Sunday, 4 February 2024

35th Sunday after Pentecost

294 days after Pascha · Tone 2 · Liturgy · No Fast

Saints commemorated

Hieromartyr Abramios, Bishop of Arbela

342

The Holy Hieromartyr Abramios was consecrated as Bishop of Arbel (also called Arbil), located in Mesopotamia, following the martyrdom of his predecessor, the holy Bishop John, in the year 342. Saint Abramios received the pastoral responsibility of shepherding the flock of Christ in this important apostolic see during a time of grave danger for the Church. Shortly after his consecration, the pagan inhabitants of Arbel, together with Persian soothsayers, magicians, and other practitioners of false religion, brought complaints against Saint Abramios to the authorities. They accused the holy bishop of preaching Christ with such persuasive power and performing such evident miracles that he was converting too many people to the faith and establishing Christian communities throughout the region. These pagan leaders, seeing their religious influence and political power threatened, sought his destruction. Saint Abramios was arrested and brought before Aderphora, the chief magus of Persia, during the persecution of Christians under the Persian emperor Sapor II. He was interrogated and commanded to abandon his faith and to worship the pagan sun god. When confronted with this impious demand, the holy bishop answered with wisdom and courage: "How foolish to forsake the Creator and instead worship creatures!" Despite the threats of torment and death, Saint Abramios remained unmoved in his faith. He was subjected to cruel and prolonged tortures in an attempt to break his resolve and force him to renounce Christ. Throughout his suffering, he prayed unceasingly, and his prayers echoed the words of the Saviour Himself: "Lord, do not count this sin against us, for they know not what they do." His steadfast faith and prayer became a witness to the power of Christ even in the midst of terrible suffering. Ultimately, the persecutors, unable to turn him from his faith, condemned him to death. The holy hieromartyr was beheaded by the sword in the village of Felman, thereby receiving the crown of martyrdom and joining the great cloud of witnesses who have given their lives for Christ.

Venerable Cyril of New Lake, the wonderworker

1532

Saint Cyril of New Lake (Novoezersk) was born into a pious family in the lands of Galich in Russia in the fifteenth century. From childhood he was drawn to a life of prayer, and at the age of fifteen he secretly left his parents' home to seek the monastic life. He came to the Saviour's monastery at Pskov Caves, where the abbot Saint Cornelius received him and tonsured him with the name Cyril. After the death of his parents, who in his absence had sought him through many monasteries, Cyril returned briefly to receive their blessing and dispose of their goods to the poor. He then resumed the wandering life of a pilgrim, visiting the monasteries of the north of Russia for some twenty years. At length, while at prayer, he beheld a heavenly light over a small island in New Lake (Novoezero) in the region of Belozersk. Going thither he saw above the same place a pillar of fire ascending to heaven, and beneath an ancient spruce tree he built a hut and a small chapel. There a community gathered around him, and a monastery was founded. The Lord granted his servant the gifts of foresight and healing, and many came to Cyril for counsel and prayers. He foretold the troubles that would come upon Russia in the time of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. With the words "Glory to God for everything", Saint Cyril reposed on 4 February in the year 1532. The discovery of his relics is commemorated on 7 November.

Venerable Isidore of Pelusium

The Venerable Isidore of Pelusium was born in Alexandria, Egypt, during the fourth century, in a time of great spiritual renewal and monastic development. He was raised from his youth in a devout Christian household and received a sound education in sacred learning. Moved by a desire to live wholly for Christ, he withdrew from the world while still a young man and journeyed to Mount Pelusium in Egypt, where he dedicated himself entirely to the ascetical life.

In his monastic solitude, Isidore spent long hours in prayer, fasting, and the study of Holy Scripture. Over the course of his extended monastic life, he became known throughout the monastic communities of Egypt as a great spiritual father and ascetic. Though he lived in relative seclusion, his wisdom and holiness drew many to seek his counsel. Letters requesting his spiritual guidance came not only from simple folk and monks, but also from bishops, the Patriarch of Alexandria himself, and even from the emperor.

Saint Isidore responded with generosity to all who sought his wisdom, providing spiritual encouragement and moral guidance to seekers from all walks of life. He left behind a rich spiritual legacy in the form of his letters. Approximately ten thousand letters were composed over the course of his life, of which about two thousand ninety have survived to the present day. These letters contain profound theological thought, revealing the depth of his understanding of Christ and the Orthodox faith, and provide morally edifying interpretations of Holy Scripture that continue to teach and inspire the faithful.

Through his life of prayer, asceticism, and faithful service, Saint Isidore became a teacher of righteousness and a light to the Church. He continued his labours and spiritual work until his death around the year 436. His memory is preserved in the Church as an example of faithful monastic witness and of the transformative power of prayer and obedience to God.

Venerable Nicholas the confessor, abbot of Studion

868

Saint Nicholas the confessor was born on the island of Crete in the village of Kydonia about the year 793. At the age of ten he was sent to Constantinople to his uncle, the monk Theophanes of the Studion monastery. With the blessing of Saint Theodore the Studite he was enrolled in the monastery school, and at sixteen he received the monastic tonsure. He was ordained presbyter and became a noted scribe, copying many liturgical and patristic books in a beautiful hand. When the iconoclast persecution flared up under Leo the Armenian, Saint Nicholas stood firm with his abbot Theodore in defence of the holy icons. He was scourged, imprisoned and sent into exile, sharing the sufferings of his teacher in several places of confinement. After the death of Leo the Armenian a brief peace was granted to the Church, but persecution returned under Theophilus, and Nicholas was again imprisoned and beaten. After the restoration of the icons by the empress Theodora, Saint Nicholas returned to the Studion. He was twice chosen as abbot, but withdrew during the controversies that troubled the patriarchate of Constantinople. Under the emperor Basil the Macedonian he was restored to the abbacy at imperial command. He governed the monastery with gentleness and wisdom and was granted by God the gift of healing. He reposed in peace in the year 868. Saint Theodore the Studite said of him, "Brother Nicholas has suffered bravely and with fidelity."

Venerable Cyril of New Lake

1532

When he was only fifteen, St Cyril left home in secret to join the Monastery of St Cornelius of Komel (May 19). Seven years later his father visited the monastery and recognized his son. Instead of persuading Cyril to return to the world, the father was persuaded by his son to enter monastic life; his mother soon joined them, entering a convent nearby. Within the next few years, St Cyril’s mother and father both died, prompting him to exclaim ‘I too am mortal!’ He redoubled his ascetical labors and before long was granted the gift of tears in prayer. Ten years after entering the monastery, St Cyril obtained his abbot’s blessing to live the life of a hermit. He lived in complete reclusion, subsisting on wild greens and mushrooms. After seven years of solitude, he built a hermitage at New Lake and established two churches there. Soon he was ordained to the priesthood. His sanctity attracted a large company of disciples, and he founded a large monastery. There he continued to live in the strictest asceticism and shared in all the common labor of the monks. Once some thieves tried to steal the church bells, but by divine intervention became disoriented and circled the monastery in the dark until morning. When they were apprehended and brought to the Saint, he told them, ‘My children, no one has ever been enriched by stealing, but many have lost even what belonged to them.’ He then ordered that they be given food and released. During his lifetime the Saint wrought many healings, and was especially known for restoring the sight of the blind. Once his disciple Athanasius saw an unknown deacon serving with St Cyril at the Liturgy. The mysterious deacon disappeared at the end of the service, and St Cyril forbade his disciple to speak of the incident until after his death. In 1532 the Saint reposed in peace: his last words were ‘Glory to God for all things!’

Daily readings

2nd Matins Gospel

Mark — Mark 16.1-8

¹And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

¹And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him. ²And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. ²And very early on the first day of the week, they come to the tomb when the sun was risen. ³And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? ³And they were saying among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the tomb? ⁴And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. ⁴and looking up, they see that the stone is rolled back: for it was exceeding great. ⁵And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. ⁵And entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, arrayed in a white robe; and they were amazed. ⁶And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. ⁶And he saith unto them, Be not amazed: ye seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who hath been crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold, the place where they laid him! ⁷But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. ⁷But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. ⁸And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid. ⁸And they went out, and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them: and they said nothing to any one; for they were afraid.

Epistle

weekly cycle

Colossians — Colossians 3.12-16

¹²Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; ¹²Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: ¹³Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. ¹⁴and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. ¹⁴And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. ¹⁵And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. ¹⁵And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. ¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. ¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Gospel

weekly cycle

Matthew — Matthew 25.14-30

¹⁴For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

¹⁴For it is as when a man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. ¹⁵And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. ¹⁵And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey. ¹⁶Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. ¹⁶Straightway he that received the five talents went and traded with them, and made other five talents. ¹⁷And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. ¹⁷In like manner he also that received the two gained other two. ¹⁸But he that received the one went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. ¹⁸But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. ¹⁹Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a reckoning with them. ¹⁹After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. ²⁰And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. ²⁰And he that received the five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: lo, I have gained other five talents. ²¹His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. ²¹His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. ²²He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. ²²And he also that received the two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: lo, I have gained other two talents. ²³His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. ²³His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. ²⁴Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: ²⁴And he also that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scatter; ²⁵and I was afraid, and went away and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, thou hast thine own. ²⁵And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. ²⁶But his lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I did not scatter; ²⁶His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: ²⁷Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. ²⁷thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back mine own with interest. ²⁸Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. ²⁸Take ye away therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him that hath the ten talents. ²⁹For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. ²⁹For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away. ³⁰And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ³⁰And cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.