[Readingsandsaints] Readings and Saints

Tue Apr 8 05:00:14 CDT 2008

Scripture Readings and Saints for Tue Apr 8 2008

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------ READINGS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
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Isaiah 40:18-31  (6th Hour)
18 To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare
to Him?
19 The workman molds an image, The goldsmith overspreads it with gold,
And the silversmith casts silver chains.
20 Whoever is too impoverished for such a contribution Chooses a tree
that will not rot; He seeks for himself a skillful workman To prepare
a carved image that will not totter.
21 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you
from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of
the earth?
22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its
inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like
a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
23 He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth
useless.
24 Scarcely shall they be planted, Scarcely shall they be sown,
Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, When He will also
blow on them, And they will wither, And the whirlwind will take them
away like stubble.
25 To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal? says
the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things,
Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the
greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is
missing.
27 Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: My way is hidden from
the Lord, And my just claim is passed over by my God?
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the
Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is
weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He
increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall
utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They
shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be
weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Scripture Reading 1 of 3

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Genesis 15:1-15  (Vespers, 1st Reading)
1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision,
saying, Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly
great reward.
2 But Abram said, Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go
childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?
3 Then Abram said, Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one
born in my house is my heir!
4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, This one shall
not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be
your heir.
5 Then He brought him outside and said, Look now toward heaven, and
count the stars if you are able to number them. And He said to him, So
shall your descendants be.
6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for
righteousness.
7 Then He said to him, I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the
Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.
8 And he said, Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?
9 So He said to him, Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a
three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a
young pigeon.
10 Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the
middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut
the birds in two.
11 And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them
away.
12 Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and
behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him.
13 Then He said to Abram: Know certainly that your descendants will be
strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they
will afflict them four hundred years.
14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they
shall come out with great possessions.
15 Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be
buried at a good old age.
Scripture Reading 2 of 3

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Proverbs 15:7-19  (Vespers, 2nd Reading)
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, But the heart of the fool
does not do so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the
prayer of the upright is His delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves
him who follows righteousness.
10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates
correction will die.
11 Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; So how much more the
hearts of the sons of men.
12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the
wise.
13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the
heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the
mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry
heart has a continual feast.
16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure
with trouble.
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with
hatred.
18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays
contention.
19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of
the upright is a highway.
Scripture Reading 3 of 3

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Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him
Saints Herodion (Rodion), Agabus, Asyncritus, Rufus, Phlegon and
Hermes are among the Seventy Apostles, chosen by Christ and sent out
by Him to preach (Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles: January 4).
The holy Apostle Herodion was a relative of St Paul, and his companion
on many journeys. When Christianity had spread to the Balkan
Peninsula, the Apostles Peter and Paul established St Herodion as
Bishop of Patara. St Herodion zealously preached the Word of God and
converted many of the Greek pagans and Jews to Christianity.
Enraged by the preaching of the disciple, the idol-worshippers and
Jews with one accord fell upon St Herodion, and they began to beat him
with sticks and pelt him with stones. One of the mob struck him with a
knife, and the saint fell down. But when the murderers were gone, the
Lord restored him to health unharmed.
After this, St Herodion continued to accompany the Apostle Paul for
years afterward. When the holy Apostle Peter was crucified (+ c. 67),
St Herodion and St Olympos were beheaded by the sword at the same
time.
The holy Apostle Agabus was endowed with the gift of prophecy. He
predicted (Acts 11:27-28) the famine during the reign of the emperor
Claudius (41-52), and foretold the suffering of the Apostle Paul at
Jerusalem (Acts 21:11). St Agabus preached in many lands, and
converted many pagans to Christ.
St Rufus, whom the holy Apostle Paul mentions in the Epistle to the
Romans (Rom. 16:11-15), was bishop of the Greek city of Thebes. St
Asyncritus (Rom. 16:14) was bishop in Hyrcania (Asia Minor). St
Phlegon was bishop in the city of Marathon (Thrace). St Hermes was
bishop in Dalmatia (there is another Apostle of the Seventy by the
name of Hermas, who was bishop in the Thracian city of Philippopolis).
All these disciples for their intrepid service to Christ underwent
fierce sufferings and were found worthy of a martyr's crown.
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Apostle Agabus and those with him
Saint Agabus was one of the Seventy Apostles chosen by Christ and sent
out by Him to preach (Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles: January 4).
The holy Apostle Agabus was endowed with the gift of prophecy. He
predicted (Acts 11:27-28) the famine during the reign of the emperor
Claudius (41-52), and foretold the suffering of the Apostle Paul at
Jerusalem (Acts 21:11). St Agabus preached in many lands, and
converted many pagans to Christ.
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Apostle Asyncritus, of the Seventy and those with him
Saint Asyncritus was one of the Seventy Apostles chosen by Christ and
sent out by Him to preach (Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles: January
4).
St Asyncritus (Rom. 16:14) was bishop in Hyrcania (Asia Minor).
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Apostle Rufus of the Seventy and those with him
Saint Rufus was one of the Seventy Apostles chosen by Christ and sent
out by Him to preach.
St Rufus, whom the holy Apostle Paul mentions in the Epistle to the
Romans (Romans 16:11-15), was bishop of the Greek city of Thebes.
St Rufus is also commemorated on January 4 (The Synaxis of the Seventy
Apostles).
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Apostle Phlegon of the Seventy and those with him
Saint Phlegon was one of the Seventy Apostles, chosen by Christ and
sent out by Him to preach (Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles: January
4). St Phlegon was bishop in the city of Marathon (Thrace).
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Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, and those with him
Saint Hermes was one of the Seventy Apostles chosen by Christ and sent
out by Him to preach (Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles: January 4).
St Hermes was bishop in Dalmatia (there is another Apostle of the
Seventy by the name of Hermas, who was bishop in the Thracian city of
Philippopolis).
All these disciples for their intrepid service to Christ underwent
fierce sufferings and were found worthy of a martyr's crown.
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St Niphon the Bishop of Novgorod
Saint Niphon was a monk of the Kiev Caves Monastry, where he struggled
in asceticism. In imitation of the Holy Fathers, he uprooted the
passions through fasting, vigil, and prayer, and adorned himself with
every virtue. He was chosen as Bishop of Novgorod when Bishop John
retired to a monastery after twenty-five years of episcopal service.
St Niphon was consecrated bishop in Kiev by Metropolitan Michael and
other hierarchs.
St Niphon embraced his archpastoral duties with great zeal,
strengthening his flock in the Orthodox Faith, and striving to prevent
them from becoming separated from the Church, which is the same as
being separated from Christ Himself.
The saint was also zealous in building and repairing churches. He
built a new stone church in the center of Novgorod, dedicating it to
the Most Holy Theotokos. He repaired the roof of the church of Holy
Wisdom (Christ, the Wisdom of God), and adorned the interior with
icons.
When war broke out between Novgorod and Kiev, St Niphon showed himself
to be a peacemaker. Meeting with the leaders of both sides, he was
able to pacify them and avert the war. In the same way, he always
tried to settle arguments and to reconcile those who were at enmity.
He instructed his flock in the law of God, preaching to them,
reproving, rebuking, and exhorting them patiently and with sound
doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2) so that they might obtain the salvation which
is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:10).
When the people of Novgorod drove away their prince, Vsevolod, they
invited Prince Svyatslav to govern them. The new prince wanted to
enter into a marriage which was against the Church canons. Not only
did St Niphon refuse to perform the ceremony, he also told his clergy
to regard this betrothal as unlawful. Prince Svyatoslav brought
priests in from elsewhere to perform the wedding, and the holy
hierarch was not afraid to denounce his behavior.
After the death of Metropolitan Michael of Kiev, the Great Prince
Isaiaslav wished to have the schemamonk Clement succeed him. However,
he wanted to have Clement consecrated without the blessing of the
Patriarch of Constantinople.
At a council of bishops, St Niphon declared that he would not approve
the consecration without the permission of the Patriarch of
Constantinople. He reminded the other bishops that this was contrary
to the tradition of the Russian Church, for Russia had received the
Orthodox Faith from Constantinople. Starting in 1448, however, the
Russian Church began to elect its own primate without seeking
confirmation from Constantinople.
The uncanonical consecration took place despite the objections of St
Niphon. Metropolitan Clement tried to force the saint to serve the
Divine Liturgy with him, but he refused. He called Clement a wolf
rather than a shepherd, for he had unjustly assumed an office which he
did not deserve. St Niphon refused to serve with Clement, or to
commemorate him during the services.
In his fury, Clement would not permit St Niphon to return to Novgorod.
Instead, he had the saint held under house arrest at the Kiev Caves
Monastery. When Isaiaslav was defeated by Prince George, St Niphon
returned to Novgorod, where the people welcomed him with great joy.
The Patriarch of Constantinople sent a letter praising St Niphon for
his steadfast defense of church teachings. He also sent Metropolitan
Constantine to Rus in order to depose Metropolitan Clement, and to
assume the see of Kiev himself. St Niphon prepared to journey to Kiev
to meet Metropolitan Clement.
St Niphon again took up residence in the Kiev Caves Monastery, where
he became ill. Thirteen days before his death, he revealed to the
brethren that he had had a wondrous dream. St Theodosius (May 3)
appeared to him and announced his imminet departure from this world.
St Niphon reposed in peace on April 8, 1156. Now he stands before the
throne of God, interceding for us before the All-Holy Trinity, to Whom
be all glory, honor, and worship forever.
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Venerable Rufus the Obedient of the Kiev Far Caves
Saint Rufus the Obedient, Hermit of the Caves, lived at the Kiev Caves
monastery during the fourteenth century. He was distinguished for his
obedience and glorified as a lover of labor and fasting. He was buried
in the Far Caves. He is celebrated a second time on August 28, the
Synaxis of the Fathers of the Far Caves.
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Martyr Pausilippus of Heraclea in Thrace
The Holy Martyr Pausilippus suffered under the emperor Hadrian
(117-138). Denunced by the pagans, he was brought to trial before the
emperor and staunchly declared himself a Christian.
They beat him with iron rods and handed over to the governor named
Precius, who for a long time attempted to make the martyr offer
sacrifice to idols. The martyr remained steadfast, and finally the
governor gave orders to fetter him and execute him.
Along the way, St Pausilippus prayed fervently that the Lord would
spare him from the hand of the executioner and grant him a quick
death. The Lord heard him. The martyr, beaten up and weak, was
suddenly filled with such strength that he shattered the iron fetters
and freed himself. Tossing them aside, St Pausilippus thought to
escape, but he died as he fled. Christians buried the body of the
martyr with reverence.
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St Celestine the Pope of Rome
Saint Celestine, Pope of Rome (422-432), a zealous champion of
Orthodoxy, lived during the reign of the holy Emperor Theodosius the
Younger (408-450). He received an excellent education, and he knew
philosophy well, but most of all he studied the Holy Scripture and
pondered over theological questions.
The virtuous life of the saint and his authority as a theologian won
him the general esteem and love of the clergy and people. After the
death of St Boniface (418-422), St Celestine was chosen to be the
Bishop of Rome.
During this time, the heresy of Nestorius emerged. At a local Council
in Rome in 430, St Celestine denounced this heresy and condemned
Nestorius as a heretic. After the Council, St Celestine wrote a letter
to St Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria (January 18), stating that if
Nestorius did not renounce his false teachings after ten days, then he
should be deposed and excommunicated.
St Celestine also sent a series of letters to other churches,
Constantinople and Antioch, in which he unmasked and denounced the
Nestorian heresy.
For two years after the Council, St Celestine proclaimed the true
teaching about Christ the God-Man, and he died in peace on April 6,
432.
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Icon of the Mother of God "Spanish"
The Spanish Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, which is one of the
Panachranta type, depicts the Mother of God seated upon a throne.
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