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Sunday, 8 September 2024

Nativity of the Most-Holy Theotokos; Sunday before Elevation

11th Sunday after Pentecost

126 days after Pascha · Tone 2 · Major feast Theotokos · No Fast (Fish, Wine and Oil are Allowed)

Saints commemorated

★ Nativity of our most holy Lady the Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary

The Nativity of the Theotokos is one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church and opens the liturgical year, which begins on 1 September. It celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary to the righteous Joachim and Anna, an aged and childless couple of the tribe of Judah and the priestly line of Aaron. According to the tradition preserved in the Protoevangelium of James and in the hymnography of the feast, Joachim was rebuked in the Temple for his childlessness, and he and Anna devoted themselves to fervent prayer and fasting, vowing to dedicate any child born to them to God. An angel appeared to each of them, announcing the conception of a daughter who would be the joy of all the earth. Mary was born in Jerusalem (or, in another tradition, in Nazareth) and was prepared from her infancy to become the dwelling place of the Word of God. The Church sees in her birth the lifting of the curse of barrenness from the human race and the dawn of salvation: she is the "ladder of Jacob" by which God descended to mankind, and the gate through which Christ entered the world. The feast is kept with a forefeast on 7 September and an apodosis on 12 September, and the dismissal hymn proclaims, "Thy Nativity, O Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world."

★ The Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos

The Theotokos was born to aged and barren parents, Joachim and Anna. (For their story, see tomorrow’s listing). She was born about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of her Son, the Christ.

Holy Apostles of the Seventy Rufus and his companions

Among those commemorated on this day are the Holy Apostles of the Seventy who, with Saint Paul, laboured for the spread of the Gospel in the first generation of the Church. Tradition lists Rufus, mentioned by the Apostle Paul in the Epistle to the Romans (Romans 16:13), who is identified as the son of Simon of Cyrene who carried the Cross of the Lord. He is said to have served as bishop of Thebes in Greece. With him are remembered Apostles whose names appear in the local synaxaria for this day, who completed their course in martyrdom or in confession of the faith. The Orthodox Church honours the wider company of the Seventy not because they walked with the Lord during His earthly ministry as the Twelve did, but because they were chosen and sent out by Him (Luke 10:1) and because they carried His preaching to every quarter of the Roman world. Their feast on this day is observed alongside the Nativity of the Theotokos in the synaxaria of several Greek churches.

Holy Martyr Sozon of Cilicia

Saint Sozon was a young shepherd from the region of Lycaonia in Asia Minor who lived during the reign of the emperor Maximian, around the year 304. From his youth he was a Christian and tended his flock in the open country, often gathering travellers and fellow shepherds to teach them the faith. According to his life, he had a vision in which he was called to confess Christ openly, and entering the city of Pompeiopolis in Cilicia, he found a great golden idol set up for public veneration. Taking off one of its arms, he broke it into pieces and distributed the gold to the poor. When the people raised an outcry and innocent men were arrested for the deed, Sozon came forward and presented himself to the governor Maximian, declaring that he alone had destroyed the idol because it was a lifeless work of human hands. He was beaten with rods, his feet shod with iron sandals studded with nails, and finally he was cast into a fire, in which he gave up his soul to God. Christians later recovered his relics, and a church was built in his honour where many healings were reported. He is venerated as a patron of shepherds.

Holy Martyrs of Nicomedia who suffered by the sword

The synaxaria for 8 September commemorate a group of holy martyrs of Nicomedia who, during the persecutions of the late third and early fourth centuries, were brought before the imperial tribunal and there confessed Christ. After enduring scourging and imprisonment they were beheaded by the sword for their refusal to offer sacrifice to the idols. Nicomedia, the eastern capital of the empire under Diocletian, was one of the principal centres of the Great Persecution, and many thousands of Christians, both clergy and laity, gave up their lives there for the faith. Their names are not all preserved, but the Church honours them collectively in this commemoration. Their witness sealed the testimony of the Christians of Bithynia and helped prepare the soil from which, within a generation, the faith would emerge openly under Saint Constantine.

New Martyr Athanasius of Thessalonika

1774

He was born to a distinguished and pious Christian family in Thessalonika. After acquiring an unusually good education he spent a few years in Constantinople, then returned to his native city. He spoke both Turkish and Arabic well, and often conversed with Muslims. Once, while speaking with an emir, Athanasius pronounced the Muslim confession of faith to illustrate a point. The emir, seeing an opportunity, immediately reported Athanasius to the Islamic judge, claiming that he had converted to Islam. The judge found no merit in the case and would have dismissed Athanasius; but the emir and other officials were insistent, and the judge pressured Athanasius to convert. When Athanasius answered that he knew no truth but that of Christ, he was thrown in prison. When he appeared before the judge several days later, he was still firm in his confession, and was sentenced to death. He was hanged outside the city in 1774, at the age of twenty-five.

Our Venerable Father Serapion of Pskov

1481

He wss born in (what is now) Lithuania, but entered monastic life in the Pskov district. His spiritual father was St Euphrosynus (May 15), under whose care he lived for more than fifty-five years. He became known for his exceptional humility and asceticism. He tried never to be idle, giving any free moment to prayer and reading of Scripture. He emphasized the importance of the common prayer of the Church, saying that reciting the entire Twelve Psalm rule in one’s cell was not worth one Kyrie Eleison chanted by the brethren assembled together in church. His knowledge of Lithuanian and Finnish allowed him to strengthen the faith among the peoples of those lands. When he died, at the age of ninety, his clothing was so threadbare that no one wanted it. Soon after his repose, a blind man recovered his sight at St Serapion’s tomb, which has been the site of many miracles ever since.

Daily readings

Vespers

Genesis — Genesis 28.10-17

10And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran.

10And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. 11And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep. 11And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 12And he dreamed; and behold, a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13And, behold, Jehovah stood above it, and said, I am Jehovah, the God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 13And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 14and thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. 15And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee whithersoever thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

16And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. 16And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely Jehovah is in this place; and I knew it not. 17And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. 17And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

Vespers

Ezekiel — Ezekiel 43.27-44.4

27And when these days are expired, it shall be, that upon the eighth day, and so forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings upon the altar, and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, saith the Lord GOD. 27And when they have accomplished the days, it shall be that upon the eighth day, and forward, the priests shall make your burnt-offerings upon the altar, and your peace-offerings; and I will accept you, saith the Lord Jehovah.

1Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut.

1Then he brought me back by the way of the outer gate of the sanctuary, which looketh toward the east; and it was shut. 2Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut. 2And Jehovah said unto me, This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, neither shall any man enter in by it; for Jehovah, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it; therefore it shall be shut. 3As for the prince, he shall sit therein as prince to eat bread before Jehovah; he shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate, and shall go out by the way of the same. 3It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.

4Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell upon my face.

4Then he brought me by the way of the north gate before the house; and I looked, and, behold, the glory of Jehovah filled the house of Jehovah: and I fell upon my face.

Vespers

Proverbs — Proverbs 9.1-11

1Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: 1Wisdom hath builded her house; She hath hewn out her seven pillars: 2She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. 2She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; She hath also furnished her table: 3She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, 3She hath sent forth her maidens; She crieth upon the highest places of the city: 4Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 4Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: As for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him, 5Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. 5Come, eat ye of my bread, And drink of the wine which I have mingled. 6Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding. 6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. 7He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 7He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. 8Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee. 9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. 10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 10The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, And the years of thy life shall be increased.

Matins Gospel

Luke — Luke 1.39-49, 56

39And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

39And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; 40And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. 40and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. 41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 41And it came to pass, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; 42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 42and she lifted up her voice with a loud cry, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me? 44For behold, when the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord. 45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. 46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 48For he hath looked upon the low estate of his handmaid: For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; And holy is his name. 56And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

56And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned unto her house.

Epistle

— Theotokos weekly cycle

Philippians — Philippians 2.5-11

5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 5Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 6who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Epistle

— Sunday before Elevation

Galatians — Galatians 6.11-18

11See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand. 11Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. 12As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 12As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 13For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

17Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus.

18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. 18Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Epistle

1 Corinthians — 1 Corinthians 9.2-12

2If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. 2If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. 3Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, 3My defence to them that examine me is this. 4Have we no right to eat and to drink? 4Have we not power to eat and to drink? 5Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 5Have we no right to lead about a wife that is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 6Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? 6Or I only and Barnabas, have we not a right to forbear working? 7Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 7What soldier ever serveth at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 8Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? 8Do I speak these things after the manner of men? or saith not the law also the same? 9For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 9For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Is it for the oxen that God careth, 10Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 10or saith he it assuredly for our sake? Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, to thresh in hope of partaking. 11If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 11If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things? 12If others partake of this right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 12If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

Gospel

— Theotokos weekly cycle

Luke — Luke 10.38-42, 11.27-28

38Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

38Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 39And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet, and heard his word. 40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 40But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things: 41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. 42but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

27And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

27And it came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the breasts which thou didst suck. 28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. 28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Gospel

— Sunday before Elevation

John — John 3.13-17

13And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 13And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven, even the Son of man, who is in heaven.

14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; 15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 15that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life.

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 17For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.

Gospel

Matthew — Matthew 18.23-35

23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would make a reckoning with his servants.

23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, that owed him ten thousand talents. 24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 25But forasmuch as he had not wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 26The servant therefore fell down and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 28But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, who owed him a hundred shillings: and he laid hold on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay what thou owest. 29So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee. 29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay that which was due. 30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32Then his lord called him unto him, and saith to him, Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me: 32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 33shouldest not thou also have had mercy on thy fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on thee? 34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. 35So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts. 35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.