[Readingsandsaints] Readings and saints

Wed May 30 05:00:30 CDT 2007

Scripture Readings and Saints for Wed May 30 2007

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------ READINGS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
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Romans 1:18-27
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in
unrighteousness,
19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has
shown it to them.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His
eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God,
nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their
foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made
like corruptible man-and birds and four-footed animals and creeping
things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of
their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and
served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.
Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their
women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned
in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is
shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which
was due.
Scripture Reading 1 of 2

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Matthew 5:20-26
20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the
righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter
the kingdom of heaven.
21 You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not
murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.'
22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a
cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his
brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says,
'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.
23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember
that your brother has something against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be
reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with
him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you
over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.
26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till
you have paid the last penny.
Scripture Reading 2 of 2

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Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at
Constantinople
St Isaac lived during the fourth century, received monastic tonsure
and pursued ascetic labors in the desert. During the reign of the
emperor Valens (364-378), a zealous adherent of the Arian heresy,
there was a persecution of the Orthodox, and churches were closed and
destroyed.
Hearing of the persecution, St Isaac left the wilderness and went to
Constantinople to console and encourage the Orthodox, and to fight
against the heretics. At that time, barbarian Goths along the River
Danube were making war against the Empire. They seized Thrace and
advanced toward Constantinople.
When the emperor Valens was leaving the capital with his soldiers, St
Isaac cried out, "Emperor, unlock the churches of the Orthodox, and
then the Lord will aid you!" But the emperor, disdaining the words of
the monk, confidently continued on his way. The saint repeated his
request and prophecy three times. The angry emperor ordered St Isaac
to be thrown into a deep ravine, filled with thorns and mud, from
which it was impossible to escape.
St Isaac remained alive by God's help, and he emerged, overtook the
emperor and said, "You wanted to destroy me, but three angels pulled
me from the mire. Hear me, open up the churches for the Orthodox and
you shall defeat the enemy. If, however, you do not heed me, then you
shall not return. You will be captured and burned alive." The emperor
was astonished at the saint's boldness and ordered his attendants
Saturninus and Victor to take the monk and hold him in prison until
his return.
St Isaac's prophecy was soon fulfilled. The Goths defeated and pursued
the Greek army. The emperor and his Arian generals took refuge in a
barn filled with straw, and the attackers set it afire. After
receiving news of the emperor's death, they released St Isaac and
honored him as a prophet.
Then the holy Emperor Theodosius the Great (379-395) came to the
throne. On the advice of Saturninus and Victor, he summoned the Elder,
treating him with great respect. Obeying his instructions, he banished
the Arians from Constantinople and restored the churches to the
Orthodox. St Isaac wanted to return to his desert, but Saturninus and
Victor begged him not to leave the city, but to remain and protect it
by his prayers.
Saturninus built a monastery for the saint in Constantinople, where
monks gathered around him. St Isaac was the monastery's igumen and
spiritual guide. He also nourished laypeople, and helped many of the
poor and suffering.
When he had reached an advanced age, St Isaac made St Dalmatus (August
3) igumen. The monastery was later named for Dalmatus.
St Isaac died in the year 383, and his memory is also celebrated on
March 22.
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