[Readingsandsaints] Readings and Saints

Sat Jul 7 05:00:15 CDT 2007

Scripture Readings and Saints for Sat Jul 7 2007

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

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

Romans 9:1-5
1 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also
bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,
2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.
3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my
brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,
4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the
covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the
promises;
5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh,
Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.
Scripture Reading 1 of 2

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

Matthew 9:18-26
18 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and
worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay
Your hand on her and she will live."
19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.
20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came
from behind and touched the hem of His garment.
21 For she said to herself, "If only I may touch His garment, I shall
be made well."
22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Be of good
cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." And the woman was made
well from that hour.
23 When Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players
and the noisy crowd wailing,
24 He said to them, "Make room, for the girl is not dead, but
sleeping." And they ridiculed Him.
25 But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the
hand, and the girl arose.
26 And the report of this went out into all that land.
Scripture Reading 2 of 2

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

Venerable Thomas of Mt. Maleon
Saint Thomas of Mt. Maleon was a military commander before he became a
monk. Strong and brave, he had participated in many battles, and
brought victory to his countrymen, for which he gained glory and
esteem. But, striving with all his heart towards God, Thomas abandoned
the world and its honors, and he took monastic vows.
With great humility he visited monastic Elders, asking for guidance in
the spiritual life. After several years Thomas received the blessing
for solitary wilderness life and, led by a pillar of fire at night by
the holy Prophet Elias, he settled on Mount Maleon (on the eastern
part of Athos). Dwelling in complete seclusion, St Thomas fought with
invisible enemies with as much courage as he had displayed against the
visible enemies of his country.
The life and deeds of St Thomas could not be concealed from the
surrounding area. People began to flock to him seeking spiritual
guidance, and even those suffering from sickness, since he received
from God the blessing to heal infirmities.
Many believers received help through the prayers of the holy monk.
Even after his death, he does not cease to heal those who seek his
aid, from every passion and sickness.
_________________________________________________________________
Venerable Acacius of Sinai, who is mentioned in the Ladder
Saint Acacius of Sinai lived during the sixth century and was a novice
at a certain monastery in Asia. The humble monk distinguished himself
by his patient and unquestioning obedience to his Elder, a harsh and
dissolute man. He forced his disciple to toil excessively, starved him
with hunger, and beat him without mercy. Despite such treatment, St
Acacius meekly endured the affliction and thanked God for everything.
St Acacius died after suffering these torments for nine years.
Five days after Acacius was buried, his Elder told another Elder about
the death of his disciple. The second Elder did not believe that the
young monk was dead. They went to the grave of Acacius and the second
Elder called out: "Brother Acacius, are you dead?" From the grave a
voice replied, "No, Father, how is it possible for an obedient man to
die?" The startled Elder of St Acacius fell down with tears before the
grave, asking forgiveness of his disciple.
After this he repented, constantly saying to the Fathers, "I have
committed murder." He lived in a cell near the grave of St Acacius,
and he ended his life in prayer and in meekness. St John Climacus
(March 30) mentions him in THE LADDER (Step 4:110) as an example of
endurance and obedience, and of the rewards for these virtues.
St Acacius is also commemorated on November 29.
_________________________________________________________________
St Eudokia, in Monasticism Euphrosyne, the Grand Duchess of
Moscow
Saint Euphrosyne, in the world Eudokia, was the daughter of the Suzdal
prince Demetrius Constantovich (+ 1383), and from 1367 was the wife of
the Moscow Great Prince Demetrius of the Don. Their happy union was
for Russia a pledge of unity and peace between Moscow and Suzdal.
St Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow, and even St Sergius of Radonezh,
who baptized one of the sons of Demetrius and Eudokia, had a great
influence upon the spiritual life of Princess Eudokia. St Demetrius of
Priluki (February 11) was the godfather of another son.
The holy princess was a builder of churches. In 1387 she founded the
Ascension women's monastery in the Moscow Kremlin. In 1395, during
Tamerlane's invasion into the southern regions of Russia, the Vladimir
Icon of the Mother of God was transferred to Moscow upon her advice,
miraculously defending the Russian land. During Lent, the princess
secretly wore chains beneath her splendid royal garb. By her patronage
the famous icon of the Archangel Michael was painted, and later became
the patronal icon of the Kremlin's Archangel Cathedral.
After raising five sons (a sixth died in infancy), the princess was
tonsured as a nun with the name Euphrosyne. She completed her earthly
journey on July 7, 1407 and was buried in the Ascension monastery she
founded.
An old Russian church poem has survived, the lament of the princess
for her husband, who had died at the age of thirty-nine.
St Euphrosyne is also commemorated on May 17.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Peregrinus of Dyrrachium in Macedonia
The Holy Martyrs Peregrinus, Lucian, Pompeius, Hesychius, Papius,
Saturninus and Germanus were natives of Italy. They suffered for
Christ under the emperor Trajan in the city of Dirrachium, located at
the shore of the Adriatic sea.
Witnessing the martyrdom of Bishop Astius, who was crucified by the
Romans, they openly praised the courage and firmness of the holy
confessor. Because of this, they were seized, and as confessors of
faith in Christ, they were drowned in the sea. Their bodies, carried
to shore by the waves, were hidden in the sand by Christians. The
martyrs appeared to the Bishop of Alexandria ninety years later,
ordering him to bury their bodies and to build a church over them.
_________________________________________________________________
St Lucian of Dyrrachium in Macedonia
The Holy Martyrs Lucian, Peregrinus, Pompeius, Hesychius, Papius,
Saturninus and Germanus were natives of Italy. They suffered for
Christ under the emperor Trajan in the city of Dirrachium, located at
the shore of the Adriatic sea.
Witnessing the martyrdom of Bishop Astius, who was crucified by the
Romans, they openly praised the courage and firmness of the holy
confessor. Because of this, they were seized, and as confessors of
faith in Christ, they were drowned in the sea. Their bodies, carried
to shore by the waves, were hidden in the sand by Christians. The
martyrs appeared to the Bishop of Alexandria ninety years later,
ordering him to bury their bodies and to build a church over them.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Pompeius of Dyrrachium in Macedonia
The Holy Martyrs Pompeius, Peregrinus, Lucian, Hesychius, Papius,
Saturninus and Germanus were natives of Italy. They suffered for
Christ under the emperor Trajan in the city of Dirrachium, located at
the shore of the Adriatic sea.
Witnessing the martyrdom of Bishop Astius, who was crucified by the
Romans, they openly praised the courage and firmness of the holy
confessor. Because of this, they were seized, and as confessors of
faith in Christ, they were drowned in the sea. Their bodies, carried
to shore by the waves, were hidden in the sand by Christians. The
martyrs appeared to the Bishop of Alexandria ninety years later,
ordering him to bury their bodies and to build a church over them.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Hesychius of Dyrrachium in Macedonia
The Holy Martyrs Hesychius, Peregrinus, Lucian, Pompeius, Papius,
Saturninus and Germanus were natives of Italy. They suffered for
Christ under the emperor Trajan in the city of Dirrachium, located at
the shore of the Adriatic sea.
Witnessing the martyrdom of Bishop Astius, who was crucified by the
Romans, they openly praised the courage and firmness of the holy
confessor. Because of this, they were seized, and as confessors of
faith in Christ, they were drowned in the sea. Their bodies, carried
to shore by the waves, were hidden in the sand by Christians. The
martyrs appeared to the Bishop of Alexandria ninety years later,
ordering him to bury their bodies and to build a church over them.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Papius of Dyrrachium in Macedonia
The Holy Martyrs Papius, Peregrinus, Lucian, Pompeius, Hesychius,
Saturninus and Germanus were natives of Italy. They suffered for
Christ under the emperor Trajan in the city of Dirrachium, located at
the shore of the Adriatic sea.
Witnessing the martyrdom of Bishop Astius, who was crucified by the
Romans, they openly praised the courage and firmness of the holy
confessor. Because of this, they were seized, and as confessors of
faith in Christ, they were drowned in the sea. Their bodies, carried
to shore by the waves, were hidden in the sand by Christians. The
martyrs appeared to the Bishop of Alexandria ninety years later,
ordering him to bury their bodies and to build a church over them.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Saturninus of Dyrrachium in Macedonia
The Holy Martyrs Saturninus, Peregrinus, Lucian, Pompeius, Hesychius,
Papius, and Germanus were natives of Italy. They suffered for Christ
under the emperor Trajan in the city of Dirrachium, located at the
shore of the Adriatic sea.
Witnessing the martyrdom of Bishop Astius, who was crucified by the
Romans, they openly praised the courage and firmness of the holy
confessor. Because of this, they were seized, and as confessors of
faith in Christ, they were drowned in the sea. Their bodies, carried
to shore by the waves, were hidden in the sand by Christians. The
martyrs appeared to the Bishop of Alexandria ninety years later,
ordering him to bury their bodies and to build a church over them.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Germanus of Dyrrachium in Macedonia
The Holy Martyrs Germanus, Peregrinus, Lucian, Pompeius, Hesychius,
Papius, and Saturninus were natives of Italy. They suffered for Christ
under the emperor Trajan in the city of Dirrachium, on the shores of
the Adriatic Sea.
Witnessing the martyrdom of Bishop Astius, who was crucified by the
Romans, they openly praised the courage and firmness of the holy
confessor. Because of this, they were seized, and as confessors of
faith in Christ, they were drowned in the sea. Their bodies, carried
to shore by the waves, were hidden in the sand by Christians. The
martyrs appeared to the Bishop of Alexandria ninety years later,
ordering him to bury their bodies and to build a church over them.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Evangelicus the Bishop of Tomis, Constanta in Romania
Saint Evangelicus, a follower of the holy Apostle Andrew (November
30), is the first known bishop of the diocese of Tomis (Constantsa) in
Dacia Pontica (Lesser Scythia, or Dobrogea). He was active around the
mouths of the Danube toward the end of the third century.
Bishop Evangelicus converted many pagans of Dacia Pontica to
Christianity. He is mentioned in the account of the martyrdom of Sts
Epictetus and Astion (July 8), where he is described as the founder of
churches in the province. The parents of these holy martyrs were
baptized by St Evangelicus after being converted by the priest
Bonosus.
It is believed that St Evangelicus suffered martyrdom during the
persecution of Diocletian (284-305).
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Kyriake of Nicomedia
Saint Kyriake was the only child of Dorotheus and Eusebia. Since she
was born on a Sunday (Kyriake, in Greek), she was named Kyriake.
One day a wealthy magistrate wished to betroth Kyriake to his son. Not
only was she young and beautiful, but her parents were wealthy, and
the magistrate wished to control that wealth. The magistrate went to
her parents to request her hand, but St Kyriake told him that she
wished to remain a virgin, for she had dedicated herself to Christ.
The magistrate was angered by her words, so he went to the emperor
Diocletian to denounce the saint and her parents as Christians who
mocked the idols, and refused to offer sacrifice to them.
Diocletian sent soldiers to arrest the family and have them brought
before him. He asked them why they would not honor the gods which he
himself honored. They told him that these were false gods, and that
Christ was the one true God.
Dorotheus was beaten until the soldiers grew tired and were unable to
continue. Since neither flattery nor torment had any effect,
Diocletian sent Dorotheus and Eusebia to Melitene on the eastern
border between Cappadocia and Armenia. Then he sent St Kyriake to be
interrogated by his son-in-law and co-ruler Maximian at Nicomedia.
Maximian urged her not to throw her life away, promising her wealth
and marriage to one of Diocletian's relatives if she would worship the
pagan gods. St Kyriake replied that she would never renounce Christ,
nor did she desire worldly riches. Enraged by her bold answer,
Maximian had her flogged. The soldiers who administered this
punishment became tired, and had to be replaced three times.
Shamed by his failure to overcome a young woman, Maximian sent St
Kyriake to Hilarion, the eparch of Bithynia, at Chalcedon. He told
Hilarion to either convert Kyriake to paganism, or send her back to
him.
Making the same promises and threats that Diocletian and Maximian had
made before, Hilarion was no more successful than they were. St
Kyriake challenged him to do his worst, because Christ would help her
to triumph. The saint was suspended by her hair for several hours,
while soldiers burned her body with torches. Not only did she endure
all this, she also seemed to become more courageous under torture.
Finally, she was taken down and put into a prison cell.
That night Christ appeared to her and healed her wounds. When Hilarion
saw her the next day, he declared that she had been healed by the gods
because they pitied her. Then Hilarion urged her to go to the temple
to give thanks to the gods. She told him that she had been healed by
Christ, but agreed to go to the temple. The eparch rejoiced, thinking
that he had defeated her.
In the temple, St Kyriake prayed that God would destroy the soulless
idols. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake which toppled the idols,
shattering them to pieces. Everyone fled the temple in fear, leaving
Hilarion behind. Instead of recognizing the power of Christ, the
eparch blasphemed the true God as the destroyer of his pagan gods. He
was struck by a bolt of lightning and died on the spot.
St Kyriake was tortured again by Apollonius, who succeeded Hilarion as
eparch. When she was cast into a fire, the flames were extinguished.
When she was thrown to wild beasts, they became tame and gentle.
Therefore, Apollonius sentenced her to death by the sword. She was
permitted time to pray, so she asked God to receive her soul, and to
remember those who honored her martyrdom.
Just as St Kyriake ended her prayer, angels took her soul before the
soldiers could strike off her head. Pious Christians took her relics
and buried them in a place of honor.
_________________________________________________________________
Translation of the "Blachernae" Icon of the Mother of God to
Russia
The Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God was discovered at Jerusalem
by the empress Eudokia during the time of St Juvenal, Patriarch of
Jerusalem (July 2), and St Euthymius the Great (January 20). The holy
icon was sent to Constantinople, where the empress Pulcheria placed it
in the Blacernae Church, where the Venerable Robe of the Mother of God
(July 2) was preserved.
This holy icon is also called the Hodigitria, or "She who leads the
way." It was with this icon that Patriarch Sergius (610-631) made the
rounds of the walls of Constantinople in the year 626 with Moliebens
during a siege of the capital by the Avars. In memory of this and
other victories, which were won thanks to the intercession of the Most
Holy Theotokos, an annual celebration was established on Saturday of
the Fifth Week of the Great Fast to offer Praises to the Most Holy
Theotokos (Saturday of the Akathist). At first the celebration took
place only at the Blachernae church in Constantinople. In the ninth
century the Feast was included in the Typikon of St Sava the
Sanctified, and in the Studite Rule. Later, it was included in the
Lenten Triodion and made universal for all the Orthodox Church.
After the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, the Blachernae Icon was
transferred to Mt. Athos, and in 1654 it was sent by the Athonite
monks to Moscow as gift to the Tsar Aleksei Mikhailovich.
The Blachernae Icon is celebrated on July 2, and in the Fifth Week of
Great Lent (Saturday of the Akathist).
_________________________________________________________________