[Readingsandsaints] Readings and Saints

Sun Jan 13 05:00:19 CST 2008

Scripture Readings and Saints for Sun Jan 13 2008

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John 21:15-25  (11th Matins Gospel)
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,
"Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him,
"Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My
lambs."
16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you
love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He
said to him, "Tend My sheep."
17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love
Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you
love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know
that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.
18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded
yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will
stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where
you do not wish.
19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And
when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."
20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved
following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said,
"Lord, who is the one who betrays You?"
21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "But Lord, what about this man?"
22 Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is
that to you? You follow Me."
23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple
would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die,
but, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?"
24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these
things; and we know that his testimony is true.
25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they
were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could
not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
Scripture Reading 1 of 3

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Ephesians 4:7-13  (Epistle, Sunday After)
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of
Christ's gift.
8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity
captive, And gave gifts to men."
9 (Now this, "He ascended"-what does it mean but that He also first
descended into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the
heavens, that He might fill all things.)
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some
evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the
fullness of Christ;
Scripture Reading 2 of 3

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Matthew 4:12-17  (Gospel, Sunday After)
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed
to Galilee.
13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by
the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali,
14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,
saying:
15 The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the
sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles:
16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon
those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned."
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Scripture Reading 3 of 3

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Afterfeast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ
The seventh day of the Afterfeast of Theophany falls on January 13.
Many of the Church's hymns during this period rejoice in the
manifestation of God (Theophany) at Christ's baptism in the Jordan.
The voice of the Father is heard, the Son enters the water, and the
Holy Spirit appears in the form of a dove.
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Martyr Hermylus of Belgrade
The Holy Martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus, Slavs by origin, lived at
the beginning of the fourth century during a persecution against
Christians by the emperor Licinius (311-324). St Hermylus served as
deacon in the city of Sigidon (Belgrade). Condemned by Licinius to
imprisonment, he was long and cruelly tortured for Christ, but he
remained unyielding.
Hermylus mocked the pagan gods, calling them deaf, dumb, and blind
idols. In anger Licinius ordered more severe torments for him, saying
that he could avoid them if he would offer sacrifice. The holy martyr
predicted that Licinius would suffer terrible wounds himself because
he worshiped idols instead of the Creator. His words came true, for
Licinius was killed in 324.
After three days Hermylus was brought before the tribunal again and
asked whether he would avoid more torture by offering sacrifice. The
saint replied that he would offer worship and sacrifice only to the
true God.
St Hermylus prayed that the Lord would give him strength to endure his
torments and triumph over the pagans. A voice was heard saying,
"Hermylus, you will be delivered from your suffering in three days,
and will receive a great reward." The torturers fell to the ground in
fear, and took the saint back to prison.
St Stratonicus was one of the prison guards and a secret Christian.
Seeing the agonizing torments of his friend, he was unable to keep
from weeping, and he revealed that he was a Christian. They also
subjected him to punishment.
After the torture, they put both martyrs into a net and threw them
into the Danube. On the third day, the bodies of the saints were found
by Christians on the bank of the river and buried near Sigidon. Their
venerable heads were in the Church of Hagia Sophia, where the Russian
pilgrim Anthony saw them in the year 1200.
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Martyr Stratonicus of Belgrade
The Holy Martyrs Stratonicus and Hermylus, Slavs by origin, lived at
the beginning of the fourth century during a persecution against
Christians by the emperor Licinius (307-324). St Hermylus served as
deacon in the city of Sigidon (Belgrade). Condemned by Licinius to
imprisonment, he was long and cruelly tortured for Christ, but he
remained unyielding.
St Stratonicus was one of the prison guards and a secret Christian.
Seeing the agonizing torments of his friend, he was unable to keep
from weeping, and he revealed that he was a Christian. They also
subjected him to punishment.
After the torture, they put both martyrs into a net and threw them
into the Danube. On the third day, the bodies of the saints were found
by Christians on the bank of the river and buried near Sigidon. Their
venerable heads were in the Church of Hagia Sophia, where the Russian
pilgrim Anthony saw them in the year 1200.
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Venerable Irenarchus the Recluse of Rostov
Irenarchus, Hermit of Rostov, was born into a peasant family in the
village of Kondakovo in the Rostov district. In Baptism he received
the name Elias. In his thirtieth year, he was tonsured a monk at the
Rostov Sts Boris and Gleb monastery. There he began fervently to labor
at monastic tasks, he attended church services, and by night he prayed
and slept on the ground. Once, taking pity on a vagrant who did not
have shoes, St Irenarchus gave him his own boots, and from that time
he began to go barefoot through the snow.
The igumen did not care for such behavior, and he began to humiliate
him, compelling him to stand for an hour or nearly two in the snow
opposite his cell, or to ring the bells for a long time. The saint
endured everything with patience but he did not change his conduct.
The igumen continued to be hard-hearted, and the monk was obliged to
transfer to the Abramiev Theophany monastery, where he was accepted
into the number of the brethren and he was soon chosen as steward.
The saint fulfilled his monastic obediences with zeal, but grieved
that the brethren and servants did not look after the property of the
monastery, but imprudently wasted it. Once in a dream he saw St
Abraham of Rostov (October 29), who comforted him and blessed him to
distribute necessities to all without trouble. Later, St Irenarchus
sobbed loudly during the singing of the Cherubimic hymn. The
archimandrite asked him why he wept, and he answered, "My mother has
died!"
Leaving Abramiev monastery, St Irenarchus transferred to the Rostov
monastery of St Lazarus, settled into a solitary cell and lived for
three years in privation and hunger. Here he was visited by Blessed
John the Fool, nicknamed "the Big Simpleton." The saints encouraged
each other by spiritual conversation. The Elder, however, had a desire
to return to the Sts Boris and Gleb monastery. He was accepted back
with love by the strict Barlaam, and he began to pursue even greater
ascetic deeds at the monastery.
Having withdrawn into solitude, St Irenarchus chained himself to a
wooden chair, and he placed on himself heavy chains and crosses. For
this he endured the mockery and sneers of the brethren. During this
time he was visited by his old friend, Blessed John the Fool, who
predicted the Lithuanian invasion of Moscow.
St Irenarchus spent twenty-five years shackled in chains and in
arduous tasks. His ascetic deeds were a silent reproach to those
living carelessly at the monastery, and they lied to the igumen about
him. They said that the Elder taught that they should not do monastic
work, but rather pursue asceticism as he did. The igumen believed the
slander and he banished the holy Elder from the monastery. Humbly
submitting, St Irenarchus again went to Rostov and lived in the
monastery of St Lazarus for one year.
Meanwhile the igumen of Sts Boris and Gleb regretted his conduct and
sent monks after St Irenarchus. He returned, blaming himself that he
did not live like the brethren who engaged in righteous works, in
which he was lacking. The monk continued to bear his own heavy
fetters. He made clothes for the needy, and he knitted hairshirts and
klobuks. He slept at night for only an hour or two, the rest of the
time he prayed and beat his body with an iron rod.
St Irenarchus had a vision that Lithuania would invade Moscow, and
that churches there would be destroyed. He began to weep bitterly
about the impending disaster, and the igumen ordered him to go to
Moscow and warn Tsar Basil Shuisky (1606-1610) about the terrible
misfortune. St Irenarchus carried out the order. He refused the gifts
offered him and when he returned, he began to pray fervently that the
Lord would show mercy on the Russian land.
Enemies appeared against Russia, they began the conquest of the city,
beat the inhabitants, and robbed churches and monasteries. The False
Demetrius and a second Pretender sought to conquer Russia for the
Polish king. Sts Boris and Gleb monastery was also overrun by the
enemy, who came to the holy hermit and were amazed at the direct and
bold words of the Elder, predicting catastrophe for them.
Sapega, remaining at the Sts Boris and Gleb monastery, wanted to see
the Elder sitting in chains, and he was amazed at such an ascetic
exploit. When the Polish nobles with Sapega told him that the Elder
prayed for Shuisky, the monk boldly said, "I am born and baptized in
Russia, and I pray to God for the Russian Tsar." Sapega answered,
"Grandfather speaks truly; in whatever land one lives, there one also
serves." After this St Irenarchus began to urge Sapega to leave
Russia, predicting death for him if he did not do so.
St Irenarchus followed the course of the war and sent his blessings
and a prosphora to Prince Demetrius Pozharsky. He told him to come to
Moscow, predicting, "You shall see the glory of God." To assist
Pozharsky and Minin, the saint handed over his cross. With the help of
God the Russians vanquished the Lithuanians, Prince Pozharsky took
possession of the Kremlin, and peace gradually began to return to the
Russian land. St Irenarchus incessantly prayed God with tears for the
deliverance of Russia from enemies and, with the power to work
miracles, he healed the sick and demoniacs.
The day of his death was revealed to him, and summoning his disciples
Alexander and Cornelius, he gave them his final instructions. After
taking leave of all he quietly fell asleep in the Lord. The holy Elder
left behind 142 copper crosses, seven shoulder chains, other chains
which he wore on his neck, iron foot shackles, eighteen hand fetters,
heavy "bonds" which he wore on his belt, and iron rods with which he
thrashed his body to drive away demons.
In these works, as the Elder called them, he spent thirty-eight years,
and having lived in the world for thirty years, he died in his
sixty-eighth year. After the death of St Irenarchus, many miracles
took place at his grave, especially the healing of the sick and the
demoniacs by laying the holy ascetic's crosses and chains upon them.
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Venerable Eleazar of Anzersk Island, Solovki
Saint Eleazar of Anzersk was born in the city of Kozelsk into the
merchant family Severiukov. With the blessing of his parents he went
off to the Solovki monastery, where he received monastic tonsure from
the igumen St Irenarchus (July 17).
At the monastery he displayed an astonishing artistic gift: he learned
woodcarving and he took part in the embellishment of the
Transfiguration cathedral. With the blessing of the igumen, he went to
the island of Anzersk in 1612, where he became a hermit, devoting
himself to constant prayer and meditation on God.
In order to obtain subsistence for himself on the island wilderness,
St Eleazar carved wooden cups, which he left at the dock. On the cups
he wrote a message requesting food. Fishermen left bread and other
supplies for the ascetic, and they were rewarded with a great catch of
fish.
In the year 1616 St Eleazar was elevated to schemamonk. Disciples
gathered around the saint wishing to live near him and benefit from
his instruction. He organized a skete with a strict rule of monastic
life following the ancient form. Monastic cells were built far away
from one another, and the hermits gathered together only for Saturday
and Sunday services.
Among the disciples of St Eleazar was the hieromonk Nikita, the future
Patriarch Nikon. Tsar Michael (1613-1645), learning of the saint's
ascetic life, summoned him to Moscow. St Eleazar predicted the birth
of a son, and in return the Tsar generously gave him help to build a
stone church on the island dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and also a
monastery.
St Eleazar loved books. He compiled three books, "Flower gardens,"
collecting edifying sayings and examples from various sources. He also
wrote a commentary on the Rule for monastic cell life.
St Eleazar died in great old age, forseeing the time of his death. It
is not known how old he was, but he lived at Ansersk for forty years,
and he was at Solovki for some time before that.
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Martyr Peter of Anium, at Hieropolis
Saint Peter was slain at Hieropolis between 309 - 320 for confessing
Christ.
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St James the Bishop of Nisibis
Saint James, Bishop of Nisibis, was the son of prince Gefal (Armenia)
and received a fine upbringing. From the time of his youth he loved
solitude, and for a long time he lived in the mountains around about
the city of Niziba (on the border of the Persian and Roman Empires),
where he carried out strict ascetic exploits: he lived under the open
sky, fed himself with tree fruits and greens, and dressed himself in
goat-skins. The monk passed all this time in prayerful conversations
with God.
During a persecution by the emperor Maximian (284-305)he was glorified
by a courageous confession of faith. Because of his strict and pious
life the inhabitants of Nisibis chose him as their bishop (no later
than the year 314). St James was glorified by his ardent zeal for the
Orthodox Faith, by great miracles and by the gift of clairvoyance. By
his prayers Nisibis was saved from an invasion by Sapor, the emperor
of Persia.
St James, among the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, was one
of the prominent defenders of the Orthodox Faith. A wise and educated
pastor, he constructed a public school at Nisibis, in which he himself
was an instructor. He made a strong impression on the hearts of his
listeners by the high morality of his life.
St Gregory, bishop of great Armenia, turned to him with a request to
write about the faith, and the Nisibis pastor sent to him by way of
reply a detailed Discourse (18 Chapters): about the faith, about love,
fasting, prayer, spiritual warfare, the resurrection of the dead, the
duties of pastors, about circumcision against the Jews, about the
choice of foods, about Christ as the Son of God, and so on. His
composition distinguishes itself by its persuasive clear exposition
and warmth.
St James died peacefully in about the year 350.
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St Hilary the Bishop of Poitiers
Saint Hilary, the great opponent of Arianism, was born around 320. He
was raised as a pagan, but converted to Christianity as an adult. He
became Bishop of Poitiers in 350. When the emperor Constantius II
attempted to impose Arianism on the western Church, St Hilary led a
vigorous opposition to his efforts. Because of his outspoken
criticism, he was exiled to Phrygia in 356. There he became such a
defender and champion of Orthodoxy that the emperor decided it would
be less trouble to allow him to return to his diocese.
St Hilary continued to fight against Arianism until his death in 368.
His holy relics still rest in the cathedral bearing his name at
Poitiers in France.
He has lent his name to the "Hilary term" of English law courts and
universities, which begin on or near his Feast Day.
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Venerable Maximus Kavsokalyvites of Mt Athos
Saint Maximus Kavsokalyvites was educated at the church of the Most
Holy Theotokos at Lampsakos. At seventeen years of age he left his
parental home, became a monk, and passed his obedience under Elder
Mark, the finest spiritual instructor in Macedonia. After the death of
his teacher, the saint pursued asceticism under the guidance of
several desert Fathers of extremely strict life. Arriving in
Constantinople, St Maximus was constantly at the Blachernae church of
the Most Holy Theotokos, as though he had taken up his abode at the
entrance.
>From his youth, St Maximus had a great love for the Mother of God. He
persistently entreated Her to grant him the gift of unceasing mental
prayer. One day, as he was venerating her icon, he felt a warmth and a
flame enter his heart from the icon. It did not burn him, but he felt
a certain sweetness and contrition within. From that time, his heart
began to repeat the Jesus Prayer of itself. In this way, the Virgin
Theotokos fulfilled his request.
St Maximus fulfilled his obedience in the Lavra of St Athanasius on
Mt. Athos. In order to conceal his ascetic deeds of fasting and
prayer, and to avoid celebrity, he behaved like a fool. One day, he
had a vision of the Mother of God, who told him to ascend the
mountain. On the summit of the Holy Mountain, he prayed for three days
and nights. Again, the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to him surrounded
by angels, and holding Her divine Son in Her arms.
Prostrating himself, the saint heard the All-Holy Virgin speak to him,
"Receive the gift against demons... and settle at the foot of Athos,
for this is the will of My Son." She told him that he would ascend the
heights of virtue, and become a teacher and guide for many. Then,
since he had not eaten for several days, a heavenly bread was given to
him. As soon as he put it in his mouth, he was surrounded by divine
light, and he saw the Mother of God ascending into Heaven.
St Maximus told his vision to a certain Elder living by the church of
the holy Prophet Elias at Carmel. He was skeptical, but the saint
turned his disbelief to good. He pretended to be slightly crazy in
order to conceal his prodigious ascetic deeds, privations, his
hardship and solitude. St Maximus did not live in a permanent abode,
but wandered from place to place like a lunatic. Whenever he moved, he
would burn his hut down. Therefore, he was called "Kavsokalyvites," or
"Hut Burner."
Those on the Holy Mountain, knowing of the extreme deprivations and
sorrows of St Maximus, for a long time regarded him with contempt,
even though he had attained the height and perfection of spiritual
life. When St Gregory of Sinai (August 8) arrived on Athos, he
encountered the holy fool. After speaking to him, he began to call him
an earthly angel. St Gregory persuaded St Maximus to stop behaving
like a fool and to live in one place so that others might benefit from
his spiritual experience. Heeding the words of St Gregory and the
advice of other Elders, St Maximus selected a permanent dwelling in a
cave near the renowned Elder Isaiah.
Knowing of his gift of clairvoyance, the Byzantine Emperors John
Paleologos (1341-1376) and John Kantakouzenos (1341-1355) visited him
and were surprised by the fulfillment of his predictions. Theophanes,
the igumen of Vatopedi monastery, wrote about St Maximus: "I invoke
God as my witness, that I myself saw several of his miracles. Once,
for instance, I saw him travel through the air from one place to
another. I listened as he made a prediction concerning me, that first
I would be an igumen, and then Metropolitan of Ochrid. He even
revealed to me how I would suffer for the Church."
St Maximus abandoned his solitude only just before his death, and
settled near the Lavra of St Athanasius, where he surrendered his soul
to the Lord at 95 years of age (+ 1354). After his death, as in life,
St Maximus was glorified by many miracles.
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St Elian, Missionary to Cornwall, England
No information available at this time.
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