[Readingsandsaints] Readings and Saints

[Daily Orthodox Readings and Saints]

Scripture Readings and Saints for Mon Sep 10 2007

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------ READINGS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
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Galatians 4:28-5:10
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.
29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him
who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.
30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? "Cast out the bondwoman
and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the
son of the freewoman."
31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the
free.
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us
free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ
will profit you nothing.
3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is
a debtor to keep the whole law.
4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be
justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness
by faith.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails
anything, but faith working through love.
7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?
8 This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
10 I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other
mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.
Scripture Reading 1 of 2


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Mark 6:55-7:8
55 ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about
on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was.
56 Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they
laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just
touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made
well.
1 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him,
having come from Jerusalem.
2 Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that
is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.
3 For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their
hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.
4 When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they
wash. And there are many other things which they have received and
hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.
5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not
walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with
unwashed hands?"
6 He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you
hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments
of men.'
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of
men -the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you
do.
Scripture Reading 2 of 2



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Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God
No information available at this time.
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Martyr Menodora at Nicomedia
The Holy Virgins Menodora, Nymphodora, and Metrodora (305-311), were
sisters from Bithynia (Asia Minor). Distinguished for their special
piety, they wanted to preserve their virginity and avoid worldly
associations. They chose a solitary place for themselves in the
wilderness and spent their lives in deeds of fasting and prayer.
Reports of the holy life of the virgins soon spread, since healings of
the sick began to occur through their prayers. The Bithynia region was
governed at that time by a man named Frontonus, who ordered that the
sisters be arrested and brought before him.
At first he tried to persuade them to renounce Christ, promising great
honors and rewards. But the holy sisters steadfastly confessed their
faith before him, rejecting all his suggestions. They told him that
they did not value the temporal things of this world, and that they
were prepared to die for their Heavenly Bridegroom, for death would be
their gateway to eternal life.
Flying into a rage, the governor took out his wrath on St Menodora,
the eldest sister. She was stripped of her clothes and beaten by four
men, while a herald urged her to offer sacrifice to the gods. The
saint bravely endured the torments and cried out, "Sacrifice? Can't
you see that I am offering myself as a sacrifice to my God?" Then they
renewed their torments with even greater severity. Then the martyr
cried out, " Lord Jesus Christ, joy of my heart, my hope, receive my
soul in peace." With these words she gave up her soul to God, and went
to her Heavenly Bridegroom.
Four days later, they brought the two younger sisters Metrodora and
Nymphodora to the court. They showed them the battered body of their
older sister to frighten them. The virgins wept over her, but remained
steadfast.
Then St Metrodora was tortured. She died, crying out to her beloved
Lord Jesus Christ with her last breath. Then they turned to the third
sister, Nymphodora. Before her lay the bruised bodies of her sisters.
Frontonus hoped that this sight would intimidate the young virgin.
Pretending that he was charmed by her youth and beauty, he urged her
to worship the pagan gods, promising great rewards and honors. St
Nymphodora scoffed at his words, and shared the fate of her older
sisters. She was tortured and beaten to death with iron rods.
The bodies of the holy martyrs were to be burned in a fire, but a
heavy rain extinguished the blazing fire, and lightning struck down
Frontonus and his servant. Christians took up the bodies of the holy
sisters and reverently buried them at the so-called Warm Springs at
Pythias (Bithynia).
Part of the relics of the holy martyrs are preserved on Mt. Athos in
the Protection cathedral of the St Panteleimon Russian monastery, and
the hand of St Metrodora is on the Holy Mountain in the monastery of
the Pantocrator.
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Martyr Metrodora at Nicomedia
The Holy Virgins Metrodora, Nymphodora, and Menodora (305-311), were
sisters from Bithynia (Asia Minor). Distinguished for their special
piety, they wanted to preserve their virginity and avoid worldly
associations. They chose a solitary place for themselves in the
wilderness and spent their lives in deeds of fasting and prayer.
Reports of the holy life of the virgins soon spread, since healings of
the sick began to occur through their prayers. The Bithynia region was
governed at that time by a man named Frontonus, who ordered that the
sisters be arrested and brought before him.
At first he tried to persuade them to renounce Christ, promising great
honors and rewards. But the holy sisters steadfastly confessed their
faith before him, rejecting all his suggestions. They told him that
they did not value the temporal things of this world, and that they
were prepared to die for their Heavenly Bridegroom, for death would be
their gateway to eternal life.
Four days after the death of St Menodora, they brought the two younger
sisters Metrodora and Nymphodora to the court. Hoping to frighten
them, they showed them the battered body of their older sister. The
virgins wept over her, but remained steadfast.
Then St Metrodora was tortured. She died, crying out to her beloved
Lord Jesus Christ with her last breath.
The bodies of the holy martyrs were to be burned in a fire, but a
heavy rain extinguished the blazing fire, and lightning struck down
Frontonus and his servant. Christians took up the bodies of the holy
sisters and reverently buried them at the so-called Warm Springs at
Pythias (Bithynia).
Part of the relics of the holy martyrs are preserved on Mt. Athos in
the Protection cathedral of the St Panteleimon Russian monastery, and
the hand of St Metrodora is on the Holy Mountain in the monastery of
the Pantocrator.
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Martyr Nymphodora at Nicomedia
The Holy Virgins Nymphodora, Menodora, and Metrodora (305-311), were
sisters from Bithynia (Asia Minor). Distinguished for their special
piety, they wanted to preserve their virginity and avoid worldly
associations. They chose a solitary place for themselves in the
wilderness and spent their lives in deeds of fasting and prayer.
Reports of the holy life of the virgins soon spread, since healings of
the sick began to occur through their prayers. The Bithynia region was
governed at that time by a man named Frontonus, who ordered that the
sisters be arrested and brought before him.
At first he tried to persuade them to renounce Christ, promising great
honors and rewards. But the holy sisters steadfastly confessed their
faith before him, rejecting all his suggestions. They told him that
they did not value the temporal things of this world, and that they
were prepared to die for their Heavenly Bridegroom, for death would be
their gateway to eternal life.
Flying into a rage, the governor took out his wrath on St Menodora,
the eldest. The saint bravely endured the torments and cried out,
"Lord Jesus Christ, joy of my heart, my hope, in peace receive my
soul!" With these words she gave up her spirit to God.
Four days after the death of St Menodora, they brought the two younger
sisters Metrodora and Nymphodora to the court. Hoping to frighten
them, they showed them the battered body of their older sister. The
virgins wept over her, but remained steadfast.
After the death of St Metrodora, they turned to the third sister,
Nymphodora. Before her lay the bruised bodies of her sisters.
Frontonus hoped that this sight would intimidate the young virgin.
Pretending that he was charmed by her youth and beauty, he urged her
to worship the pagan gods, promising great rewards and honors. St
Nymphodora scoffed at his words, and shared the fate of her older
sisters. She was tortured and beaten to death with iron rods.
The bodies of the holy martyrs were to be burned in a fire, but a
heavy rain extinguished the blazing fire, and lightning struck down
Frontonus and his servant. Christians took up the bodies of the holy
sisters and reverently buried them at the so-called Warm Springs at
Pythias (Bithynia).
Part of the relics of the holy martyrs are preserved on Mt. Athos in
the Protection cathedral of the St Panteleimon Russian monastery, and
the hand of St Metrodora is on the Holy Mountain in the monastery of
the Pantocrator.
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Venerable Paul the Obedient, of the Kiev Caves
Saint Paul the Obedient was an ascetic in the Far Caves at Kiev. Upon
assuming the monastic schema at the monastery of the Caves, the monk
underwent very burdensome obediences without a murmur, on which the
monastery's Superior had sent him.
He was never idle, and when he was not at an obedience, he ground the
grain under the millstone, wearing down his body by this heavy work
and attaining ceaseless inner prayer. The Church honors his memory on
September 10, on the day of his namesake St Paul, Bishop of Nicea.
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Venerable Prince Andrew, in Monasticism Joasaph, of Kubensk,
Vologda
Saint Joasaph of Kubensk, Wonderworker of Vologda, was baptized with
the name Andrew. His parents, Prince Demetrius Vasilievich of Lesser
Zaozersk (a descendant of holy Prince Theodore Rostislavich, of
Smolensk and Yaroslavl), and Princess Maria, were known for their deep
piety, which they imparted to the future ascetic. At twenty years of
age, Prince Andrew accepted tonsure at the Kamenny Monastery of the
Savior at Kubensk with the name Joasaph, in honor of St Joasaph, the
Prince of India (November 19).
St Joasaph gained a good reputation for himself by complete obedience,
keeping the fasts, by his zeal in prayer, and love for books. The
brethren of the monastery were amazed at the gracious meekness and
humility of the young ascetic. Under the spiritual nurture of the
experienced Elder Gregory, afterwards Bishop of Rostov, St Joasaph
progressed in virtue. He led the life of a hermit in his cell and
attained to a high spiritual level. St Joasaph lived an ascetic life
at the Kamenny Monastery of the Savior for five years.
In the final year of his life, he partook of food only once during the
week and received the Holy Mysteries each Sunday. Before his death, St
Joasaph took leave of the brethren, consoling and admonishing the
monks not to grieve over his departure. When the brethren gathered in
his cell, the venerable one asked that the Prayers for the Departure
of the Soul from the Body be read. He prayed to the Lord and to His
All-Holy Mother, not only for himself, but for all the brethren of the
monastery. Then he lay down upon his bed and died with prayer on his
lips, on September 10, 1453.
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Apostle Apelles of the Seventy
The Holy Apostle Apelles of the Seventy was a bishop in the city of
Smyrna (on the Eastern coast of the Aegean Sea). The holy Apostle Paul
mentions him in the Epistle to the Romans (Rom. 16:10).
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Apostle Lucius of the Seventy
The Holy Apostle Lucius of the Seventy was bishop in Syrian Laodicia
(a former chief city in Phrygia). The holy Apostle Paul mentions him
in the Epistle to the Romans (Rom. 16: 21), among the other Christians
whom he greets.
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Apostle Clement of the Seventy
The Holy Apostle Clement of the Seventy was bishop in Sardica (an
ancient wealthy city of Lydia in Asia Minor). The holy Apostle Paul
mentions his name in the Epistle to the Philippians (Phil. 4:3).
Addressing a certain "sincere co-worker of his", Paul entreats him:
"Help those women who labored with me in the Gospel, and with Clement
and my other co-workers, whose names are in the Book of Life" (January
4).
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Martyr Barypsabas in Dalmatia
No information available at this time.
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Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress
The Holy Right-Believing Empress Pulcheria, daughter of the Byzantine
emperor Arcadius (395-408), was coregent and adviser of her brother
Theodosius the Younger (408-450). She received a broad and
well-rounded education, and distinguished herself by her wisdom and
piety, firmly adhering to Orthodox teaching. Through her efforts the
church of the Most Holy Theotokos was built at Blachernae, and also
other churches and monasteries.
Through the intrigues of enemies and of Eudokia, the wife of the
emperor Theodosius the Younger, St Pulcheria was removed from power.
She withdrew into seclusion, and lived a pious life. Without her
benificent influence, conditions in the capital deteriorated. She
returned after a while, following the urgent request of her brother.
Then the unrest provoked by emerging heresies was quelled.
After the death of Theodosius the Younger, Marcian (450-457) was
chosen emperor. St Pulcheria again wanted to withdraw into her
seclusion, but both the emperor and officials entreated her not to
refuse the throne, but to marry the emperor Marcian. For the common
good she consented to become Marcian's wife if she were allowed to
preserve her virginity within the marriage. They were married, but
lived in purity as brother and sister.
Through the efforts of St Pulcheria, the Third Ecumenical Council was
held at Ephesus in 431 to address the heresy of Nestorius; and also
the Fourth Ecumenical Council which was convened at Chalcedon in the
year 451, to deal with the heresies of Dioscorus and Eutychius.
St Pulcheria built the church of the Mother of God at Blachernae at
Constantinople, and also found the relics of the Forty Martyrs of
Sebaste (March 9).
Throughout her life St Pulcheria defended the Orthodox Faith against
various heresies. After giving away her wealth to the poor and to the
Church, she died peacefully at the age of fifty-four in the year 453.
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St Peter Bishop of Nicea
Saints Peter and Paul were bishops at Nicea. St Peter defended the
Orthodox Faith against the iconoclasts during the reign of Leo the
Isaurian (813-820) and endured suffering for this. He died no earlier
than the year 823.
Four Letters of St Theodore the Studite to St Peter are known, written
between the years 816-823. No account about the life of St Paul of
Nicea has been preserved. His name is first mentioned in the so-called
"Petrine" Greek Prologue of the eleventh century.
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St Paul the Bishop of Nicea
Saints Peter and Paul were bishops at Nicea. St Peter defended the
Orthodox Faith against the iconoclasts during the reign of Leo the
Isaurian (813-820) and endured suffering for this. He died no earlier
than the year 823.
Four Letters of St Theodore the Studite to St Peter are known, written
between the years 816-823. No account about the life of St Paul of
Nicea has been preserved. His name is first mentioned in the so-called
"Petrine" Greek Prologue of the eleventh century.
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