Thursday, 25 January 2024

St Gregory the Theologian

Thursday of the 34th week after Pentecost

284 days after Pascha · Tone 8 · Red cross (polyeleos typikon symbol) · No Fast

Saints commemorated

★ Saint Gregory the Theologian, archbishop of Constantinople

This light of the Church is one of only three holy Fathers whom the Church has honored with the name “the Theologian” (the others are St John the Evangelist and Theologian, and St Symeon the New Theologian).

He was born in 329 in Arianzus in Cappadocia to a pious and holy family: his father Gregory, mother Nonna, brother Caesarius and sister Gorgonia are all counted among the Saints of the Church. His father later became Bishop of Nazianzus. He studied in Palestine, then in Alexandria, then in Athens. On the way to Athens, his ship was almost sunk in a violent storm; Gregory, who had not yet been baptized, prayed to the Lord to preserve him, and promised that henceforth he would dedicate his entire life to God. Immediately the storm ceased.

In Athens, Gregory’s fellow students included St Basil the Great and the future Emperor Julian the Apostate. The friendship between Gregory and Basil blossomed into a true spiritual friendship; they were loving brothers in Christ for the rest of their lives. After completing their studies, Sts Gregory and Basil lived together as monks in hermitage at Pontus. Much against St Gregory’s will, his father ordained him a priest, and St Basil consecrated him Bishop of Sasima (in the Archdiocese of Caesarea, over which St Basil was Archbishop).

In 381 the Second Ecumenical Council condemned Macedonius, Archbishop of Constantinople, and appointed St Gregory in his place. When he arrived in the City, he found that the Arians controlled all the churches, and he was forced to “rule” from a small house chapel. From there he preached his five great sermons on the Trinity, the Triadika; these were so powerfully influential that when he left Constantinople two years later, every church in the City had been restored to the Orthodox.

St Gregory was always a theologian and a contemplative, not an administrator, and the duties of Archbishop were agonizing to him. In 382 he received permission from a council of his fellow-bishops and the Emperor to retire from the see of Constantinople. He returned to Nazianzus (for which reason he is sometimes called St Gregory of Nazianzus). There he reposed in peace in 391 at the age of sixty-two.

His writings show a theological depth and a sublimity of expression perhaps unsurpassed in the Church. His teaching on the Holy Trinity is a great bastion of Orthodox Faith; in almost every one of his published homilies he preaches the Trinity undivided and of one essence.

Hieromartyr Auxentius

Auxentius was a priest and martyr of the early Christian Church. He lived during a period of persecution, when the faithful faced serious danger from the pagan authorities and those hostile to the Gospel. Auxentius was devoted to his priestly ministry, celebrating the Divine Liturgy and administering the sacraments to the Christian community despite the threats to his life. His steadfast faith and fearless proclamation of Christ aroused the ire of persecutors, leading to his arrest and eventual martyrdom. He endured torture and suffering, refusing to renounce his priesthood or deny the Lord Jesus. His death became a testimony to the power of grace and the triumph of faith over worldly force. Auxentius is venerated as a hieromartyr, one who was both a priest and a martyr, exemplifying the highest calling of pastoral leadership united with sacrificial love. He is commemorated on 25 January as a bold witness to the faith.

Holy Martyr Felicitas of Rome and her seven sons

Felicitas was born into a rich and noble Roman family and was raised in the Christian faith. She had seven sons named Januarius, Felix, Philip, Silvanus, Alexander, Vitalius, and Martial, whom she had taught from childhood in the Orthodox Christian faith. She was known throughout Rome for her deep piety and her steadfast devotion to Christ. When the persecution of Christians was heightened, Felicitas boldly confessed before the emperor and civil authorities that she was a Christian. The pagan priests, alarmed by her open confession and fearing the influence of her holy witness, declared that she was insulting the gods by spreading Christianity. Felicitas was determined to remain faithful to Christ regardless of the consequences, and she encouraged her sons to stand firm in their faith. Felicitas and her sons were turned over to the Prefect Publius for interrogation and torture. The pagan magistrates sought to force them to renounce their faith and make offerings to pagan idols. Saint Felicitas witnessed the terrible sufferings inflicted upon each of her beloved sons as they were tortured for refusing to deny Christ. Throughout their ordeals, she prayed to God that her sons would stand firm in the faith and enter the heavenly Kingdom before her. All seven of her sons died as martyrs before the eyes of their mother, who was herself being tortured. Saint Felicitas then followed her sons in martyrdom for Christ, dying around the year 164. Their martyrdom is recorded as one of the most poignant testimonies to maternal love united with faith in Christ. The Eastern Orthodox Church honours the memory of Saint Felicitas and her seven sons on 25 January as models of Christian faith and steadfastness unto death.

Saint Mares the Singer

Saint Mares was a holy man of Egypt renowned for his gifts of music and hymnography in the early Church. He is said to have excelled in the composition of hymns and sacred songs that drew the hearts of the faithful toward God. Mares lived a life devoted to the praise of God and the edification of the Church through his musical talents. He exemplified the Orthodox tradition of sacred music as a means of prayer and spiritual transformation. Through his hymns and songs, he sought to elevate souls to contemplate the divine mysteries and grow in their love for Christ and His Church. His dedication to the music of the Spirit and his pastoral sensitivity to the needs of God's people earned him a place of honour in the tradition. Saint Mares is commemorated on 25 January as a musician and servant of the Church.

Saint Publius of Syria

Saint Publius was a holy man of Syria venerated in the Orthodox tradition. Living in the early Christian era, Publius devoted himself to ascetic practice and spiritual discipline in the Syrian lands. He was known for his profound piety, his commitment to prayer and fasting, and his spiritual guidance offered to those who sought his counsel. Publius lived a life dedicated to the pursuit of holiness, striving to attain union with God through virtue and contemplation. He exemplified the monastic and ascetic ideals of early Syrian Christianity, contributing to the rich spiritual legacy of the Eastern Church. His memory is preserved in the liturgical tradition of the Orthodox Church, and he is commemorated on 25 January as a saint whose life bore witness to the transformative power of Christian asceticism.

Daily readings

Vespers

OT — Composite 2 - Proverbs 10, 3, 8

The memory of a just man is praised, and the Lord’s blessing is upon his head. Blessed is one who has found wisdom; a mortal who knows understanding. To import her is better than treasures of gold and silver. She is more valuable than precious stones; nothing of value equals her worth. Justice proceeds from her mouth; she bears law and mercy on her tongue. Therefore, my children, listen to me, for I speak weighty things. And blessed is the one who keeps my ways. For my goings out are the goings out of life, and favour is prepared from the Lord. Therefore I exhort you, and utter my voice to the children of humankind. Because I, Wisdom, have prepared counsel, knowledge and understanding. I have called on them. Counsel and sureness are mine; prudence is mine, strength is mine. I love those who are my friends, while those who seek me will find grace. You innocent, then, understand cunning; you untaught, take it to heart. Listen to me, for I will speak weighty things, and I will open right things from my lips. Because my throat will meditate truth; lying lips are abominable before me. All the words of my mouth are with justice, there is nothing crooked in them nor twisted. They are all straight for those who understand, and right for those who find knowledge. For I teach you what is true, that your hope may be in the Lord and that you may be filled with spirit.

Vespers

OT — Composite 4 - Proverbs 10; Wisdom of Solomon 6, 7, 8, 9

The mouth of a just man distils wisdom; the lips of men know graces. The mouth of the wise meditates wisdom; justice delivers them from death. When a just man dies hope is not lost; for a just son is born for life, and among his good things he will pluck the fruit of justice. There is light at all times for the just, and they will find grace and glory from the Lord. The tongue of the wise knows what is good, and wisdom will take its rest in their hearts. The Lord loves holy hearts; while all who are blameless in the way are acceptable to him. The wisdom of the Lord will enlighten the face of the understanding; for she anticipates those who desire her before they know it, and is easily contemplated by those who love her. One who rises for her at dawn will not toil, and one who keeps vigil because of her will be without care. For she goes about seeking those who are worthy of her, and shows herself favourably to those on her paths. Wickedness will never prevail against wisdom. Because of this I too became a lover of her beauty and became her friend, and I sought her out from my youth, and I sought to take her as my bride, because the Master of all things loved her, for she is an initiate of the knowledge of God and one who chooses his works. Her toils are virtues; she herself teaches sobriety and prudence; justice and courage, than which things nothing is more useful in human life. If anyone longs for much experience, she knows how to compare things of old and those that are to come. She knows the twists of words and the explanations of riddles. She foresees signs and wonders and the outcomes of seasons and times. And to all she is a good counsellor. Because immortality is in her, and fame in the fellowship of her words. Therefore I appealed to the Lord and besought him and said from my whole heart, ‘God of my Fathers and Lord of mercy, who made all things by your Word, and established humanity by your Wisdom to be sovereign over the creatures that had come into being by you, and to order the world in holiness and justice, give me Wisdom who sits by your throne, and do not reject me from among your children, for I am your servant and the son of your maid servant. Send her out from your holy dwelling and from the throne of your glory, that she may be present with me and teach me what is well pleasing before you. And she will guide me with knowledge and guard me with her glory. For all the thoughts of mortals are wretched and their ideas are unstable.’

Vespers

Wisdom of Solomon — Wisdom of Solomon 4.7-15

⁷But though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest.

⁸For honourable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured by number of years.

⁹But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted life is old age.

¹⁰He pleased God, and was beloved of him: so that living among sinners he was translated.

¹¹Yea speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul.

¹²For the bewitching of naughtiness doth obscure things that are honest; and the wandering of concupiscence doth undermine the simple mind.

¹³He, being made perfect in a short time, fulfilled a long time:

¹⁴For his soul pleased the Lord: therefore hasted he to take him away from among the wicked.

¹⁵This the people saw, and understood it not, neither laid they up this in their minds, That his grace and mercy is with his saints, and that he hath respect unto his chosen.

Matins Gospel

John — John 10.1-9

¹Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

¹Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. ²But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ²But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ³To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. ³To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. ⁴And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. ⁴When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. ⁵And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. ⁵And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. ⁶This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. ⁶This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

⁷Jesus therefore said unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁷Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. ⁸All that came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. ⁹I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. ⁹I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture.

Epistle

weekly cycle

Hebrews — Hebrews 7.1-6

¹For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

¹For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; ²to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; ²To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; ³without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God), abideth a priest continually. ³Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

⁴Now consider how great this man was, unto whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the chief spoils. ⁴Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. ⁵And they indeed of the sons of Levi that receive the priest’s office have commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though these have come out of the loins of Abraham: ⁵And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: ⁶but he whose genealogy is not counted from them hath taken tithes of Abraham, and hath blessed him that hath the promises. ⁶But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

Epistle

— St Gregory

1 Corinthians — 1 Corinthians 12.7-11

⁷But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. ⁷But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal. ⁸For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit: ⁸For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; ⁹to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit; ⁹To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; ¹⁰To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: ¹⁰and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits: to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues: ¹¹but all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will. ¹¹But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Gospel

weekly cycle

Luke — Luke 21.28-33

²⁸And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. ²⁸But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh. ²⁹And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

²⁹And he spake to them a parable: Behold the fig tree, and all the trees: ³⁰When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. ³⁰when they now shoot forth, ye see it and know of your own selves that the summer is now nigh. ³¹So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. ³¹Even so ye also, when ye see these things coming to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh. ³²Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. ³²Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all things be accomplished. ³³Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. ³³Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Gospel

— St Gregory

John — John 10.9-16

⁹I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. ⁹I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture. ¹⁰The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. ¹⁰The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. ¹¹I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. ¹¹I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. ¹²But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. ¹²He that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, beholdeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf snatcheth them, and scattereth them: ¹³The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. ¹³he fleeth because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. ¹⁴I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. ¹⁴I am the good shepherd; and I know mine own, and mine own know me, ¹⁵even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁵As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. ¹⁶And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd.