who came to believe in Christ, disavowed
his illustrious lineage and left his pagan countrymen by going to
Edessa, and then to Antioch He attracted many by his holy life, and
preached the Word of God to them. He died in the year 370.
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Sarbelus of Edessa
The Holy Martyr Sarbelus was a pagan priest who lived during the reign
of the emperor Trajan (98-117) He and his sister Bebaia were converted
by Barsimaius, the Bishop of Edessa. They both received the crown of
martyrdom.
St Sarbelus is also commemorated on October 15.
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Bebaia of Edessa
The Holy Martyr Bebaia lived during the reign of the emperor Trajan
(98-117) She and her brother Sarbelus were converted by Barsimaius,
the Bishop of Edessa. They both received the crown of martyrdom.
St Bebaia is also commemorated on October 15.
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New Martyr Demetrius
No information available at this time.
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St. Akepsimas the martyr
No information available at this time.
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