[Readingsandsaints] Readings and Saints

Sun Mar 30 05:00:14 CDT 2008

Scripture Readings and Saints for Sun Mar 30 2008

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

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

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

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

Hebrews 4:14-5:6  (Epistle)
14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through
the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our
weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in
things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices
for sins.
2 He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray,
since he himself is also subject to weakness.
3 Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for
himself, to offer sacrifices for sins.
4 And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God,
just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it
was He who said to Him: "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You."
6 As He also says in another place: "You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek";
Scripture Reading 2 of 3

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

Mark 8:34-9:1  (Gospel)
34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also,
He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever
loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.
36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and
loses his own soul?
37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and
sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He
comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.
1 And He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that there are some
standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of
God present with power."
Scripture Reading 3 of 3

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

3rd Sunday of Great Lent Veneration of the Cross
The Third Sunday of Lent is that of the Veneration of the Cross. The
cross stands in the midst of the church in the middle of the lenten
season not merely to remind men of Christ's redemption and to keep
before them the goal of their efforts, but also to be venerated as
that reality by which man must live to be saved. "He who does not take
up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me" (Mt.10:38). For in the
Cross of Christ Crucified lies both "the power of God and the wisdom
of God" for those being saved (1 Cor.1:24).
_________________________________________________________________
Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of "the Ladder"
Saint John of the Ladder is honored by Holy Church as a great ascetic
and author of the renowned spiritual book called THE LADDER, from
which he is also called "of the Ladder" (Climacus).
There is almost no information about St John's origins. One tradition
suggests that he was born in Constantinople around the year 570, and
was the son of Sts Xenophon and Maria (January 26).
John went to Sinai when he was sixteen, submitting to Abba Martyrius
as his instructor and guide. After four years, St John was tonsured as
a monk. Abba Strategios, who was present at St John's tonsure,
predicted that he would become a great luminary in the Church of
Christ.
For nineteen years St John progressed in monasticism in obedience to
his spiritual Father. After the death of Abba Martyrius, St John
embarked on a solitary life, settling in a wild place called Thola,
where he spent forty years laboring in silence, fasting, prayer, and
tears of penitence.
It is not by chance that in THE LADDER St John speaks about tears of
repentance: "Just as fire burns and destroys the wood, so pure tears
wash away every impurity, both external and internal." His holy prayer
was strong and efficacious, as may be seen from an example from the
life of the God-pleasing saint.
St John had a disciple named Moses. Once, the saint ordered his
disciple to bring dung to fertilize the vegetable garden. When he had
fulfilled the obedience, Moses lay down to rest under the shade of a
large rock, because of the scorching heat of summer. St John was in
his cell in a light sleep. Suddenly, a man of remarkable appearance
appeared to him and awakened the holy ascetic, reproaching him, "John,
why do you sleep so heedlessly, when Moses is in danger?"
St John immediately woke up and began to pray for his disciple. When
Moses returned in the evening, St John asked whether any sort of
misfortune had befallen him.
The monk replied, "A large rock would have fallen on me as I slept
beneath it at noon, but I left that place because I thought I heard
you calling me." St John did not tell his disciple of his vision, but
gave thanks to God.
St John ate the food which is permitted by the monastic rule, but only
in moderation. He did not sleep very much, only enough to keep up his
strength, so that he would not ruin his mind by unceasing vigil. "I do
not fast excessively," he said of himself, "nor do I give myself over
to intense all-night vigil, nor lay upon the ground, but I restrain
myself..., and the Lord soon saved me."
The following example of St John's humility is noteworthy. Gifted with
discernment, and attaining wisdom through spiritual experience, he
lovingly received all who came to him and guided them to salvation.
One day some envious monks reproached him for being too talkative, and
so St John kept silence for a whole year. The monks realized their
error, and they went to the ascetic and begged him not to deprive them
of the spiritual profit of his conversation.
Concealing his ascetic deeds from others, St John sometimes withdrew
into a cave, but reports of his holiness spread far beyond the
vicinity. Visitors from all walks of life came to him, desiring to
hear his words of edification and salvation. After forty years of
solitary asceticism, he was chosen as igumen of Sinai when he was
seventy-five. St John governed the holy monastery for four years.
Toward the end of his life, the Lord granted him the gifts of
clairvoyance and wonderworking.
At the request of St John, igumen of the Raithu monastery
(Commemorated on Cheesefare Saturday), he wrote the incomparable
LADDER, a book of instruction for monks who wished to attain spiritual
perfection.
Knowing of the wisdom and spiritual gifts of St John of Sinai, the
igumen of Raithu requested him to write down whatever was necessary
for the salvation of those in the monastic life. Such a book would be
"a ladder fixed on the earth" (Gen. 28:12), leading people to the
gates of Heaven.
St John felt that such a task was beyond his ability, yet out of
obedience he fulfilled the request. The saint called his work THE
LADDER, for the book is "a fixed ladder leading from earthly things to
the Holy of Holies...." The thirty steps of spiritual perfection
correspond to the thirty years of the Lord's age. When we have
completed these thirty steps, we will find ourselves with the
righteous and will not stumble. THE LADDER begins with renunciation of
the world, and ends with God, Who is love (1 John 4:8).
Although the book was written for monks, any Christian living in the
world will find it an unerring guide for ascending to God, and a
support in the spiritual life. Sts Theodore the Studite (November 11
and January 26), Sergius of Radonezh (September 25 and July 5), Joseph
of Volokolamsk (September 9 and October 18), and others relied on THE
LADDER as an important guide to salvation.
The twenty-second step of THE LADDER deals with various forms of
vainglory. St John writes: "When I fast, I am vainglorious; and when I
permit myself food in order to conceal my fasting from others I am
again vainglorious about my prudence. When I dress in fine clothing, I
am vanquished by vanity, and if I put on drab clothing, again I am
overcome by vanity. If I speak, vainglory defeats me. If I wish to
keep silence, I am again given over to it. Wherever this thorn comes
up, it stands with its points upright.
A vain person seems to honor God, but strives to please men rather
than God.
People of lofty spirit bear insult placidly and willingly, but only
the holy and righteous may hear praise without harm.
When you hear that your neighbor or friend has slandered you behind
your back, or even to your face, praise and love him.
It is not the one who reproaches himself who shows humility, for who
will not put up with himself? It is the one who is slandered by
another, yet continues to show love for him.
Whoever is proud of his natural gifts, intelligence, learning, skill
in reading, clear enunciation, and other similar qualities, which are
acquired without much labor, will never obtain supernatural gifts.
Whoever is not faithful in small things (Luke 16:10), is also
unfaithful in large things, and is vainglorous.
It often happens that God humbles the vainglorious, sending a sudden
misfortune. If prayer does not destroy a proud thought, we bring to
mind the departure of the soul from this life. And if this does not
help, let us fear the shame which follows dishonor. "For whoever
humbles himself shall be exalted, and whoever exalts himself shall be
humbled" (Luke 14:11). When those who praise us, or rather seduce us,
start to praise us, let us recall our many sins, then we shall find
that we are not worthy of what they say or do to honor us."
In THE LADDER St John describes the ascent toward spiritual
perfection, which is essential for anyone who wishes to save his soul.
It is a written account of his thoughts, based on the collected wisdom
of many wise ascetics, and on his own spiritual experience. The book
is a great help on the path to truth and virtue.
The steps of THE LADDER proceed gradually from strength to strength on
the path of perfection. The summit is not reached suddenly, but
gradually, as the Savior says: "The Kingdom of Heaven suffers
violence, and the violent take it by force" (Mt.11:12).
St John is also commemorated on the fourth Sunday of Great Lent.
_________________________________________________________________
St Sophronius the Bishop of Irkutsk
Saint Sophronius, Bishop of Irkutsk and Wonderworker of all Siberia,
whose family name was Kristalevsky, was born in Malorussia in the
Chernigov region in 1704. His father, Nazarius, was "a common man in
his affairs, and the saint was named Stephen, in honor of the
protomartyr St Stephen. He had two brothers and a sister, Pelagia. The
name of one brother was Paul. The name of the other older brother is
unknown, but it is said that he was head of the Krasnogorsk Zolotonosh
monastery.
Stephen's childhood years were spent in the settlement of Berezan in
the Pereyaslavl district of the Poltava governance, where the family
settled after the father was discharged from service. When he came of
age, Stephen entered the Kiev Theological Academy, where two other
future hierarchs were studying: Joasaph, future Bishop of Belgorod
(September 4 and December 10), and Paul, future Metropolitan of
Tobolsk (June 10 and November 4).
After completing his religious education, Stephen entered the
Krasnogorsk Transfiguration monastery (later renamed the Protection
monastery. In 1789, it was transformed into a women's monastery),
where his elder brother already labored in asceticism. On April 23,
1730 he received monastic tonsure with the name of Sophronius, in
honor of St Sophronius of Jerusalem (March 11).
On the night after his monastic tonsure, St Sophronius heard a Voice
in the Protection church predicting his future service: "When you
become bishop, build a church dedicated to All Saints."
In 1732, he was summoned to Kiev. There he was ordained hierodeacon,
and then hieromonk in the cathedral of Holy Wisdom. After St
Sophronius had been a monk for two years, he became treasurer of the
Zolotonosh monastery for two years, and then His Grace Bishop Arsenius
(Berlov) of the Pereyaslavl diocese sent him into the house of his
archbishop, where he was steward for eight years.
These facts testify to the connections of the saint with his original
Protection monastery. During his obedience under the presiding
hierarch at Pereyaslavl, he often visited his monastery, spending the
day in quiet contemplation and work, serving as an example to the
brethren.
When Hieromonk Sophronius traveled to the Holy Synod on behalf of his
bishop, they paid close attention to him. In January 1742, the future
saint was transferred to the St Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St
Peterburg, the foremost monastery of the capital. A year later he was
appointed treasurer of the monastery, and in 1746 he was appointed as
Superior of the monastery.
He summoned his fellow countryman, the hieromonk Sinesios (Ivanoff), a
native of the city of Priluki, and made him igumen of the St Sergius
Hermitage, a dependancy of St Alexander Nevsky Lavra. From this time
the friendship of the two ascetics, hieromonk Sophronius and hieromonk
Sinesios, was strengthened by their joint pastoral effort, and they
were inseparable until they died in Siberia.
During these years St Sophronius worked hard at managing the monastery
and improvement of teaching at the seminary located nearby. He and
Archbishop Theodosius made it their task to acquire more books for the
monastic library.
St Sophronius built a two storey church: the upper church was
dedicated to St Theodore, the older brother of St Alexander Nevsky;
and the lower to St John Chrysostom.
Bishop Innocent II (Nerunovich) of Irkutsk died in 1747. For six years
afterwards, the Irkutsk diocese remained without a spiritual head.
Finally, on February 23, 1753, the empress Elizabeth (1741-1761)
recommended the pious Igumen Sophronius of the Alexander Nevsky
monastery to the Holy Synod as "a person, not only worthy of episcopal
rank, but also someone completely able to fulfill the wishes and the
hopes of the state and the Synod, and take up the burden of episcopal
service on the far frontier and satisfy the needs of his flock in that
harsh land, among wild primitives and lawless people."
On April 18, 1753, Thomas Sunday, Hieromonk Sophronius was consecrated
Bishop of Irkutsk and Nerchinsk in the Dormition cathedral.
Foreseeing difficult service on the distant Siberian frontier, the new
bishop did not immediately travel to the Irkutsk eparchy, but rather
began to gather educated and spiritually experienced co-workers.
During this period St Sophronius visited at his original Krasnogorsk
monastery. At the holy places of Kiev, he also sought the blessings of
the Kiev Caves Saints for his service. The constant companion of the
saint, as had been before, was the hieromonk Sinesios, sharing in his
friend's work.
At Moscow, Archbishop Platon of Moscow and Sevsk provided him with
further assistance. He gave him fatherly advice for his task, since he
was quite familiar with the peculiarities of the Siberian religious
life. He forewarned him about the self-willed local authorities, and
advised him to surround himself with trustworthy helpers.
On March 20, 1754 the saint arrived at Irkutsk. He went first to the
Ascension monastery, his predecessor's residence, and prayed at the
grave of Bishop Innocent (Kulchitz), asking his blessing as he took up
his assignment.
Familiarizing himself with the state of affairs in the diocese, the
saint began the reorganization of the Spiritual consistory,
monasteries and parishes, and appealed to the Holy Synod to send
worthy men to the Irkutsk eparchy for priestly service.
Before the arrival of St Sophronius, the Irkutsk monasteries had
already a century-old history. The founders of these monasteries were
motivated by a fervent desire for monastic life. The wise hierarch
appointed people of piety, wisdom, virtue, and with great experience
both of life and spiritual matters as heads of the monastic
communities. In 1754, Bishop Sophronius elevated his friend and
companion Hieromonk Sinesios to be Archimandrite of Ascension
monastery. He served the monastery for thirty-three years until his
blessed repose.
In September 1754, the bishop issued a decree in which he expressed
concern for the education and upbringing of the children of the
clergy. He wanted them to learn the HOROLOGION, the PSALTER, singing
and letters, and this instruction "ought to be conducted with all
industriousness and the utmost diligence, so that the children might
be able to fulfill the responsibilities of sacristan and deacon."
Studying both people and circumstances, the bishop in his sermons and
conversations exhorted all to a higher moral ideal. He devoted
particular attention to the reverent and correct performance of the
divine services and the Holy Mysteries, and he also looked after the
moral purity of laymen. He was concerned about the position of women
in the family, and defended them against their unjust inequality. The
bishop attempted to set straight the Rule of divine services, and so
he summoned priests, deacons, subdeacons and sacristans, and those who
sang in the choir during services.
Traveling about the diocese, the saint noticed that censing and the
ringing of bells were not being done properly in all places, and
therefore he issued a decree restoring the proper way of censing and
bell-ringing.
Called to apostolic service in this frontier region, St Sophronius
realized that his duty was to enlighten the Christians of the area,
and also to convert the idol-worshippers, who were very numerous in
Siberia.
It was difficult to bring pagans to the Church of Christ, especially
because sometimes there was no one to serve in the churches, and to
borrow priests for missionary activity only made matters worse.
Knowing that the Church services would have a salutary effect on
non-Russians, the saint not only served with reverence himself, but
also required it of all his clergy.
St Sophronius also contributed to the development of a stable culture
among the local people. He offered them monastic lands for settlements
and in every way he endeavored to isolate them from the influence of
paganism. A constant throng of visitors came from faraway places for
his blessing.
Even with his many cares, he did not forget his own spiritual life and
eternity. He also led an ascetical life. His cell-attendant said that
the saint "used simple food in small quantities. He served often,
spent the greater part of the night at prayer, sleeping on the floor
under a sheepskin or a fur, a deerskin or bear hide, and a small
simple pillow.
The spirit of his ascetic life fit in with the general uplifting of
the Christian spirit in Russia after the glorification of St Demetrius
of Rostov (September 21), Theodosius of Chernigov (September 9), and
the uncovering of the incorrupt relics of his predecessor, St Innocent
of Irkutsk (February 9). This event inspired St Sophronius to greater
efforts and encouraged him to ask for the help of St Innocent in his
task of building up the diocese.
Until the end of his days St Sophronius kept his love for the
Krasnogor Zolotonosh monastery, which had nurtured him in the days of
his youth. He constantly contributed support for its upkeep, sending
the necessary means for this.
Noticing a deterioration in his health, St Sophronius petitioned the
Holy Synod to let him retire. The answer from Peterburg did not come
right away, since it was difficult to choose a worthy successor.
The final days of St Sophronius' s life were spent in asceticism and
prayer.
The light, which shone on the good deeds of St Sophronius, continues
to the present time to testify to the glory of the Heavenly Father,
"Who mercifully strengthens His saints." Now the holy memory of St
Sophronius is reverently preserved not only in Siberia at the place of
his final deeds, but also at the place of his first deeds.
St Sophronius is also commemorated on June 30 (his glorification in
1918).
_________________________________________________________________
Prophet Joad
Holy Prophet Joad came from Samaria and prophesied during the tenth
century before Christ (See 1/3 Kings 13). The prophet was sent by the
Lord from Judea to Bethel to denounce the Israelite king Jereboam for
polluting his nation with idol worship.
The Lord commanded the prophet, "Eat no bread, and drink no water, and
do not return by the way you came" (1/3 Kings 13:9). The prophet Joad
appeared to King Jereboam and prophesied to him concerning the wrath
of the Lord. When the king tried to gesture with his hand to seize the
prophet, his hand suddenly withered. The king entreated the prophet to
pray to the Lord that his hand would be healed. By Joad's prayer he
received healing.
Deceived by the false prophet Emba of Bethel, Joad disobeyed the
command given him by the Lord. The older man lied and told Joad that
an angel had commanded him to bring him to his home and feed him.
Because of his disobedience, the prophet Joad was killed by a lion.
His body did not rest with his fathers, but was buried near the abode
of the false prophet who led him astray.
_________________________________________________________________
Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy
The Holy Apostles Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Caesar and Epaphroditus
of the Seventy.
St Sosthenes was head of the Corinthian synagogue before his
conversion. The Apostle Paul converted him to Christianity and made
him his helper in his work. In addressing the Corinthian church, St
Paul sent greetings from both of them: "Paul, by the will of God
called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, and brother Sosthenes..." (1
Cor.1:1). Afterwards, St Sosthenes was made bishop at Colophon (Asia
Minor).
These holy apostles are also commemorated on December 8 and the
Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on January 4.
_________________________________________________________________
Apostle Apollos of the Seventy
The Holy Apostles Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Caesar and Epaphroditus
of the Seventy:
In the Acts of the Holy Apostles we read the following: "A certain Jew
named Apollos, born in Alexandria, eloquent and well-versed in the
Scriptures, came to Ephesus. He was instructed in the way of the Lord;
and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the
things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. He began to
speak boldly in the synagogue. Hearing him, Aquila and Priscilla took
him and more precisely explained to him the way of the Lord. And when
he resolved to go to Achaia, the brethren wrote and asked the
disciples to receive him. When he got there, he greatly helped those
who believed by grace, for he powerfully confounded the Jews in
public, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ" (Acts
18:24-28).
St Apollos assisted the Apostle Paul. St Paul speaks about the spread
of Christianity among the Corinthians, "I have planted, Apollos
watered, but God gave the growth" (1 Cor.3:6). St Apollos was later
bishop at Smyrna (Asia Minor).
These holy apostles are also commemorated on December 8 and the
Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on January 4.
_________________________________________________________________
Apostle Cephas of the Seventy
The Holy Apostles Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Caesar and Epaphroditus
of the Seventy:
According to Tradition, St Cephas was Bishop of Iconium. No accounts
of him have been preserved. It is assumed that he is the one who is
mentioned by the Apostle Paul (1 Cor.15:5).
These holy apostles are also commemorated on December 8 and the
Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on January 4.
_________________________________________________________________
Apostle Caesar of the Seventy
The Holy Apostles Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Caesar and Epaphroditus
of the Seventy:
These holy apostles are also commemorated on December 8 and the
Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on January 4.
_________________________________________________________________
Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy
The Holy Apostles Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Caesar and Epaphroditus
of the Seventy:
St Epaphroditus was Bishop of Adrianium (Italy). He was also a
companion of St Paul who sent him to the Christians of Philippi. St
Paul speaks about his hard work in the vineyard of Christ: "I thought
it necesary to send you Epaphroditus, my brother and coworker and
fellow soldier, your messenger and minister to my needs... he was sick
and near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not only him but also
on me, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow... Receive him in the
Lord with all joy; and honor such men, for he almost died for the work
of Christ, risking his life to complete your lack of service to me"
(Phil 2: 25-30).
These holy apostles are also commemorated on December 8 and the
Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on January 4.
_________________________________________________________________
St Euboula the Mother of St Panteleimon
Saint Euboula, Mother of the Great Martyr Panteleimon (July 27), died
peacefully around 303, before the martyrdom of her son.
_________________________________________________________________
Venerable John the Silent of St Sava's Monastery
Saint John the Silent Bishop of the city of Colonia, was a model of a
good Christian life for his flock. Persecuted by the governor, he was
deprived of the archbishop's cathedra and went to the monastery of St
Sava the Sanctified, where he was glorified in ascetic deeds of
silence, prayer, and desert-dwelling. The monk died at age 104 (+
558). See also December 3.
_________________________________________________________________
St Zosimus the Bishop of Syracuse
Saint Zosimus, Bishop of Syracuse, was born in answer to the fervent
prayers of his parents, who were childless for a long time. When their
son reached the age of seven, his parents sent him to a monastery to
be educated. When the holy ascetic became an adult, he received
monastic tonsure, and governed the monastery for forty years. Pope
Theodore (641-649) consecrated him Bishop of Syracuse.
St Zosimus was distinguished by his charity and lack of avarice, and
led his flock by word and by example. Toward the end of his life St
Zosimus fell grievously ill, but endured his suffering with
magnanimity and humility. He died in the year 662, after he had led
his flock for thirteen years. Later, many of the sick received healing
by merely touching his tomb.
_________________________________________________________________
The Meeting of the Mother of God and Saint Elizabeth
The Meeting of the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Elizabeth. The
establishment of this Feast and the composition of the Service are the
work of Archimandrite Antonin Kapustin (+ 1894), head of the Russian
Orthodox Mission in Jerusalem.
The Gorneye Convent in Jerusalem, built on the site of the Meeting of
the Theotokos and St Elizabeth, celebrates this Feast on March 30. If
March 30 should fall between Lazarus Saturday and Pascha, however, the
Feast is transferred to Bright Friday.
_________________________________________________________________