Nativity Fast, day 30
Sunday of the Forefathers
Saints commemorated
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Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucis, Callinicus
Thyrsus, Leucius and Callinicus were martyrs of the persecution under the emperor Decius (249–251), suffering about the year 250 in Bithynia. Leucius, a Christian of standing, openly rebuked the governor for his cruelty toward the faithful and was tortured and beheaded. Thyrsus, still only a catechumen, gave himself up for Christ, endured savage tortures unharmed, and by his prayer toppled an idol of Apollo before reposing under sentence of death. Callinicus, a pagan priest who watched Thyrsus's courage and his miracle, was converted on the spot, confessed Christ aloud, and was put to the sword. The three are commemorated together on December 14.
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Holy Martyrs Philemon, Apollonius, Arian and those with them (3rd c.)
Philemon and Apollonius were martyrs of Antinoöpolis (Antinoe) in the Egyptian Thebaid during the persecution of Diocletian, suffering about the year 305. Apollonius, a reader of the Church, was afraid of torture and paid a pagan flute-player named Philemon to sacrifice to the idols in his place; but when Philemon put on the reader's clothes and came to the altar, grace touched his heart, he confessed Christ, and — praying for baptism, he received a sudden shower of rain as his baptism. Both were beheaded, and their example converted their judge, the governor Arrian, who with four of his bodyguards was in turn martyred by drowning. Their brother Theonas and the wider company of the Thebaid martyrs are remembered with them on December 14.
British Isles and Ireland
- St. Hygbald, abbot of Hibaldstow (7th C)
- SS. Fingar and Phiala, and 770 other martyr companions (5th C)
Troparia & kontakia
Kontakion — Tone 4
Come, let us all assemble today and, with sacred songs of praise, extol the luminaries of the Church, hymning them as the prize-winning athletes of Christ our God.
Kontakion — Tone 2
Champions of the true faith, you spat upon the impious tyrant and laid bare his beast-like thirst for blood; strengthened by the help of Christ, you overcame his raging violence, O Thyrsus and Leucius. Together with those who suffered at your side, intercede for us.
Troparion — Tone 4
Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their contest received incorruptible crowns from Thee our God; for, possessed of Thy might, they cast down the tyrants and broke the feeble insolence of the demons. By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.
Troparion — Tone 4
Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their contest received incorruptible crowns from Thee our God; for, possessed of Thy might, they cast down the tyrants and broke the feeble insolence of the demons. By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.
Readings
5th Matins Gospel
Luke 24.12-35
12Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. 13And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. 17And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? 18And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? 19And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 21But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. 22Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; 23And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. 24And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. 25Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. 29But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. 30And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 33And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 34Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 35And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
Epistle
Colossians 3.4-11 (Forefathers)
4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Gospel
Luke 14.16-24 (Forefathers)
16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.