Friday, 24 January 2025

Friday of the 31st week after Pentecost

264 days after Pascha · Tone 5 · Liturgy · Fast

Saints commemorated

★ Blessed Xenia of Saint Petersburg, fool-for-Christ

She was born about 1730, and as a young woman married an army colonel named Andrei, a handsome and dashing man fond of worldly living. When she was twenty-six years old, her husband died suddenly after drinking with his friends, leaving Xenia a childless widow. Soon afterward, she gave away all her possessions and disappeared from St Petersburg for eight years; it is believed that she spent the time in a hermitage, or even a monastery, learning the ways of the spiritual life. When she returned to St Petersburg, she appeared to have lost her reason: she dressed in her husband’s army overcoat, and would only answer to his name. She lived without a home, wandering the streets of the city, mocked and abused by many. She accepted alms from charitable people, but immediately gave them away to the poor: her only food came from meals that she sometimes accepted from those she knew. At night she withdrew to a field outside the city where she knelt in prayer until morning.

Slowly, the people of the city noticed signs of a holiness that underlay her seemingly deranged life: she showed a gift of prophecy, and her very presence almost always proved to be a blessing. The Synaxarion says “The blessing of God seemed to accompany her wherever she went: when she entered a shop the day’s takings would be noticeably greater; when a cabman gave her a lift he would get plenty of custom; when she embraced a sick child it would soon get better. So compassion, before long, gave way to veneration, and people generally came to regard her as the true guardian angel of the city.”

Forty-five years after her husband’s death, St Xenia reposed in peace at the age of seventy-one, sometime around 1800. Her tomb immediately became a place of pilgrimage: so many people took soil from the gravesite as a blessing that new soil had to be supplied regularly; finally a stone slab was placed over the grave, but this too was gradually chipped away by the faithful. Miracles, healings and appearances of St Xenia occur to this day, to those who visit her tomb or who simply ask her intercessions. Her prayers are invoked especially for help in finding employment, a home, or a spouse (all of which she renounced in her own life). A pious custom is to offer a Panachida / Trisagion Service for the repose of her husband Andrei, for whom she prayed fervently throughout her life.

Saint Xenia was first officially glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia in 1978; then by the Moscow Patriarchate in 1988.

Hieromartyr Babylas of Sicily and his disciples Timothy and Agapius

Babylas was born into a rich family in the city of Reupolium and was raised by his parents in the Christian faith. Whilst still in his youth, he abandoned worldly pursuits, secretly departing from his parents' house to live on a mountain where he devoted all his time to fasting, prayer, and silence. He was joined in his ascetical struggles by his two disciples, Timothy and Agapius, who laboured alongside him in their monastic observance. Fleeing from persecution by pagans, Babylas and his disciples travelled to the island of Sicily, where they devoted themselves to missionary work. Through their preaching and holy example, they converted many unbelievers to Christ. The pagan governor of the island, angered by their missionary activity and by the loss of pagan followers, ordered that Babylas and his disciples be arrested. The three saints were tortured severely for their steadfast confession of Christ. They patiently endured their sufferings with unwavering faith, glorifying God through their trials. The holy martyrs all died by the sword for Christ. Their bodies were thrown into a fire, but miraculously the flames did not harm these warriors of Christ, demonstrating God's protection of His saints. After their martyrdom, local Christians gathered their remains and gave them a Christian burial on the island of Sicily. The memory of these three saints is preserved in the Orthodox Church as examples of courage and fidelity to Christ.

Holy Schema-Abbess Sophia of Shamordino

Sophia Bolotova was born in 1845 into a noble Russian family. She felt called to the monastic life and to service in the Church. Under the spiritual direction of the great elder Saint Ambrose of Optina, who was renowned for his holiness and spiritual wisdom, she progressed in the ascetical life. On 4 September 1884, she was tonsured as a nun by Saint Ambrose of Optina, who also later tonsured her into the schema, preserving her name as Sophia. The Shamordino Convent had been founded by Saint Ambrose of Optina and other elders of the Optina monastery. On 13 August 1884, the abbot of Optina Monastery, Saint Isaac, and Sophia's confessor Elder Ambrose, submitted to Bishop Vladimir their petition for approval of Sophia as the abbess of the newly established community. On 3 September 1884, the bishop approved this appointment. Sophia became the first abbess of Shamordino Convent, taking on the spiritual responsibility for the sisters in her charge. Though her time as abbess was brief, lasting only three years, Sophia proved herself a devoted spiritual mother to the sisters. She laboured with great dedication for the welfare of the monastic community and for the spiritual growth of those entrusted to her care. She fell asleep in the Lord on 24 January 1888 at the age of forty-two. Her sanctity and her faithful service to God and to the sisters were recognised when she was glorified as a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1987.

Martyrs Paul, Pausirius, and Theodotian of Egypt

The holy martyrs Paul, Pausirius, and Theodotian were three brothers from Egypt who lived during the third century under the persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian. Pausirius and Paul confessed their Christian faith openly before the pagan authorities and refused to deny Christ or make offerings to the pagan gods. Because of their bold confession and their refusal to worship idols, they were arrested and subjected to terrible torments. Throughout their suffering, the two brothers maintained their faith and steadfastly refused to recant. Their unwavering devotion to Christ and their courage in the face of persecution became a powerful witness to their younger brother Theodotian. Moved by the faith and example of his brothers, Theodotian was converted to Christianity, embracing the true faith that they were confessing even unto death. He joined them in their confession of Christ and in their willingness to suffer for Him. All three brothers ultimately received the crown of martyrdom, giving their lives as witnesses to Christ. They are commemorated on 24 January in the Orthodox Church calendar as examples of brotherly love and steadfast faith in Christ, even unto death. Their martyrdom took place in Egypt during the reign of Diocletian in the third century.

Saint Philon, bishop of Karpasia and wonderworker

Philon was born in Karpasia, Cyprus, during the fourth century. He became the spiritual child of Saint Epiphanios, Archbishop of Constantia, who was one of the great Church fathers and defenders of Orthodox theology. Saint Epiphanios recognised Philon's holiness and spiritual gifts and ordained him as Bishop of Karpasia. He esteemed him so highly that he appointed Philon as his replacement on the archbishopric throne when he travelled to Rome in 382 and later to Constantinople in 401, entrusting him with the administration of the archbishopric and the right to ordain clergy. As bishop, Philon devoted himself to the conversion and spiritual instruction of the people of Karpasia. With his ardent zeal and holy example, he attracted many unbelievers to the Church and brought back to the faith those who had fallen into error and heresy. According to the historian Souda, Philon was a man of considerable learning and spiritual depth. He was known to have written commentaries on the Pentateuch and the Song of Songs, contributing to the theological and biblical understanding of his time. His teachings combined theological insight with pastoral care for the flock. Saint Philon became known as a wonderworker through the miracles worked through his intercession. The surviving church dedicated to Saint Philon is located approximately three kilometres from Rizokarpaso and was built on the ruins of an older church that had been destroyed by Arab pirates. He is honoured as the first bishop of Karpasia and the saint who led his people to Christ. His memory is celebrated on 24 January in the Orthodox Church.

Venerable Xenia the Righteous of Rome

Xenia was born as Eusebia to a wealthy senator in Rome during the fifth century. She grew up in an aristocratic family of considerable means and social standing. However, her heart was drawn to service to God and to the spiritual life rather than to worldly pursuits and worldly power. When her family sought to arrange a marriage for her in accordance with their social station, Xenia resolved to flee rather than accept this arrangement. She abandoned her wealth and noble position, giving away all her possessions to the poor. With two devoted female servants who shared her spiritual aspirations, she escaped first to the island of Kos and then journeyed to Mylasa in what is now Turkey. Upon her arrival, she accepted the name "Xenia," which means "stranger," reflecting her status as one who had renounced the world. In Mylasa, Xenia established a church dedicated to Saint Stephen and founded a women's monastery. Her reputation for holiness and service to the poor grew, and she was ordained as a deaconess by Bishop Paul of Mylasa. Of her the faithful record that she "helped everyone: for the destitute, she was a benefactress; for the grief-stricken, a comforter; for sinners, a guide to repentance." She devoted her life to prayer, to the care of the poor and afflicted, and to the spiritual direction of the sisters in her community. Saint Xenia fell asleep in the Lord on 24 January 450 whilst she was at prayer. Her funeral was marked by a miraculous sign: a luminous wreath of stars surrounding a radiant cross appeared in the heavens over the monastery, accompanying the saint's body when it was carried into the city and remaining until her burial. She is venerated in both the Orthodox and Catholic churches.

Our Venerable Mother Xenia of Rome, with her two maidservants

5th c.

She was the daughter of a noble Christian family in Rome, and was named Eusebia in Baptism. Though she desired to offer up her virginity to Christ, her parents arranged a marriage for her against her wishes. On her wedding night, she secretly fled the city, accompanied by two slaves, and took ship for Alexandria. When she reached the island of Kos, she changed her name to Xenia (‘Stranger’), and prayed to God that, as he had sent the Apostle Paul to St Thecla (see September 24), he would send her a true guide on the path to salvation. Soon a holy Elder named Paul found her and made her his spiritual child. He took her and her two companions to Mylassa in Caria (where he later became Bishop), and established them in a monastery there. For many years they lived the ‘angelic life’ very fully, and Xenia reposed in peace at an advanced age. At her funeral, a luminous cross appeared in the sky over the procession, following the burial party and disappearing only when the Saint’s body was buried.

Our Holy Father Macedonian

c. 430

He lived in asceticism in the wild hills outside Antioch. For forty-five years he had no tent or house of any kind, but wandered from place to place, living in caves or in clefts. In his old age, his disciples finally prevailed on him to build a small hut. Altogether he spent seventy years living in solitary ascesis. Once a hunter met the recluse and asked him what he did in the mountains. The Saint answered ‘Like you, I have come to the mountain to hunt. I am hunting for God, whom I long to see. I ardently desire to catch Him and will never tire of so excellent a chase!’ Once the people of Antioch rioted and tore down a pair of statues of the Emperor Theodosius and his wife. Two generals came from Constantinople, planning to inflict a bloody punishment on the people. Saint Macedonian, learning of this, came to the city and sought out the generals, asking them to take a message to the Emperor: that he, being human and subject to weakness like all men, should not be immoderately angry with other men; and that he should not, in return for the destruction of lifeless images, destroy those who are the very image of God. During his lifetime Saint Macedonian was granted the gifts of spiritual insight and wonderworking, by which he worked many miracles of healing for the people of Antioch and its surroundings. He reposed in peace around 430, and was buried with honor in Antioch.

Also commemorated: Bl. Xenia of St Petersburg

Daily readings

Epistle

weekly cycle

James — James 2.1-13

¹My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

¹My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. ²For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing; ²For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; ³And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: ³and ye have regard to him that weareth the fine clothing, and say, Sit thou here in a good place; and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit under my footstool; ⁴do ye not make distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? ⁴Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? ⁵Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? ⁵Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him? ⁶But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? ⁶But ye have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you, and themselves drag you before the judgment-seats? ⁷Do not they blaspheme the honorable name by which ye are called? ⁷Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? ⁸If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: ⁸Howbeit if ye fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: ⁹but if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. ⁹But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. ¹⁰For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is become guilty of all. ¹⁰For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. ¹¹For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. ¹¹For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou dost not commit adultery, but killest, thou art become a transgressor of the law. ¹²So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. ¹²So speak ye, and so do, as men that are to be judged by a law of liberty. ¹³For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. ¹³For judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment.

Gospel

weekly cycle

Mark — Mark 10.23-32

²³And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

²³And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁴And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁴And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁵It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ²⁵It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ²⁶And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? ²⁶And they were astonished exceedingly, saying unto him, Then who can be saved? ²⁷Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for all things are possible with God. ²⁷And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. ²⁸Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

²⁸Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. ²⁹Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or lands, for my sake, and for the gospel’s sake, ²⁹And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, ³⁰But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. ³⁰but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. ³¹But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. ³¹But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

³²And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,

³²And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going before them: and they were amazed; and they that followed were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were to happen unto him,