Sunday, 14 July 2024

Fathers of the 1st Six Ecumenical Councils

3rd Sunday after Pentecost

70 days after Pascha · Tone 2 · Black squigg (6-stich typikon symbol) · No Fast

Saints commemorated

Holy apostle Aquila of the seventy

Saint Aquila, apostle of the seventy, was a Jew of Pontus living in the city of Rome with his wife Priscilla. During the reign of the emperor Claudius (41-54), all Jews were expelled from Rome, and Aquila and Priscilla were compelled to leave their home and to settle in Corinth, where they took up the trade of tent-making. There the holy apostle Paul came to them on his arrival from Athens, and finding them of the same trade, he lodged in their house and worked beside them, as Saint Luke records in the Acts of the Apostles. The Lord opened the hearts of Aquila and Priscilla to receive the faith of Christ from the apostle's preaching, and they were baptised. From that time they became zealous helpers of the apostle in the work of the Gospel. They accompanied Paul to Ephesus, where they laboured for the conversion of the city; there they instructed the eloquent Apollos more accurately in the way of God, having heard him preach in the synagogue. The apostle remembers them with affection in his epistles, calling them his fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who had risked their own necks for his life, and he commends the church which met in their house. After some years they returned to Rome, where again a church gathered in their dwelling. Saint Paul afterwards consecrated Aquila bishop and sent him to preach the Gospel in Asia, Achaia, and Heraclea. The holy apostle laboured tirelessly, converting pagans, strengthening newly enlightened Christians in the faith, ordaining presbyters, and overthrowing idols. According to ancient tradition his life was crowned with martyrdom: he was put to death by pagans during one of his preaching journeys. His wife Priscilla, the companion of his apostolic labours, is also venerated as a saint.

Holy martyr Heraclius and his companions

The holy martyr Heraclius is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on 14 July together with the apostle Aquila and others who suffered for Christ in the early centuries of the Church. Heraclius, in company with the martyrs Paulinus and Benedimus, suffered for the faith at Athens. Citizens of that ancient city, they refused to take part in the public sacrifices to the idols and openly confessed themselves disciples of Christ. Brought before the magistrates, they spoke fearlessly in defence of the faith, recalling that the very Athenians whom the apostle Paul had once addressed at the Areopagus had been called to abandon the worship of unknown gods for the worship of the one true God. Their bold confession enraged their persecutors. After being subjected to a variety of torments to compel them to sacrifice, they were beaten to death with clubs, completing their martyric struggle and joining the choir of saints. Christians of the city took up the bodies of the holy martyrs and buried them with honour. Their memory was kept on 18 May, the principal date of their commemoration, but Saint Heraclius is also remembered on 14 July among the saints of the day, together with Aquila, Justus, and others. Some sources also associate with this date the memory of Saint Hilary, an Athenian martyr who suffered in similar circumstances.

Holy martyr Justus the Roman

The holy martyr Justus was a Roman soldier who lived in the days of the early Christian persecutions. While serving in the army he received a wonderful vision: the life-creating cross of the Lord appeared to him in the heavens, shining with great glory. Marvelling at the sign and pondering its meaning, he learned of the Christian faith and believed in Christ. From that time he distributed his possessions to the poor, freed his servants, and set himself to follow the Saviour with his whole heart. When his confession became known, the prefect of Magnesia ordered him to be brought to trial. Standing before the tribunal, Justus boldly proclaimed Christ as the true God and refused to worship the idols. The judge subjected him to a series of harsh tortures, which the martyr endured with joy, considering his sufferings an honour for the sake of his Lord. Finding all his torments without effect upon the saint's faith, the judge at last ordered him to be cast into a great fire. Justus stepped fearless into the flames, lifted up his eyes and his hands in prayer, and gave up his soul to God in the midst of the fire. The flames did not consume his body, which was found whole after the fire had died down. Christians took the holy relics with reverence and gave them honourable burial.

Venerable Onesimus the wonderworker of Magnesia

Saint Onesimus the wonderworker was born in Caesarea of Palestine at the beginning of the fourth century, of pious Christian parents. From childhood he was filled with the love of God and turned away from the games and amusements of his peers, taking pleasure rather in prayer, fasting, and the reading of the Holy Scriptures. As soon as his years allowed, he left his home and entered a monastery near Ephesus, where he received the angelic habit and gave himself wholly to the labours of the monastic life. After a long apprenticeship in obedience and ascetic struggle, the saint was led by the Spirit to settle in the region of Magnesia in Asia Minor. There he founded a small monastery and gathered around him a brotherhood of God-loving men, whom he guided in the path of salvation. He himself remained at this monastery for the rest of his earthly life, devoting his days and nights to prayer, contemplation, and care for his spiritual children. The Lord adorned his servant with the gift of working miracles. He healed the sick of every kind of infirmity, cast out unclean spirits, and brought consolation to the sorrowing. Many came to his cell from distant places to receive his counsel, and none went away without comfort. By his prayers, hardened sinners were brought to repentance and many pagans were drawn to the faith of Christ. After many years of fruitful labour, Saint Onesimus reposed peacefully in old age, and his relics were enshrined in the monastery he had founded, where they continued to work miracles for the faithful.

Our Father among the Saints Joseph, Archbishop of Thessalonika

833

He was the brother of St Theodore the Studite (November 11), and is also sometimes called Studite. He is one of the inspired composers of the canons in the Lenten Triodion, many of which bear the title “by Joseph”. (He should not be confused with St Joseph the Hymnographer, who is commemorated April 3.) As Archbishop of Thessalonika, he suffered greatly for his zealous defense of the holy icons: he was imprisoned, and was exiled three times.

St Nikodemos of the Holy Mountain, spiritual writer

1809

He is best known for his collections of Orthodox writings, most importantly the Philokalia, a five-volume compendium of writings on asceticism and prayer, especially the Jesus Prayer, by the holy Fathers of the Church. (The first four volumes have been translated into English). He produced an Orthodox edition of Unseen Warfare, originally by Lorenzo Scupoli, a Roman Catholic. (This was further revised by St Theophan the Recluse). He also edited the Pedalion (Rudder), a collection of the canons of the Orthodox Church with his commentary. Note: The English edition of the Rudder needs to be read with care, since it includes additional comments by the translator, not clearly distinguished from those of the Saint.

Daily readings

Vespers

— Fathers

Genesis — Genesis 14.14-20

¹⁴And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. ¹⁴And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan. ¹⁵And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. ¹⁵And he divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. ¹⁶And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. ¹⁶And he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

¹⁷And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale.

¹⁷And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, at the vale of Shaveh (the same is the King’s Vale). ¹⁸And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. ¹⁸And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High. ¹⁹And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: ¹⁹And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth: ²⁰And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. ²⁰and blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him a tenth of all.

Vespers

— Fathers

Deuteronomy — Deuteronomy 1.8-11, 15-17

⁸Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them. ⁸Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which Jehovah sware unto your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them.

⁹And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone:

⁹And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone: ¹⁰The LORD your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. ¹⁰Jehovah your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. ¹¹(The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you!) ¹¹Jehovah, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you! ¹⁵So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. ¹⁵So I took the heads of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens, and officers, according to your tribes. ¹⁶And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him. ¹⁶And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between a man and his brother, and the sojourner that is with him. ¹⁷Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. ¹⁷Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; ye shall hear the small and the great alike; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you ye shall bring unto me, and I will hear it.

Vespers

— Fathers

Deuteronomy — Deuteronomy 10.14-21

¹⁴Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. ¹⁴Behold, unto Jehovah thy God belongeth heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth, with all that is therein. ¹⁵Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day. ¹⁵Only Jehovah had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all peoples, as at this day. ¹⁶Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. ¹⁶Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. ¹⁷For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: ¹⁷For Jehovah your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the terrible, who regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward. ¹⁸He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. ¹⁸He doth execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loveth the sojourner, in giving him food and raiment. ¹⁹Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. ¹⁹Love ye therefore the sojourner; for ye were sojourners in the land of Egypt. ²⁰Thou shalt fear Jehovah thy God; him shalt thou serve; and to him shalt thou cleave, and by his name shalt thou swear. ²⁰Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. ²¹He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen. ²¹He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

3rd Matins Gospel

Mark — Mark 16.9-20

⁹Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

⁹Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. ¹⁰And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. ¹⁰She went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. ¹¹And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. ¹¹And they, when they heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, disbelieved.

¹²After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

¹²And after these things he was manifested in another form unto two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country. ¹³And they went away and told it unto the rest: neither believed they them. ¹³And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

¹⁴Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

¹⁴And afterward he was manifested unto the eleven themselves as they sat at meat; and he upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them that had seen him after he was risen. ¹⁵And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. ¹⁵And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. ¹⁶He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. ¹⁶He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. ¹⁷And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; ¹⁷And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; ¹⁸They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. ¹⁸they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

¹⁹So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

¹⁹So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. ²⁰And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen. ²⁰And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Epistle

weekly cycle

Romans — Romans 5.1-10

¹Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

¹Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; ²through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ²By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; ³And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; ⁴And patience, experience; and experience, hope: ⁴and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: ⁵and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us. ⁵And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. ⁶For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁶For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: for peradventure for the good man some one would even dare to die. ⁷For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. ⁸But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ⁸But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. ⁹Much more then, being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from the wrath of God through him. ¹⁰For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his life; ¹⁰For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Epistle

— Fathers

Hebrews — Hebrews 13.7-16

⁷Remember them that had the rule over you, men that spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith.

⁷Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. ⁸Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day, yea and for ever. ⁸Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. ⁹Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. ⁹Be not carried away by divers and strange teachings: for it is good that the heart be established by grace; not by meats, wherein they that occupied themselves were not profited. ¹⁰We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat that serve the tabernacle. ¹⁰We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. ¹¹For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned without the camp. ¹¹For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. ¹²Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. ¹²Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. ¹³Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. ¹³Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. ¹⁴For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. ¹⁴For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek after the city which is to come. ¹⁵Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name. ¹⁵By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. ¹⁶But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. ¹⁶But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Gospel

weekly cycle

Matthew — Matthew 6.22-33

²²The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. ²²The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. ²³But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! ²³But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is the darkness!

²⁴No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. ²⁴No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. ²⁵Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? ²⁵Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? ²⁶Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? ²⁶Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? ²⁷Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? ²⁷And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? ²⁸And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: ²⁸And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: ²⁹And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ²⁹yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? ³⁰But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? ³¹Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? ³¹Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? ³²For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. ³²(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. ³³But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ³³But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Gospel

— Fathers

John — John 17.1-13

¹These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

¹These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the Son may glorify thee: ²As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. ²even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. ³And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. ³And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ. ⁴I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. ⁴I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. ⁵And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. ⁵And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. ⁶I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word. ⁶I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. ⁷Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. ⁷Now they know that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are from thee: ⁸For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. ⁸for the words which thou gavest me I have given unto them; and they received them, and knew of a truth that I came forth from thee, and they believed that thou didst send me. ⁹I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. ⁹I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine: ¹⁰and all things that are mine are thine, and thine are mine: and I am glorified in them. ¹⁰And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. ¹¹And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are. ¹¹And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. ¹²While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. ¹²While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. ¹³But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves. ¹³And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.